Honda Prelude Type R Hybrid? Twin Motor Setup and K20 Power!

Rumors about a Honda Prelude Type R Hybrid have picked up serious momentum this past week, and enthusiasts cannot stop talking. While the standard Prelude is expected to launch in 2025 as a stylish hybrid coupe, reports now suggest that a Type S might follow in 2026, with a full-blown Type R potentially arriving in 2027.

The excitement around this possible Prelude Type R is fueled by speculation from Japanese sources claiming that Honda could pair the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from the Civic Type R with a dual electric motor setup. That combination could deliver anywhere between 350 to 400 horsepower, offering both performance and efficiency. Unlike older models that were manual-only icons, this rumored Type R might come equipped with simulated gear shifting and paddle controls, similar to what Honda previewed in the standard Prelude prototype.

If the drivetrain rumors are accurate, we could be looking at an all-wheel-drive performance hybrid with torque vectoring and lightning-quick response. It might not bring back the manual gearbox purists hope for, but the technology under development suggests Honda is focused on delivering a thrilling driving experience, even if it is hybrid-powered.

Visually, we might expect Type R design cues like aggressive bumpers, a wing, and lightweight wheels. Underneath, enhancements like adaptive suspension, a wider track, and improved rigidity would align it with the Civic Type R platform. However, Honda’s engineers remain quiet. Tomoyuki Yamagami, the chief engineer, stated recently that nothing is confirmed yet but admitted that “Type R does not depend on the propulsion method.”

That comment alone has sparked even more speculation. Could Honda really reinvent the Type R legacy with electrified performance? While many fans are excited, some are skeptical about losing the manual gearbox. Still, the prospect of a sleek, AWD, high-horsepower Prelude coupe is hard to ignore.

As the Prelude’s 2025 debut nears, all eyes are now on Honda. Whether these rumors materialize or not, one thing is clear—Honda fans are ready for the next chapter.