Honda Prelude GT500 Breaks Cover Looking Lean and Mean

In a move set to invigorate the Super GT racing scene, Honda has unveiled the Prelude GT500, a new race car poised to replace the Civic Type R-GT. This strategic shift comes as Honda aims to enhance its competitive edge in the celebrated GT500 class. With the Prelude GT500, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is banking on a fresh design and innovative engineering to achieve superior performance on the track.

Honda's decision to introduce the Prelude GT500 follows a period of underperformance by the Civic Type R-GT, which had been a staple in Honda's Super GT lineup since its introduction in 2024. The Civic, despite its sporting heritage, faced challenges due to its four-door layout, which imposed certain design limitations. In response, Honda has turned to the recently unveiled Prelude sports coupe as a more fitting base for its latest GT500 contender. The Prelude's sleek, two-door design offers a more aerodynamic profile, aligning with the competitive demands of GT racing.

The Prelude GT500 will make its debut in the 2026 Super GT season, where it will face off against formidable rivals like the Toyota GR Supra GT500 and the Nissan Z Nismo GT500. Honda's strategic pivot to the Prelude is not just about aerodynamics but also performance enhancements. The Prelude is expected to leverage lessons learned from the Civic Type R-GT's tenure, applying them to achieve higher goals in speed and agility. According to Masahiro Saeki, HRC's Super GT project leader, the team is optimistic about the Prelude's potential to outperform its predecessor.

The first test for the Prelude GT500 is scheduled for October 1 at Sportsland Sugo in Japan, marking a significant milestone in its development journey. This shakedown will provide Honda with critical data to fine-tune the vehicle ahead of its competitive debut. The anticipation surrounding the Prelude GT500's performance is high, as it embodies a new era for Honda in the Super GT series. The Prelude's entry signifies not only a change in vehicle dynamics but also a renewed commitment to innovation and excellence in motorsport.

As the Prelude GT500 prepares to hit the track, it carries with it the hopes of Honda Racing Corporation to reclaim a dominant position in the GT500 class. The transition from the Civic Type R-GT to the Prelude underscores Honda's agility in adapting to competitive pressures and its dedication to maintaining a cutting-edge presence in motorsport. Fans and competitors alike are eager to see how the Prelude GT500 will perform in the upcoming season, as it symbolizes a bold step forward for Honda's racing legacy.