Honda Prelude Fourth generation (BA8/9, BB1-BB4). Orange version
On 19 September 1991, the fourth-generation Prelude was introduced in Japan, and in Europe from early 1992. The car had a 58% front and 42% rear weight distribution. The four-wheel steering system was changed to an electronic version and the 4-cylinder engine was increased in displacement from 2.1 liters to 2.2 liters for the base model “S” (SOHC F22A1 engine, 135 PS (99 kW; 133 hp) at 5,200 rpm, 203 N⋅m (150 ft⋅lbf) at 4,000 rpm) and “VTEC” model (DOHC VTEC H22A1, 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) at 6,800 rpm, 207 N⋅m (153 ft⋅lbf) at 5,500 rpm), with a 2.3-liter for the “Si” (DOHC H23A1, 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 5,800 rpm, 212 N⋅m (156 ft⋅lbf) at 5,300 rpm).
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-inch (262 mm) front rotor to an 11.1-inch (282 mm) front rotor and utilizing larger brake caliper and pads, similar to those found in the Honda Vigor. Its styling approach is similar to the Honda Ascot Innova during the same time period.
Additionally, a 2.0i, single overhead cam (SOHC) model was released in 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 DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine was called the VTi-R. Later, the ’96 prelude Si/SR was introduced with a 2.3 DOHC 4-cylinder engine. In Canada, the Si was called the SR, and the VTEC was called the SR-V. Due to the width dimensions and the engine displacement exceeding Japanese government regulations for vehicles classified as “compact”, this generation Prelude obligated Japanese owners to yearly taxes.
