Here's Why A Honda Prelude Type-S Is Definitely Happening

A high-performance Honda Prelude will, likely, happen, and Toyota may be responsible.

At the 2023 Tokyo Mobility Show, Honda introduced a concept, previewing a revived Prelude. We know a production variant will be happening somewhere between 2025 and 2026, as a replacement for the now-discontinued Honda Civic Coupe and Honda Accord Coupe, which are some of the most reliable coupes out there. So far, what we know about the 2026 Honda Prelude's powertrain doesn't sound as exciting as some enthusiasts would like, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.  

What we know so far 

The 2026 Honda Prelude will feature a hybrid powertrain, very similar to what we see in the eleventh-generation Honda Accord and the 2024 Honda Civic Hybrid. The internal-combustion engine is, likely, the same CY2, 2.0-liter, naturally-aspirated inline-four with 146 horsepower (141 for the Civic) and 134 pound-feet as seen on the Civic and the Accord's hybrid variants. However, unlike those two, the Prelude will feature, not one, but two electric motors.  

Is the 2026 Honda Prelude going to have all-wheel drive? 

It is neither confirmed nor ruled out at this point, whether or not the Prelude will send power to both axles. Given the Accord and Civic hybrids have their single electric motor in the front (where it's already a tight squeeze), and the Prelude will come out with two, the second e-motor has to be located on the rear axle.  

There is no point in doing so if power won't be sent to the rear wheels, so the next-generation Honda Prelude might be all-wheel drive. The coupe body style is inherently less practical than hatchbacks like the Civic and sedans like the Accord, so having all-wheel drive would provide the Prelude with superior handling while making a stronger case for it. 

How is Toyota going to help Honda develop a high-performance Prelude? 

To our knowledge, the two brands have not entered any sort of partnership. It is through competition that Honda may be forced to create something like a Prelude Type-S. In the next two years, Toyota will be bringing out the revived MR-2 and Celica. Honda's Prelude was always the natural rival to the Toyota Celica, and we know Toyota's sports car is returning with a 400-horsepower, turbo-four and all-wheel drive. 

Honda currently doesn't have an inline-four engine that makes 400 horsepower. The K20 unit in the Honda Civic Type-R and Acura Integra Type-S makes 326 horsepower in its most recent form, which is still far from what Toyota's engine will make. 

The only possible option for Honda is to use the hybrid powertrain from the base Prelude, and simply swap in the naturally aspirated four-banger with the Civic Type-R's K20 engine. That's also the only way to make it all-wheel-drive while keeping the electrified aspect. 

About the author

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: Honda Prelude Concept