Honda has released fresh details about its upcoming Prelude, in a possible attempt to reassure people that this really will be a sports car.

The sports coupe is launching for the 2026 model year.

If you read through online comments, the two most common gripes you’ll find are that the upcoming Honda Prelude is hybrid powered and has no manual transmission, while the automaker says the sixth-generation Prelude will be an engaging car.

To prove its point, Honda released details about the car’s suspension and chassis components.

The car will feature Honda’s dual-axis front suspension design, which was introduced in the 2017 Civic Type R. This will also be the first time Honda will use this suspension design on a car not wearing the Type R badge.

The car will also utilize the wide front and rear tracks and the Brembo brakes of the Civic Type R.

The suspension and brake system will be tuned specifically for the Prelude for what Honda calls a sporty yet comfortable grand touring driving experience.

Powering the car will be the Civic Hybrid’s two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain. In the Civic Hybrid, the powertrain produces 200 hp and 232 lb.-ft. of torque.

This powertrain will feature the Honda S+ Shift system, which gives the driver linear shift control, increasing the car’s sporty behaviour without sacrificing comfort, Honda said.

“As a result, the new sixth-generation Prelude will deliver high levels of driver exhilaration and engagement, including unmatched driving dynamics and fun-to-drive feel – all while remaining comfortable for everyday driving,” Honda said in a news release.

The 2026 Honda Prelude is expected to be available in Canada later this year.

For updates, visit the Honda Canada website.

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