Honda has unveiled a racing version of the Prelude this week, a track only car aimed at the Japanese Super GT series in 2026, called the Prelude-GT GT500. Engineers at Honda Racing built this prototype to replace the Civic Type R GT500 which has been struggling against the established competition. Early images show a carbon fiber body that mirrors the street car but with much more attitude.
The GT500’s backbone is carbon fiber, which creates a lightweight monocoque that keeps weight low while increasing strength under racing conditions. The exterior is covered in panels of the same material, with some areas left uncovered to show off the raw craftsmanship. Fenders flare out to fit larger wheels, and aerodynamic pieces hug the edges—a splitter up front, skirts along the sides that skim the ground, and a massive wing at the back held by swan neck supports. Rays wheels wrap around Bridgestone slicks, with AP Racing brakes to haul the car down from high speed.
- LEGO FERRARI MODEL CAR KIT – Builders ages 10+ can create the legendary Technic Ferrari FXX K with authentic details and working mechanical features
- AUTHENTIC RACE CAR DETAILS – This supercar building set features working butterfly doors, opening hood, and an engine cover that reveals the...
- CAR MODEL KIT – Young engineers explore real automotive concepts with this educational learning toy as they build the working differential and watch...
Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, tuned to produce between 550-650 horsepower. That goes to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox, a setup that requires skill from the driver but rewards them with sharp responses and controlled slides. Gone is the front-wheel drive of the street car, and the hybrid system that pairs a gasoline engine with electric motors for 200 horsepower and smooth cruising. This car strips away all that for raw power, the kind that launches the car forward in a straight line and holds it steady through the corners.
Rivals will maintain their lead with established cars like the Toyota GR Supra GT500, which won the title in 2024, and will try to repeat in 2025 with a design optimized for reliability and speed. The Nissan Z Nismo GT500 has a similar edge and will return next season with modifications of their own. Honda has a tough task to match those pace setters, but the Prelude has advantages tailored to the fight. Rear-wheel drive gives better traction out of the corners, and the coupe shape allows for cleaner airflow than the Civic’s four-door ever did.
Winning in Super GT is not just about the numbers—it’s about the whole package of reliability, driver feedback and pit strategy working together over long races. The Prelude GT500 enters a series where endurance is as important as outright speed for the car and the team. Honda has a long history in the category, with past wins showing what it takes to win a championship. This car builds on that knowledge, sharper and more aggressive after recent disappointments. As testing continues, early data will inform the changes that will tip the balance in the team’s favour.
[Source]
