What we know!

The unique suspension design that will find its home for the first time within the new Prelude works by separating the knuckle from the damper, thus allowing for great steering axis flexibility while reducing torque steer. In addition, the Prelude, a hybrid that borrows the Civic’s powertrain of a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and dual e-motor setup, will also feature the Civic Type R’s Brembo front brakes, boasting wider front and rear tracks.

These enhancements will serve the coupe well, helping it to deliver high levels of driver exhilaration and engagement, something promised by the automaker. We do know that it already makes 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, although rumor has it that it could make a bit more power than that. By inheriting a hybrid four-cylinder powertrain from the Civic, which means it will likely make around 200 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque, it will undoubtedly be sportier than ever before!

While many more of the exact technical specs of the car are forthcoming, we do know that its arrival is on tap for later this year and that this indeed marks the first time that a non-Type R is treated to some Type-R perks.

“The suspension and brake systems will be tuned exclusively for the new Prelude to deliver a sporty yet comfortable grand touring driving experience,” Honda attests. It works by killing the torque faster in powerful front-drive cars, adding a damper fork to separate the knuckle from the damper, thus shortening the centre offset, which is the key change.

“With conventional strut suspension, centre offset is structurally difficult to reduce, and has been a problem for many years,” Honda shared. By “killing” it, the Type R receives more stability during sudden take-off acceleration, thus allowing drivers to achieve better grip through corners.

The dual-axis was first introduced in the 2017 FK8 Civic Type R, a vehicle that is a past Hot Hatch of the Year recipient – and then carried over to the FL5 Civic Type R, also touted as one of the great vehicles.

More information is also outstanding at this point on price, but we do know that the Civic Hybrid starts at about $30,100, so the Prelude should not cost much more, expected to start in the low $30,000 range.

Planned to be revealed later this year, the 2026 Honda Prelude will feature some performance parts that are sure to please! This is surely whetting the appetite of what is to come. Unfortunately, the new Prelude won’t offer three pedals and a DIY transmission, but will instead feature Honda’s unconventional direct-drive gearbox. To add to the racier feeling, the Prelude will introduce an S+ Shift drive mode as well.

Resurrected and expected to surely excite, the new Honda Prelude and its full reveal is forthcoming. The suspens-ion is building!