Latest news with #TypeR
The Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Honda Prelude returns with Type R chassis and Civic hybrid power
HONDA is preparing to reintroduce the Prelude nameplate with a compelling blend of performance engineering and hybrid efficiency, setting it apart from the rest of the Civic-based range. The revived model will stand out by featuring the same dual-axis front suspension setup found in the acclaimed Civic Type R, combined with that model's wider front track and high-performance Brembo brakes. However, instead of being driven by a turbocharged engine, the new Prelude will employ the powertrain from the Civic Hybrid. This unique pairing of the Civic Hybrid's electrified power system with the precision handling of the Type R chassis is expected to create a car without direct rivals in the market. While some manufacturers have explored the idea of combining hybrid technology with performance applications, it remains an unconventional strategy across the industry. Honda appears to be positioning the new Prelude as a grand tourer rather than a full-blown sports coupe. This direction preserves certain elements from previous generations, including its two-door, front-wheel-drive configuration. However, enthusiasts hoping for the return of a manual transmission will be disappointed. Unlike the CR-Z hybrid, which proudly offered a six-speed manual gearbox, the latest iteration of the Prelude will forgo that option entirely. Further enhancing its grand touring credentials, Honda has announced the introduction of a new 'S+ Shift' system in the upcoming model. Paired with the brand's award-winning hybrid drivetrain, this newly developed drive mode refines Honda's Linear Shift Control, aiming to deliver a more engaging yet refined driving experience. According to Honda, the S+ Shift mode is specifically designed to support the Prelude's character as a sporty, comfortable grand tourer. With a design philosophy that bridges efficiency, everyday usability, and a touch of performance pedigree, the all-new Honda Prelude is poised to offer a unique proposition in the compact coupe segment, particularly for those who value the fusion of innovation and tradition.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
The Honda Prelude will be a blend of Type R underpinnings and Civic hybrid power
HONDA is preparing to reintroduce the Prelude nameplate with a compelling blend of performance engineering and hybrid efficiency, setting it apart from the rest of the Civic-based range. The revived model will stand out by featuring the same dual-axis front suspension setup found in the acclaimed Civic Type R, combined with that model's wider front track and high-performance Brembo brakes. However, instead of being driven by a turbocharged engine, the new Prelude will employ the powertrain from the Civic Hybrid. This unique pairing of the Civic Hybrid's electrified power system with the precision handling of the Type R chassis is expected to create a car without direct rivals in the market. While some manufacturers have explored the idea of combining hybrid technology with performance applications, it remains an unconventional strategy across the industry. Honda appears to be positioning the new Prelude as a grand tourer rather than a full-blown sports coupe. This direction preserves certain elements from previous generations, including its two-door, front-wheel-drive configuration. However, enthusiasts hoping for the return of a manual transmission will be disappointed. Unlike the CR-Z hybrid, which proudly offered a six-speed manual gearbox, the latest iteration of the Prelude will forgo that option entirely. Further enhancing its grand touring credentials, Honda has announced the introduction of a new 'S+ Shift' system in the upcoming model. Paired with the brand's award-winning hybrid drivetrain, this newly developed drive mode refines Honda's Linear Shift Control, aiming to deliver a more engaging yet refined driving experience. According to Honda, the S+ Shift mode is specifically designed to support the Prelude's character as a sporty, comfortable grand tourer. With a design philosophy that bridges efficiency, everyday usability, and a touch of performance pedigree, the all-new Honda Prelude is poised to offer a unique proposition in the compact coupe segment, particularly for those who value the fusion of innovation and tradition.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2026 Honda Prelude borrows suspension tech from another Honda icon
The 2026 Honda Prelude revives one of the Japanese automaker's iconic names, but this sixth-generation version will also borrow some hardware from another, more current icon. Honda has announced that the new Prelude will employ the suspension, widened front and rear tracks, and Brembo brakes from the Civic Type R. Honda said in a press release that this will be the first time its dual-axis front suspension system will be used on a non-Type R model. First seen in the United States on the 2017 FK8 Civic Type R, but introduced on the previous-generation FK2 model in Europe and Japan, this design uses two kingpins to help mitigate torque steer in these front-wheel drive cars. Honda's confirmation that the sixth-generation Prelude will share suspension components and track dimensions with the Civic Type R is another strong hint that this will be as much a revival of the discontinued Civic coupe as it is of the Prelude, which departed the market in 2001 after five generations as one of Honda's key enthusiast models. The Type R's front track width is 3.5 inches wider than that of a base Civic hatchback, while the rear is 1.9 inches wider. That contributes to the pleasing proportions of the new Prelude coupe, which Honda has been showing in concept form since 2023. Honda has a reputation for making minimal changes to its concept cars for production, so what we've seen so far should be pretty close to what the final version looks like when it reaches showrooms as a 2026 model. Honda said the Type R hardware "will be tuned exclusively for the Prelude to deliver a sporty yet comfortable grand touring experience." That indicates something a bit more mellow than the track-focused Civic Type R, and leaves some headroom for the rumored Prelude Type R should Honda decide to go that route. Honda previously confirmed that the new Prelude will use the version of its two-motor hybrid system found in the current Civic Hybrid. In the Civic, the pair of motors are teamed with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four, with a total system output of 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The Prelude will debut Honda's S+ Shift system, a sportier version of the Linear Shift Control simulated-gearshift feature in the Civic Hybrid. But some car enthusiasts are unlikely to view that as an acceptable substitute for a manual transmission, and fans of the brand may not be satisfied with what is essentially a Civic Hybrid coupe, with seemingly less differentiation from other Honda models than previous Prelude generations. But with the march toward SUV homogeneity endangering more-practical sedans, let alone traditional coupes, the arrival of a new one with sporting intentions seems like a win. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2026 Honda Prelude borrows suspension tech from another Honda icon
