The 2026 Honda Prelude is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases from the Japanese automaker in recent years. Beyond bringing back an iconic name, the new Prelude combines electric power with a combustion engine that acts as a generator for the drivetrain. This innovative setup allows the car to deliver power directly to the wheels without the need for a traditional transmission.
Honda is now giving a glimpse of the upcoming Prelude GT race car, set to compete in Japan’s Super GT series within the premier GT500 class. While the company has yet to release official details, a series of teaser photos provides a promising look at what to expect from the track-focused machine. The vehicle is scheduled for its first test run on Wednesday, October 1, hinting that fans won’t have to wait long to see it in action.
Honda Prepares to Take the Prelude Racing
The Honda Prelude GT unmistakably screams “race car.” While it keeps the general shape of the production model’s nose and headlights, it adds a massive front splitter and oversized openings in the lower fascia. Large fender flares give the car a significantly more aggressive stance, and the hood features prominent vents to enhance both performance and visual impact.
From the side, the Honda Prelude GT maintains the overall silhouette of the standard model but adds a host of aerodynamic enhancements. Notably, the exhaust exits through the passenger-side door, and the tall swan-neck rear wing further distinguishes the race car from its road-going counterpart.
At the rear, Honda’s motorsport team has extended the road-going Honda Prelude integrated spoiler, while wide fenders and pronounced bodywork complete the race-ready look.
Honda hasn’t shared any images of the Prelude GT’s interior yet, but other GT500-class cars give a clear idea of what to expect. Regulations require all competitors to use the same carbon-fiber monocoque, and the stripped-down cabin places the driver in a heavily bolstered racing seat designed for maximum support and safety.
The Honda Prelude GT’s powertrain is already known, as all GT500 cars share the same engine. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces roughly 650 horsepower, driving the rear wheels. Performance is balanced across the field using a mandated fuel-flow restrictor, ensuring close and competitive racing on track.
What This Means for the Prelude
Honda often leverages Super GT to showcase its performance models. Currently, the company competes in the GT500 class with the Civic Type R-GT, and prior to that, it campaigned the NSX for several seasons. The switch to the Prelude signals that Honda is putting its full motorsports support behind the new coupe, using racing as a key part of the model’s marketing strategy.
Rumors are already swirling that Honda may develop a more powerful Prelude, potentially as an Si or Type R. Campaigning the Prelude in Super GT could serve as a way to gauge customer interest in a higher-performance model. If racing fans—who are often passionate driving enthusiasts—aren’t excited by the Prelude on the track, it could signal that a hotter road-going version might not be viable. It’s a classic example of the automotive mantra: “win on Sunday, sell on Monday.”
If a higher-performance Honda Prelude does arrive, it likely won’t hit showrooms for several years. The standard model is only just reaching dealerships, and Honda would want to maximize sales of that version before expanding the lineup with a more potent variant.
