Honda has confirmed its revived Prelude coupe, set to debut later this year, will use the same suspension, brakes and wider wheel tracks as the Civic Type R hot hatch.
More details about the 2026 Honda Prelude hybrid coupe – the first model to wear the name in two decades – have been confirmed ahead of its reveal in the coming months.
Honda has announced the Prelude will share components with the related Civic Type R hot hatch, including its suspension, Brembo front brakes, and wider front and rear wheel tracks compared to a standard Civic.
This includes the Type R's dual-axis front suspension design to minimise torque steer, which first appeared in the previous FK2 and FK8 models from 2015 and 2017, respectively, and was carried over to the current FL5 generation from 2022.
It is despite using a version of the 2.0-litre hybrid system from the Civic, Accord and CR-V e:HEV models, tuned to deliver around 154kW – rather than the Civic Type R's 235kW – with the addition of Honda's new S+ Shift drive mode.
"The suspension and brake systems will be tuned exclusively for the new Prelude to deliver a sporty yet comfortable grand touring driving experience," Honda USA said in a media release.
"The new sixth-generation Prelude will deliver high levels of driver exhilaration and engagement, including unmatched driving dynamics and fun-to-drive feel – all while remaining comfortable for everyday driving."
Honda's S+ Shift drive mode is inspired by the "joy of driving" of its S600, S2000 and Type S models, mimicking the sound and feel of mechanical automatic gear changes for its electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT), which has no moving parts.
The new-generation Honda Prelude is due in US dealers by the end of the year, while a European launch will follow in 2026 – including in right-hand drive for the United Kingdom, opening the door for an Australian launch.
Honda Australia is yet to confirm the new Prelude for our market.
A European-market example of the 2026 Prelude hybrid recently appeared at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, including running up the famous hill climb track.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
