If you buy an engine, should you be physically able to rev it whenever you want? As a resident of downtown Detroit who values his sleep, I’m tempted to say “no.” But I’m also an advocate of consumer rights. I can’t condone an automaker limiting your car’s controls through software. And that may be exactly what Honda is doing with its new hybrids.

Reviewers at The Drive noticed something unusual. When the 2026 Honda Prelude sits parked, pressing the accelerator does nothing. You can floor it, but there’s no Vroom. The RPMs don’t even budge.

Many modern cars pipe synthetic engine sounds through the speaker system. But floor a parked Prelude and you don’t even get a DJ-mixed rumble.

At first, I assumed this quirk was due to the Prelude’s unique hybrid system. At lower speeds, the car uses its electric motor to accelerate. Even after the internal combustion engine fires up, it only charges the electric motor. The Prelude connects the engine to the wheels only at higher speeds.

At 0 mph, the accelerator pedal may not be able to control the engine at all. The pedal simply sends more power to the electric drive unit. So is there an innocent reason for no Vroom? It turns out the truth is more manipulative.

Honda confirms the limiter is deliberate

Honda told The Drive, “All Honda’s hybrid models, including the Prelude, are designed not to rev while idling. This is a software feature, and it reflects Honda’s commitment to delivering a clean, fuel-efficient hybrid lineup.”

I struggle to believe the rare instances of parked cars revving contribute meaningfully to climate change. This feature doesn’t make the lineup cleaner or more fuel-efficient. It simply maintains the appearance of efficiency.

Or perhaps I should say, the sound of it.