If ever there was a sports car that should exist, it’s this insanely hot Honda coupeThe News
The mid-2026 release of the reborn Honda Prelude will be one of the most eagerly anticipated launches of the year, but how much more exciting would it be if there was a hot Type R version? Well just such a thing has been imagined and we’re entirely in favour of it.
The Key Details
2026 Honda Prelude Type R rendered
Ditches HEV power & CVT for hot 2.0T & 6sp manual
Wouldn’t be especially complicated to make a reality
The Finer Details
Ask an enthusiast what the ultimate hot hatch is and there’s a reasonable chance they’ll say the Honda Civic Type R; the fastest front-drive car to lap the Nürburgring and one of the most complete performance cars on the market.
The confirmation of the new Prelude being a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder hybrid certainly raised a few eyebrows last year, especially when the presence of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) was confirmed.
For reference, none of its future competitors – Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, Hyundai i20 N – are offered with a CVT.
The powertrain outputs a rather middling 149kW/315Nm in North American guise, which is undoubtedly less than most fans and prospective customers would’ve been hoping for.
But given the new Prelude pinches suspension componentry and know-how from the endlessly talented Civic Type R, there’s little doubt the all-new coupe is capable of so much more, and there’s obviously an appetite for it.
Digital creator X-Tomi Design has mocked up their impression of what a 235kW/420Nm, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol Prelude Type R would look like using the Civic’s signature cues: enlarged front apron, wider tracks, lightweight wheels, lowered suspension, big brakes, fixed aero and a track-ready interior.
The Road Ahead
As stunning, mouth-watering and realistic as this render looks, there have been no indications from Honda – a typically conservative brand – that a hot Prelude is in the works.
Indeed, the brand has previously outlined how the new coupe is aimed at more mature and female audiences compared to the previous versions; those chasing a refined and elegant warm coupe as opposed to an out-and-out performance car – those buyers will be pointed toward the Civic Type R.
Still, it wouldn’t/shouldn’t be all that hard for Honda to rustle up a hot Prelude given the platform commonalities: transplant the Type R’s engine, running gear, brakes, front differential and seats into the coupe body, retune the suspension and slap some aero on. Job done.
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