Honda just dropped the kind of news that makes car enthusiasts slow down. The Prelude is back again, but this time, things are a bit different. No, we’re not talking about the friendly hybrid-powered road car that left fans feeling a bit underwhelmed when it debuted last year. This is the Honda Prelude GT Prototype—a snarling, carbon-bodied, rear-wheel-drive monster that previews Honda Racing Corporation’s new GT500 entry for Japan’s Super GT series in 2026. In other words, this is the Prelude enthusiasts have been begging for.
- Divisions
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Acura, Honda Motorcycles, Honda Racing, HondaJet
- Founded
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1946
- Founder
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Soichiro Honda
- Headquarters
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Minato, Tokyo, Japan
- Current CEO
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Toshihiro Mibe
- Status
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Active
From Civic To Prelude
The Prelude GT Prototype will replace the Civic Type R GT500, which has been Honda’s weapon of choice in Japan’s premier touring car series since 2024. And while the Civic proved to be a scrappy competitor, it struggled to keep pace with Toyota’s GR Supra GT500 and Nissan’s Z Nismo GT500, both of which have dominated the field. For Honda, the switch to a fresh, aggressive Prelude silhouette is both a performance play and a statement of intent: the brand is serious about bringing the fight back to its rivals.
Road Vs. Track
If you’re thinking this GT500 Prelude has anything in common with the road car, think again. The production 2026 Prelude is a sensible, hybrid-powered coupe with a 2.0-liter engine, twin electric motors, and a CVT that makes about 200 horsepower. Enthusiasts weren’t thrilled—especially when the Civic Type R makes 315 hp without the hybrid baggage.
But on the racetrack? A whole different story. GT500 rules ban hybrid systems, so Honda’s racer will pack a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder tuned for somewhere between 550 and 650 horsepower. Even better, the Prelude GT500 ditches front-wheel drive in favor of a proper rear-wheel-drive setup. For many fans, that alone makes this the most exciting Prelude since the badge disappeared in 2001.
A Real Monster Of A Prelude
The GT500 Prelude isn’t just powerful—it looks absolutely feral. Exposed carbon fiber panels, wide fender flares, and razor-sharp aero pieces scream “track weapon.” The massive rear wing, swan-neck mounts, and road-scraping side skirts underline just how far removed this machine is from the tame hybrid road car. Rays wheels wrapped in Bridgestone slicks hide AP Racing brakes, while every body panel appears designed with pure downforce in mind.
Looking To 2026
HRC hasn’t shared detailed specs yet, but the first test run for the Prelude GT Prototype is scheduled this week in Japan. With the new 2026 rules granting teams more freedom on aerodynamic aids, Honda’s timing couldn’t be better. Toyota and Nissan are expected to carry over their GR Supra and Z entries, which means the stage is set for a classic three-way showdown.
For Honda loyalists, the Prelude GT500 is more than just a race car—it’s proof that Honda still knows how to build a Prelude worth drooling over. You might never get to drive it, but knowing it exists makes the return of the Prelude feel a lot more exciting.