One of Honda’s iconic coupe lines is set to make a comeback with a modern look and a hybrid powertrain. As planned, the new Honda Prelude will be unveiled in the fall of 2025.
Some speculate that Honda is considering developing high-performance versions of this coupe, including the Prelude Type S in 2026 and the Prelude Type R in 2027.
The new Honda Prelude is positioned as a sporty electric coupe, inheriting the spirit of the Civic but with a lower, longer, and more athletic design. The car is developed on an improved technical platform, targeting customers passionate about driving.
According to simulated images, the Prelude Type R will feature enhanced aerodynamic design, including extended fender flares, unique sports rims, larger side skirts, and a redesigned front bumper with enlarged air intakes. The rear end may also sport a diffuser and a large GT-style wing.
The cabin is expected to showcase a sporty style with racing seats, red accents, and a unique digital instrument cluster for the Type R.
The Prelude Type R is likely to be powered by the new e:HEV hybrid powertrain. This configuration could include a turbocharged gasoline engine combined with two electric motors, delivering over 300 horsepower, similar to the current Civic Type R (325 horsepower).
The adoption of a hybrid powertrain not only meets increasingly stringent emission standards but also redefines Honda’s approach to sports cars in the era of electrification.
A significant change is that the new Prelude will not feature a traditional manual transmission. Instead, Honda will introduce an “S+ Shift” mode that simulates the feel of gear shifting with engine sounds, torque adjustments, and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
This system is expected to be further refined in the Prelude Type R to provide an authentic and exhilarating driving experience, despite the absence of a mechanical gearbox.
Honda is also rumored to be fine-tuning the Prelude Type R’s chassis, including a lowered suspension, a wider track, body reinforcement, and upgraded brakes. The goal is to enhance steering feedback, stability, and the overall sporty driving feel.
At present, Honda has not confirmed the production plans for the high-performance Prelude versions. Some dealers in Japan have stated that they have not received information about the Type S or Type R, at least not before 2026.
However, with the standard Prelude set to debut by the end of 2025, it is likely that the sports versions will be revealed soon. If realized, the Prelude Type R will be one of the few hybrid sports coupes on the market and a significant step forward for Honda in reshaping the Type R lineage in the era of electrification.
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