• Honda confirmed the Prelude will borrow chassis components from the Civic Type R.
  • These include dual-axis suspension, Brembo brakes, and wider front and rear tracks.
  • Custom tuning for brakes and suspension will make the GT more comfortable to drive.

The Prelude is almost ready to hit the streets, and Honda engineers have a few surprises in store for fans of the coupe. While it was already known to share its platform with the Civic, Honda has now confirmed it will also adopt the Civic Type R’s chassis setup. That means sharper handling and deeper driver engagement, combined with a hybrid powertrain and simulated gear shifts.

More: Will Honda’s New Prelude Be The Best Or Worst Of Both Worlds?

We recently covered the rumors about a potential Prelude Type R, but it appears that even the standard version of the coupe will have plenty of handling tricks derived from the Civic Type R.

Type R Hardware

More specifically, the Prelude will adopt suspension hardware, wider front and rear tracks, and Brembo front brakes from its high-performance sibling. It also becomes the first non-Type R model to use the dual-axis front suspension system first introduced on the 2017 Civic Type R, a setup designed to reduce torque steer and improve steering precision.

Despite the shared components, Honda engineers said they have applied model-specific tuning to both the suspension and brakes. This is to ensure that the Prelude stays true to its role as a grand tourer, prioritizing comfort and balanced dynamics over track-day aggression. Early test drives in Japan suggest the ride strikes that balance well, offering a sportier feel than the Civic while maintaining a smoother, more composed ride quality.

Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word
Honda’s New Coupe Uses Type R Parts Without Saying A Word

A Hybrid That Plays Like a Manual

The new Prelude will be powered by Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, currently employed in the Civic. For the coupe, though, this setup will be paired with a new feature called “Honda S+ Shift.” The system blends engine sound effects, tailored torque delivery, and paddle shifters to simulate traditional gear changes. A dedicated button on the center console activates this mode, giving drivers a more interactive experience behind the wheel.

More: Acura Finally Gave The Integra What It Needed All Along And It Wasn’t Power

Honda has already previewed the exterior and interior of the sixth-generation Prelude through pre-production prototypes. The design features a two-door coupe body with a large hatchback-style tailgate, giving it a practical side. Inside, the cabin follows a 2+2 layout, with the dashboard incorporating several elements from the closely related Honda Civic and Acura Integra.

When does it go on sale?

The 2026 Prelude is expected to arrive at North American dealerships this fall, with additional launches planned for Japan and Europe. It’s positioned as a sportier alternative to the Civic, offering familiar hybrid efficiency with a sharper edge. Most recently, the Prelude made a dynamic appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, where it tackled the famed hill climb course.