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Hybrid Coupe Gets Civic Type R DNA The 2026 Honda Prelude revives one of the Japanese automaker's iconic names, but this sixth-generation version will also borrow some hardware from another, more current icon. Honda has announced that the new Prelude will employ the suspension, widened front and rear tracks, and Brembo brakes from the Civic Type R. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Full screen 2025 Honda Accord: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Honda said in a press release that this will be the first time its dual-axis front suspension system will be used on a non-Type R model. First seen in the United States on the 2017 FK8 Civic Type R, but introduced on the previous-generation FK2 model in Europe and Japan, this design uses two kingpins to help mitigate torque steer in these front-wheel drive cars. A Sleeker, Sportier Civic Hybrid Source: Honda Honda's confirmation that the sixth-generation Prelude will share suspension components and track dimensions with the Civic Type R is another strong hint that this will be as much a revival of the discontinued Civic coupe as it is of the Prelude, which departed the market in 2001 after five generations as one of Honda's key enthusiast models. The Type R's front track width is 3.5 inches wider than that of a base Civic hatchback, while the rear is 1.9 inches wider. That contributes to the pleasing proportions of the new Prelude coupe, which Honda has been showing in concept form since 2023. Honda has a reputation for making minimal changes to its concept cars for production, so what we've seen so far should be pretty close to what the final version looks like when it reaches showrooms as a 2026 model. Honda said the Type R hardware 'will be tuned exclusively for the Prelude to deliver a sporty yet comfortable grand touring experience.' That indicates something a bit more mellow than the track-focused Civic Type R, and leaves some headroom for the rumored Prelude Type R should Honda decide to go that route. Will Enthusiasts Like It? Source: Honda Honda previously confirmed that the new Prelude will use the version of its two-motor hybrid system found in the current Civic Hybrid. In the Civic, the pair of motors are teamed with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four, with a total system output of 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The Prelude will debut Honda's S+ Shift system, a sportier version of the Linear Shift Control simulated-gearshift feature in the Civic Hybrid. But some car enthusiasts are unlikely to view that as an acceptable substitute for a manual transmission, and fans of the brand may not be satisfied with what is essentially a Civic Hybrid coupe, with seemingly less differentiation from other Honda models than previous Prelude generations. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. But with the march toward SUV homogeneity endangering more-practical sedans, let alone traditional coupes, the arrival of a new one with sporting intentions seems like a win. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
The Irish Sun
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major car brand's iconic hot hatchback hints at swift return in bold new form after it was discontinued
THE end is nigh for the Honda Civic Type R - which is set to be discontinued in the UK by the beginning of 2026. But while this iconic hot hatchback will be sorely missed by petrolheads, its swift return is already being talked up in the form of a performance EV. 4 The Honda Civic Type R is reaching the end of the road - but it could be set for a swift return Credit: Honda 4 The iconic name-plate is being taken off the market across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations Credit: Honda 4 Honda, though, may bring it back in the near future as a performance EV Credit: Honda 4 The Civic Type R is a favourite among petrolheads for its powerful turbocharged engine and track-ready handling Credit: Honda The Civic Type R, adored for its powerful turbocharged engine, track-ready handling and sometimes-polarising design, It's being taken off the market by Honda across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations - particularly the Euro 6e-bis standards which come into effect in January 2026. But according to future of its sporty number will live on into the electric age. At the launch of the new Prelude, project lead, Tomoyuki Yamagami, said the Type R 'can be anything in future, depending on what the market demands', adding that the famous nameplate isn't necessarily dependent on its turbo powertrain. Read more Motors News He added that the 'Type R badge is about the ability to enhance dynamic attributes to the max'. Earlier this year, Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda's BEV Development Centre, hinted that the brand is heavily focused on the fun-factor when it comes to their EVs. He said: 'A battery and motor have different characteristics so we can't come up with something exactly the same as before. 'As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? Most read in Motors "We haven't given up of course, but it's not just about power, it's about the sound, vibration, acceleration and the human experience. 'These are the joys of driving.' Major car brand to revive long-forgotten sports model discontinued 23 years ago NEW AGE There was a time when the hot hatchback appeared to be dead and buried. The demise of icons like the Ford Focus ST, Renaultsport Clio and the petrol-powered Abarth 500 all pointed to the beloved sub-genre of performance cars slowly fading into obscurity. However, manufacturers seem determined to keep the spirit of the hot hatch alive in the electric age with a wave of sporty hatchbacks having been recently introduced. Hyundai was arguably the first to prove that a proper performance-focused EV hatchback was possible with the Ioniq 5 N, while the newly launched Alpine A290 is already being hailed as a future classic. Meanwhile, Honda isn't ready to bid farewell to its legendary Type R just yet, with an exclusive 'Ultimate Edition' heading to Europe - though only 40 units will be available. Currently, the Civic Type R is the sole model in the UK to carry the famous Type R badge. Over the years, however, other models such as the Integra Type R and Accord Type R have also proudly worn the emblem.
