The long-awaited Honda Prelude is another iconic Japanese nameplate that made a comeback. Alas, it wasn’t as epic as JDM fans hoped it would be. The reborn Honda Prelude features a hybrid powertrain that’s almost identical to the Honda Civic e:HEV that finally beat Toyota at its own game. The powertrain is great for fuel economy while still providing adequate acceleration, but despite the Prelude’s e-axle system being a brilliant piece of engineering, many fans are skeptical that it will make for exciting driving dynamics.
According to a recent report from CarScoops, based on a scoop from the Japanese platform, Goo.net, which seems to have been unpublished, Honda is working on a high-performance variant of the new Prelude. The performance gains will be gradual, however, and we will not get a full Type-R immediately. According to the Japanese sources, 2026 will see a Honda Prelude Type-S while the full-on Type-R variant will arrive 2027.
The latter is said to have a hybrid powertrain comprised of two electric motors and, get this, the Civic Type-R/ Integra Type-S’s 2.0-liter, K20, turbocharged, inline-four engine. This means that the Prelude Type-R will produce over 300 horsepower from the internal-combustion engine alone, while the electric part of the propulsion system will, likely, bump it to 350-400 horsepower, with massive mid-range punch.
But not all news is good
The Civic Type-R and Integra Type-S share another key element aside from the engine (and chassis and almost everything else) – a tried-and-true, six-speed manual transmission. Sadly, it doesn’t sound like a Prelude Type-R will feature that. Instead, it will feature simulated gear ratios, which will mimic a traditional automatic with planetary gears. While the S+ Shift feature incorporates shifting strategy from the Acura NS-X, it remains to be seen whether car enthusiasts embrace it or not.
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I have seen a similar setup on the 2025 Honda HR-V hybrid, which isn’t sold in the US. According to the dealer with whom I spoke on sight, the European Honda HR-V e:HEV combines a 1.5-liter engine with two electric motors that also emulate gear ratios. The notion of “no gearbox” might be off-putting to some, but I for once am curious how it would feel.
It seems the Honda Prelude will be a hybrid across the board. The Japanese carmaker was the first OEM to combine a hybrid powertrain with a manual, in the CR-Z, but sadly, the model was short-lived as it failed to attain the iconic status of the CR-X, it succeeded.
The Prelude Type-R’s redeeming feature
With a high-output, self-charging hybrid system comprised of two electric motors and a turbocharged K20 engine, I expect the Prelude to feature all-wheel drive. Even with a smart differential, around 330 horsepower is the limit at which an FF platform could send power to the ground efficiently.
As 2027 approaches, we will know more about the Prelude’s hottest variant. None of the last five Prelude generations featured all-wheel-drive or turbocharged engines, let alone a hybrid system, so the 2027 Honda Prelude Type-R will be the most advanced and high-performance version of the Japanese sports car ever.
What are your thoughts on the Honda Prelude and its upcoming performance variants? Would you be willing to give the Prelude Type-R a chance, even without a manual? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Dimitar Angelov’s automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov’s car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image sources: Honda Prelude Press release
Source: torquenews.com
