Honda has officially revealed the new Prelude GT500 race car, marking a bold return to its coupe roots and introducing a fresh contender for the fiercely competitive Japanese Super GT500 series. Set to make its racing debut in the 2026 season, this new machine signifies a major shift from the outgoing Civic Type R-GT, aiming for higher performance, sharper aerodynamics, and stronger on-track results.
Technical Highlights & Race Engineering
The Prelude GT500 is a bespoke race car sharing only its name and basic silhouette with the recently launched road-going Prelude coupe. Unlike the production model’s hybrid setup, the GT500 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine conforming to Super GT regulations, producing an astonishing 650 HP, a figure that’s more than triple the street car. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential transmission for rapid shifts and maximum performance.
A carbon-fiber monocoque chassis underpins the GT500, supporting an ultra-wide, low-slung body entirely sculpted for aerodynamic efficiency. The exterior features massive front splitters, extreme side skirts, and a huge rear wing mounted on high swan-neck supports. Giant air intakes, exposed carbon elements, and Rays racing wheels on slick Bridgestone tires further reflect this car’s competitive nature. The result is a car dramatically more aggressive and purposeful than the road model.
Race Debut & Competitors
The Prelude GT500 replaces the Civic Type R-GT, which struggled with the limitations of its four-door layout in the high-stakes series. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) believes the Prelude’s lower, sleeker coupe configuration provides a stronger platform for developing a winning machine, especially with the Super GT’s 2026 rule changes allowing further aerodynamic freedom. The car will line up against the Toyota GR Supra GT500 and Nissan Z Nismo GT500, as all three Japanese giants battle for championship supremacy.
Initial tests at Sugo Circuit have already begun, with development focused on tuning the chassis, configuring the aerodynamics, and maximizing the powertrain’s reliability and race pace. The racing season for Super GT typically runs from April to November, with pre-season aero development allowed before regulations freeze again in March.
Design & Impact
The Prelude GT500 visually resembles the standard Prelude only from a distance; up close, the carbon bodywork, exaggerated wings and aggressive stance highlight its single-minded racing focus. It’s a showcase for Honda’s motorsport engineering, hinting at what could be possible for future performance models or even special edition homologation road cars.
What It Means For Honda Enthusiasts & Motorsport
- Marks Honda’s return to a coupe-based race chassis after the sedan-based Civic Type R-GT.
- Represents Honda’s most powerful GT500 race car to date (650 HP, rear-wheel drive, carbon chassis).
- Designed to maximize new 2026 Super GT aero rules for improved competitiveness.
- Faces off against the strongest rivals in Japanese motorsport: Toyota GR Supra GT500 and Nissan Z Nismo GT500.
While the 2026 Prelude GT500 will remain a motorsport exclusive, it reignites interest in Honda’s performance legacy and signals Honda’s continued ambition in global racing.
