Directed by Justin Kurzel of Revolver.
Honda Australia has relaunched the Prelude in a campaign via Special.
For those who lived through the 90s, the Prelude wasn't just a car. It was a poster on a bedroom wall. A soundtrack. A symbol of what driving could feel like when it stirred something in you.
At a time when the automotive world has become crowded with conformity and stripped of imagination, Honda is deliberately shifting gears - returning to the founding belief that has always set it apart: The Power of Dreams.
“Honda is a brand that stirs emotions and evokes memories amongst Australians and Prelude is a car that’s always been innovative and with it, allowed us to dream,” said Honda Australia Honda Australia general manager brand, marketing and digital, Eva Barrett.
“The all-new Prelude picks up where the previous generation left off 25 years ago, with innovative new technology and a demonstration of how electrified hybrid driving can still deliver the connection and character iconic Honda’s of yesteryear did so effortlessly.
“The new campaign, brought to Australians through Honda Australia and our agency village recognises that and dares us to dream once more.”
Honda’s agency village, fresh off the back of its innovative CR-V ‘Smooth Sailin’ campaign release, brings to life the Prelude from creative agency Special.
The film culminates in the reveal of the car, accompanied by a simple leave behind: “Prelude. The dream is back.”
It was directed by Justin Kurzel of Revolver.
The campaign features the track ‘Roads’, by 90’s trip-hop band, Portishead.
“Back in the 90s, when the Honda Prelude was on our roads, dreaming felt easier than it does now,” Special’s partner and chief strategy officer Bec Stambanis.
“It was an era where there was more time, more hope and cars captured our cultural imagination.
“The return of the Prelude is a reminder that dreams aren’t an artefact of the past. Cars once inspired culture and allowed us to dream, and the 2026 Prelude proves Honda can again.”
Special‑build transit takeovers will appear in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
This includes being the exclusive automotive partner for Hypergram’s 3D holographic roadshow at Chadstone Shopping Centre.
“The Power of Dreams is one of the truly great brand platforms and an inspiring legacy to live up to,” said Special Group creative directors Sian Binder and Lea Egan.
“Relaunching it was a bit of a dream come true for us. We are incredibly proud to contribute this new chapter to the Honda story.”
CREDITS
Client: HONDA
General Manager Brand, Marketing and Digital: Eva Barrett
Head of Marketing: Terri Golder
Marketing Comms Manager: Sylvia Chew
Marketing Campaign Specialist: Bronte Sassella
Marketing Coordinator: Hayley Pepper
Creative Manager: Glenn Gibbons
Creative Agency: SPECIAL
CEO/Partners: Lindsey Evans & Cade Heyde
CCO/Partners: Tom Martin & Julian Schreiber
CSO/Partner: Rebecca Stambanis
National Managing Director: Sasha Firth
National Head of Production: Tash Johnson
Strategy Director: Sam Butcher
GCD/Creatives: Sian Binder, Lea Egan
Head of Design: Adam Shear, Sabine Schwarz
Finished Art: John Rivera
Team Lead: Kelly Larken
Senior Business Director: Marnie Dunn
Business Manager: Madeleine Williams
Executive Producer: Tania Jeram
Integrated Producer: Will Sealey
Stills Producer: Di Williams
Film Prod Co: Revolver
Director: Justin Kurzel
Managing Director / Co-Owner: Michael Ritchie
Executive Producer / Partner: Pip Smart
Senior Producer: Serena Paull
DOP: Stefan Duscio
Production Designer: Enzo Iacano
Wardrobe: Alice Babidge
Hair + Make up: Lin Parups
Casting: Mullinars
Editorial: ARC Melbourne
Editor: Elise Butt
Online/VFX: Blockhead VFX
Grade: Company3
Colourist: Yoomin Lee
Audio Post Production: Sonar
Sound Design and Mix: Timothy Bridge
Executive Producer: Haylee Poppi
Music Supervision: Level Two
Media: ZENITH
PR: BURSON GLOBAL
Social: WiredCo
