Honda Considers The 2026 Prelude A Performance Car

Sounds like Honda wants to position the Prelude as a genuine performance model rather than just a stylish two-door variant of the Civic.

Honda hasn't said much about the new Prelude's technical bits, leaving enthusiasts to speculate about the revived coupe. Already confirmed as a hybrid, it will borrow the baseline for its powertrain from the new Civic Hybrid.

Speaking to Automotive News, Honda’s Assistant Vice President of National Sales, Jessika Laudermilk, said the Prelude will be marketed as a true performance car. That statement comes despite Honda’s chief engineer, Tomoyuki Yamagami, previously downplaying its track potential, saying it wouldn’t be the “sportiest, zippiest car” designed for circuit use.

So which is it?

If the Prelude does share its hybrid system with the Civic, it would mean a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors producing 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. One motor acts as a generator, while the other provides traction, delivering an experience more refined than outright aggressive.

Honda already announced the new S+ Shift technology, which aims to enhance driver engagement by simulating quick automatic gear shifts. The system, making its debut in the Prelude, will eventually roll out across Honda’s electrified lineup.

Japanese media were given a taste of the new system late last year, with many coming away impressed.

The prototype featured paddle shifters, allowing for virtual gear changes similar to Hyundai’s N Grin Shift feature. Artificial gear-shifting sounds and a GT driving mode, positioned between Comfort and Sport, suggest Honda wants to inject a bit more personality into the driving experience.

The Prelude will also borrow the dual-axis front suspension setup from the Civic Type R, which helps reduce torque steer in high-powered front-wheel-drive cars.

While the new Prelude shares its basic underpinnings with the Civic, it will differ in several key ways. A wider track and a shorter wheelbase should improve agility, while the structure will be more rigid yet lighter by approximately 10%. Adaptive dampers, stiffer suspension tuning, and a focus on sharp should make the Prelude a competent driver’s car.

Inside, the cabin will be familiar to Civic owners but with unique sport seats for added lateral support. Honda has yet to reveal the interior, going as far as blacking out the windows on display models, hinting that there may be more changes than expected.

If the Prelude proves successful, a sportier Si variant could be a logical next step—although Honda hasn't officially acknowledged this path. Honda’s immediate focus is on getting the standard Prelude to market, with the U.S. set to receive it later this year, followed by Europe in early 2026.

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