History

In 1992, the fourth generation Prelude was released, after being released in Japan in 1991. The car had a 58% front and 42% rear weight distribution. The four wheel steering system was changed to an electronic version and the engine was increased in capacity from 2.1 litres to 2.2 litres for the base model "S" (SOHC F22A1 engine, 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp) @ 5200 rpm, 193 N·m (142 ft·lbf) @ 4000 rpm) and "VTEC" model (DOHC VTEC H22A1, 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) @ 6800 rpm, 207 N·m (153 ft·lbf) @ 5500 rpm), with a 2.3-litre for the "Si" (DOHC H23A1, 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) @ 5800 rpm, 212 N·m (156 ft·lbf) @ 5300 rpm). Although the H23A1 engine did not have VTEC, its lower compression made it capable to handle a turbo application reliably without any modifications to the motor. The H23A1 transmission also supports a turbo application because of its longer gear ratio than that of the H22A1 VTEC transmission. There is a VTEC version of the H23A1 which came standard on the Accord Wagon SiR (CH9 FWD 1999-2001, CL2 AWD 2000-2001). The H23A VTEC is rated at 200 hp and Torque of 162.8 lbft @ 5300RPM with a redline of 7800 rpm. It's compression is much higher than the standard H23A1 and more similar to the H22A1 VTEC. The Japanese Si came with the F22B (2.2 L DOHC non-VTEC, 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp)). The VTEC model had an upgraded brake system, going from a 10.3" front rotor to an 11.1" front rotor and utilizing larger brake caliper and pads, similar to those found in the Acura Vigor. Its styling approach is similar to the Honda Ascot Innova during the same time period.

Fourth Generation (1992–1996)

Additionally, a 2.0i model was released in the Europe, rated at 133 PS (98 kW; 131 hp). 1993 was the last year that the "Si-VTEC" (BB4) name was used, and beginning in 1994 it was shortened to just "VTEC" and stayed that way throughout the rest of the generation. In some countries, the Prelude with 2.2 VTEC engine was called the VTi-R. In Canada, the Si was called the SR, and the VTEC was called the SR-V.

This model also marked the end for the pop-up headlights. The new headlights featured a stylish, aggressive and slanted appearance. The 1991 Prelude incorporated other design features that had also become the "Prelude standard". The rear end was rounded and fairly high in comparison to the previous square trunk line. The front fascia of the car became wider with fixed headlights. The glass moonroof made way for a steel sliding sunroof which no longer retracted into the car but extended out and over it. This in effect created a spoiler which reduced air noise at speed.