The highly anticipated return of the Honda Prelude is almost upon us, and Honda engineers have incorporated some exciting features that are sure to delight fans of this iconic coupe. While it was previously known that the new Prelude would share its platform with the Civic, Honda has now confirmed that it will also adopt the Civic Type R’s advanced chassis setup. This upgrade promises enhanced handling precision and a more engaging driving experience, paired with a hybrid powertrain and a unique system that simulates gear shifts for added driver involvement.
Rumors about a potential Prelude Type R have been swirling, but it seems that even the standard Prelude will benefit from many of the high-performance handling attributes inspired by the Civic Type R. Specifically, the Prelude will borrow suspension components, wider front and rear track widths, and Brembo front brakes directly from its sportier sibling. Notably, it will become the first non-Type R Honda model to feature the dual-axis front suspension system, originally introduced in the 2017 Civic Type R. This sophisticated suspension setup is designed to minimize torque steer—a common challenge in powerful front-wheel-drive cars—and to improve steering accuracy and feedback.
Despite sharing many parts with the Civic Type R, Honda’s engineering team has implemented model-specific tuning for the Prelude’s suspension and braking systems. Their goal is to maintain the Prelude’s identity as a grand touring coupe that balances sporty dynamics with comfort, rather than focusing solely on track-day performance. Initial test drives conducted in Japan have indicated that this approach is successful, delivering a driving experience that is more athletic than the Civic but still smooth and refined.
Powering the new Prelude will be Honda’s well-regarded two-motor hybrid system, currently utilized in the Civic lineup. However, the Prelude will feature a new technology called “Honda S+ Shift.” This innovative system combines engine sound effects, tailored torque delivery, and paddle shifters to emulate the sensation of traditional gear changes, enhancing the driver’s connection to the car. A dedicated button on the center console allows drivers to activate this mode at will.
Honda has already teased the design of the sixth-generation Prelude through pre-production prototypes. The coupe sports a sleek two-door body with a large hatchback-style rear tailgate, lending the car an unexpected practicality. The interior is configured as a 2+2 layout, with a dashboard that incorporates design cues from the closely related Civic and Acura Integra models.
The 2026 Prelude is slated for a North American launch this fall, with additional releases planned in Japan and Europe. Positioned as a sportier alternative to the Civic, it aims to combine hybrid efficiency with sharp, responsive handling. The Prelude recently made a striking appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, where it demonstrated its dynamic capabilities by tackling the iconic hill climb course.