All-new Honda Prelude to get hotter Type R version?

When the all-new Honda Prelude was revealed last month, it stirred mixed reactions from enthusiasts. While some liked that Honda brought back a revered name as a 2+2 hybrid coupe, some expected something with a bit more oomph from its 2.0L hybrid powertrain.

Still, that hasn't stopped buyers from Japan from placing a reservation. In fact, Honda has reportedly received over 2,400 orders in total as of last week and has stopped accepting new ones due to overwhelming demand. Add the fact that customers in Japan might have to wait until Q3 2026 to get their unit, and the all-new Prelude is proving to be a popular vehicle in its home market.

But some still wish that Honda would make a pure internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the coupe. Well, based on a report by Japanese publication Super Spy Scoop, Honda is reportedly working on one. The automotive magazine claims that Honda is busy working on hotter versions of the latest Prelude, complete with a turbocharged engine under the hood.

No exact details are available as of now, but apparently, there will be two variants. The first one will reportedly be called the Type S, which will have a 1.5L turbocharged engine. But what caught our attention was the rumored Type R version, which could come with a 2.0L K20C turbocharged inline-four derived from the Civic Type R.

The reported specs will supposedly give the turbocharged Prelude 330 PS, which is about the same as what the FL5 Civic Type R makes. Moreover, the rumored turbocharged coupe will come with a proper 6-speed manual and will have a curb weight of around 1,500 kg.

Should the rumors about the turbocharged Prelude be true, the automaker apparently plans to reveal the Prelude Type S and Type R around Q3-Q4 2027.

With the Prelude already proving to be popular in its home market, perhaps Honda has already planned to make turbocharged ICE versions to make it more appealing to other customers who want a sleek and fast coupe.

Source: Super Spy Scoop via HondaPro Jason