New Honda Prelude Type R imagined

The Honda Prelude concept may not be electric, as originally thought, but it opens up the possibility of a future petrol-powered Type R performance coupe.

One of the stars of the recent Tokyo motor show was the Honda Prelude concept – marking a return of the nameplate after a near three-decades-long absence.

But while initial reports suggested the Prelude was electric, details revealed in the days following its reveal suggested the svelte coupe was merely a hybrid – likely sitting on the same underpinnings as the Honda Civic hatchback.

Though there was an air of disappointment at the news, the revelation does leave the door open for a high-performance Prelude Type R – with partially petrol power – in the future.

These digital illustrations by artist Theottle provide an idea of what we could expect if Honda decided to green-light a Prelude Type R.

MORE: The Honda Prelude is back! Concept unveiled, showroom version to follow

The hypothetical Prelude Type R would borrow the ccritically-acclaimed Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 235kW and 420Nm, with power sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.

Previous reports from 2022 out of Japan suggested the Prelude would be an electric vehicle.

While the concept proved not to be electric, there is still a chance it could adopt battery power when it reaches showrooms.

However, the Prelude Type R would be in a segment almost on its own, with only Ford offering an alternative high-performance coupe with a similar level of performance, in the V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive Mustang. The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ aren’t as powerful or quick.

The Prelude Type R in these images follows many of the design cues of its hatchback sibling, borrowing the Civic Type R’s body kit, wheels, bonnet vent, rear wing, and signature trio of exhaust tips.

MORE: 2023 Tokyo motor show – the Drive team’s hits and misses

The ‘PTR’ also features a carbon-fibre roof and a trademark red Honda badge, along with red brake callipers and interior trim.

While the Honda Prelude Type R is just a pipedream for now, nothing is stopping the Japanese car brand from forging ahead with the high-performance coupe in the coming years.

Should Honda build a Prelude Type R? Let us know in the comments below.

The post New Honda Prelude Type R imagined appeared first on Drive.