Honda Prelude skips Type R, teases Type S grand tourer
New Honda Prelude favors GT harmony over Type R; Type S considered
Honda Prelude skips Type R, teases Type S grand tourer
Honda confirms the new Prelude won't go Type R, choosing a grand tourer ethos for everyday enjoyment. A sharper Type S with revised handling is under review.
2025-11-09T05:13:45+03:00
2025-11-09T05:13:45+03:00
2025-11-09T05:13:45+03:00
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.
Honda Prelude, Prelude Type R, Prelude Type S, grand tourer, coupe, everyday enjoyment, Tomoyuki Yamagami, Civic, Integra, SiR, handling, revised engine, GT philosophy, new Prelude
2025
Michael Powers
news
New Honda Prelude favors GT harmony over Type R; Type S considered
Honda confirms the new Prelude won't go Type R, choosing a grand tourer ethos for everyday enjoyment. A sharper Type S with revised handling is under review.
Michael Powers, Editor
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.
