Honda Unveils 650-HP Prelude GT500 to Battle Toyota Supra and Nissan Z
Tokyo, Japan – Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) has just unleashed a thrilling, high-performance version of its highly anticipated Prelude coupe: the 650-horsepower Prelude GT500 race car. Set to compete in the 2026 Super GT season, this wild racer is a world apart from the production Prelude hybrid’s 200-horsepower powertrain, and its unveiling has sparked renewed hopes among enthusiasts for a roadgoing Prelude Type R. The GT500 will replace the Civic Type R-GT, marking a significant shift in Honda’s racing efforts.
Carbon-Fiber Monocoque, Outrageous Power, and Aerodynamic Dominance
Every panel of the production Prelude has been re-imagined for the GT500 to create an all-out racing machine:
- Construction: The car features a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and carbon-fiber body panels.
- Aerodynamics: Its lowered body sits just inches above the ground, complemented by dramatic flared fenders, an exhaust that exits uniquely via the right door, and a towering swan-neck wing at the rear. Extensive aerodynamic enhancements, including numerous ducts, are designed to optimize airflow for maximum downforce and minimal drag.
- Powertrain: Under the hood, a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces a monstrous 650 horsepower. This immense power allows the Prelude GT500 to directly compete against formidable rivals such as the Nissan Z Nismo GT500 and the Toyota GR Supra GT500.
According to Motorsport, Honda has not yet secured a victory this season, with a second-place finish being its best result in a year largely dominated by the Toyota Supra. HRC’s Super GT project leader, Masahiro Saeki, expressed confidence in the new challenger: “We believe the current Civic Type R-GT can be further improved for next year. However, within the current regulations where all teams compete at an extremely high level, we see potential to achieve a higher level than the Civic Type R-GT by applying the knowledge gained over these past two years to the development of a Prelude-based Super GT machine.”
Race Debut in April 2026 – Will a Type R Follow?
The Honda Prelude GT500 is scheduled to make its highly anticipated race debut at Okayama, Japan, between April 11-12 next year, as part of the 2026 Super GT season. This event will be the first real opportunity to witness the hot Prelude battle its established rivals from Toyota and Nissan on the track.
The unveiling of such an extreme racing version naturally fuels speculation about a potential roadgoing Prelude Type R. While the production Prelude itself marks a welcome return of a sporty Honda coupe after the demise of the Civic Coupe, a Type R variant would tap into Honda’s rich performance heritage and potentially offer a compelling alternative to other performance coupes on the market. Enthusiasts will undoubtedly be watching closely for any hints of a more powerful, track-focused street-legal Prelude.
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