Honda Responds to Growing Rumors About the Prelude Type R | Carscoops

      A speculated 325 hp Prelude with a manual transmission has generated excitement among enthusiasts, yet new details have cast doubt on its viability.

      Prelude speculations indicated potential Type S and Type R versions.

      One report highlights a 325 hp Type R with a manual gearbox.

      Honda was questioned about the rumored high-performance variants.

      When Honda revived the Integra name a few years ago, it quickly introduced a performance flagship known as the Type S. Following the return of the Prelude, it is only natural to speculate whether it might also be offered in a high-performance variant. Unfortunately, Honda's recent comments may not please enthusiasts.

      Japanese reports have hinted that Honda is developing high-performance Type S and Type R versions of the new Prelude, referencing insider sources. One such source claims the Prelude Type S would utilize the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the Civic RS, producing 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque.

      Interestingly, this would make it less powerful than the standard Prelude hybrid, which boasts 200 hp and 232 lb-ft (315 Nm). This doesn’t seem to warrant a Type S designation, at least on paper, although it is presumed to have been tuned for better performance.

      As for the Type R, a report from Best Car suggests this variant could be equipped with the same leading 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the Civic Type R and America’s Integra Type S, generating 325 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque.

      Paired with the Civic’s six-speed manual transmission, it would transform the Prelude into a completely different vehicle.

      However, this vision may be fleeting. A journalist from Creative311, another Japanese automotive publication, recently attended a Honda event and inquired about the rumored Prelude versions. A representative reportedly stated, “There are no current plans to sell either a Type S or Type R version of the new Prelude.” While the phrase “current plans” leaves some possibility, the scope is quite limited.

      Though it’s easy to envision a more dynamic version of the Prelude, particularly one featuring a 325 hp powertrain, Honda appears unlikely to pursue it in the near future. A Type R model might closely resemble the Civic Type R and Integra Type S, both of which already occupy that high-performance space.

      This approach would also contradict the way the Prelude has been presented so far, as a more efficient, hybrid-focused coupe rather than a performance sports vehicle.

      Additionally, there is the issue of historical context. Honda has never offered a Prelude Type R, and the only version sold as a Type S was the fifth-generation model, available only in Japan. In contrast, the Civic and Integra have a long-standing history associated with both Type S and Type R badges, making them more suited for Honda’s performance aspirations.

      Could this change? It’s certainly possible, and given the Prelude’s connection to the Civic, entirely plausible. However, any movement in that direction would likely depend on the Prelude's performance in its current form and whether market demand compels Honda to consider a sportier variant.