05:13 09-11-2025

New Honda Prelude favors GT harmony over Type R; Type S considered

Honda fans had been waiting for the legendary Prelude coupe to return as a Type R, but that is now off the table. In an interview with Drive, chief project engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami confirmed that the Type R platform does not suit the new car, noting that its character and philosophy are different.

He explained that the Prelude diverges in spirit from Type R models: the team set out to sync driver and machine in a single rhythm, not to turn it into a track-bred sports car, but to create a harmonious coupe meant for everyday enjoyment.

True to that brief, the new Prelude comes across more like a grand tourer than an aggressive, track-oriented take on the Civic or Integra. That reading aligns with the badge’s history: the model never chased extreme versions and traditionally sat between the Accord’s comfort and the Civic Si’s livelier edge.

Even so, there is still room for a sportier angle. According to the engineer, the company is weighing a Type S—akin to the old Japan-market Prelude SiR—with sharper handling and a revised engine.