Honda's highly anticipated Prelude model is set to redefine its image with the introduction of the GT500 race car. While the standard production Prelude offers a 200-horsepower hybrid system, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has unleashed a dramatically more powerful variant for competitive motorsport. This track-focused machine, slated for the 2026 Super GT season, will take the place of the Civic Type R-GT, showcasing a complete transformation from its road-legal counterpart with an aggressive, purpose-built design.
This new racing iteration of the Prelude is engineered for extreme performance, featuring a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and body panels that contribute to its lightweight yet rigid structure. Its aerodynamic profile is meticulously crafted, with a lowered stance, pronounced flared fenders, an exhaust system ingeniously routed through the right door, and a prominent swan-neck rear wing to optimize downforce. Powering this beast is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating a formidable 650 horsepower, positioning it directly against formidable competitors such as the Nissan Z Nismo GT500 and Toyota GR Supra GT500. HRC's Super GT project leader, Masahiro Saeki, expressed confidence that lessons learned from the Civic Type R-GT will elevate the Prelude-based Super GT car to new heights, aiming for greater success in the upcoming seasons.
The Prelude GT500 is scheduled to make its competitive debut at Okayama, Japan, between April 11-12, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the Super GT series. A preliminary shakedown of the vehicle commenced on October 1st at Sportsland Sugo in Japan. Enthusiasts are now eagerly awaiting potential performance-oriented road versions, such as an Si or Type R, with Saeki hinting at the influence of motorsport achievements on future production models. The notion of integrating the Civic Type R's potent powertrain into the sleek Prelude body, especially considering the current Prelude already shares suspension components and Brembo brakes with the Type R, fuels hopes for a compelling sports coupe that could rival models like the Toyota GR86, particularly if a manual gearbox option were offered.
The launch of the Honda Prelude GT500 embodies a relentless pursuit of engineering excellence and a passion for competitive achievement. By pushing the boundaries of automotive performance on the racetrack, Honda not only aims for victory in motorsport but also inspires the development of exciting, high-performance vehicles for the road, fostering innovation and fulfilling the dreams of driving enthusiasts worldwide.