Honda Reveals The 2026 Prelude Already Has Type R Bones

Honda confirmed that its long-awaited two-door model will use key suspension and braking hardware from its hot hatch sibling.

Though based on the Civic platform, the Prelude isn’t just a dressed-up Civic coupe. Honda just officially announced that the Prelude will receive the dual-axis front suspension first introduced on the 2017 Civic Type R—a system designed to tame torque steer and improve steering accuracy. This has been rumored since late earlier this year when Japanese media were able to get their hands on a prototype Prelude.

The chassis will also benefit from the Type R's Brembo front brakes and wider front and rear tracks, giving it a planted stance from improved dynamics.

Just don’t expect a Civic Type R clone— that might be coming later if recent rumors are to be believed. The Prelude gets model-specific tuning for its suspension and brakes, offering a more composed, GT-like ride that’s aimed at long-distance comfort rather than all-out track performance.

Under the hood, the new Prelude will feature Honda’s e:REV two-motor hybrid system, similar to what’s found in the latest Civic Hybrid—it will produce 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. However, Honda will also introduce a new S+ Shift—a drive mode that simulates traditional gear changes via paddle shifters, customized torque mapping, and enhanced engine sounds.

While the system still uses an e-CVT, S+ Shift is designed to offer a more engaging experience, particularly for enthusiasts who miss the tactile feedback of manual or stepped-gear automatics. The goal is to bridge the emotional connection of older performance cars with the efficiency demands of today’s market. Remember, Honda's e:HEV system uses the combustion engine to spin an electric motor generator with charges a battery and transmits power to a second motor driving the front wheels. The combustion engine only drives the wheels during steady-state highway cruising via a high-speed lockup clutch.

The production Prelude retains much of the look previewed by the original concept. It’s a sleek two-door coupe with a hatchback-style liftgate, combining sporty proportions with surprising practicality. Inside, the Prelude uses a 2+2 layout, with a dashboard design borrowed from the Civic and Integra, but updated for a more premium feel.

Honda showcased a running prototype at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the Prelude took to the hillclimb course in near-production form. North American sales are expected to begin this fall, with additional markets including Japan and Europe receiving the coupe shortly after.

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