The Honda Prelude concept may not be electric, as originally thought, but it opens up the possibility of a future petrol-powered Type R performance coupe.
One of the stars of the recent Tokyo motor show was the Honda Prelude concept – marking a return of the nameplate after a near three-decades-long absence.
But while initial reports suggested the Prelude was electric, details revealed in the days following its reveal suggested the svelte coupe was merely a hybrid – likely sitting on the same underpinnings as the Honda Civic hatchback.
Though there was an air of disappointment at the news, the revelation does leave the door open for a high-performance Prelude Type R – with partially petrol power – in the future.
These digital illustrations by artist Theottle provide an idea of what we could expect if Honda decided to green-light a Prelude Type R.
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The hypothetical Prelude Type R would borrow the ccritically-acclaimed Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 235kW and 420Nm, with power sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
Previous reports from 2022 out of Japan suggested the Prelude would be an electric vehicle.
While the concept proved not to be electric, there is still a chance it could adopt battery power when it reaches showrooms.
However, the Prelude Type R would be in a segment almost on its own, with only Ford offering an alternative high-performance coupe with a similar level of performance, in the V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive Mustang. The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ aren’t as powerful or quick.
The Prelude Type R in these images follows many of the design cues of its hatchback sibling, borrowing the Civic Type R’s body kit, wheels, bonnet vent, rear wing, and signature trio of exhaust tips.
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The ‘PTR’ also features a carbon-fibre roof and a trademark red Honda badge, along with red brake callipers and interior trim.
While the Honda Prelude Type R is just a pipedream for now, nothing is stopping the Japanese car brand from forging ahead with the high-performance coupe in the coming years.
Should Honda build a Prelude Type R? Let us know in the comments below.
The post New Honda Prelude Type R imagined appeared first on Drive.
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