Honda shuts down rumors of Prelude Type R

Enthusiasts who have been hoping for a hotter version of the all-new Prelude will have to look elsewhere for a high-performance coupe. After rumors began circulating that Honda would apparently put a 2.0L turbocharged engine under the hood of the latest Prelude, the automaker shut down reports that such a vehicle would happen.

According to a report by Japanese publication Creative311, a company representative shared that there are currently no plans to build a Type R or Type S model of the Honda Prelude. While the representative did say 'currently', which leaves the possibility of a high-performance model from happening, do take note that Honda is focusing on making more electrified models. These include both fully electric cars, as well as hybrid electric (e:HEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV).

Another possible reason that Honda has no plans to build a hotter variant of the all-new Prelude is the fact that the vehicle was historically never offered as a Type R. Yes, there was a Type S model for the fifth-generation Prelude, but that was only available in Japan. Add the fact that the likes of the Integra and Civic were the only ones offered with Type R models, and the Prelude is looking a lot less likely to get a more powerful turbocharged version.

Still, some are holding out that the all-new Prelude could eventually get a Type R variant since the latest coupe is based on the Civic platform. However, the all-new Prelude will still have to prove itself in terms of sales globally. Yes, it’s popular in its home market, but the true test will come from global sales. Should it prove popular with buyers, this could give Honda the reason to build something with a little more oomph.

With Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) already giving us a glimpse of the Prelude last December, we’re curious as to how the automaker will price the electrified coupe. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that HCPI will reveal more details in the not-so-distant future.