Key Points
- The new Honda Prelude's hybrid, auto-only powertrain and price sparked criticism.
- J's Racing is developing tuning options; some could reach the U.S. market.
- The shop in Japan is home to tuned Honda cars like the S2000 and Civic Type R.
The Hybrid Coupe That Sparked Debate
The Honda Prelude has returned after being discontinued in the early 2000s, but its comeback hasn’t been as warmly received as some might have hoped. Critics have pointed to the decision to use a hybrid powertrain producing only about 200 horsepower — less than the more affordable Toyota GR86 — while also omitting the enthusiast-favorite manual transmission. Dealer markups in the U.S. have reportedly climbed to around $10,000, pushing the price past $50,000 — territory already occupied by cars like the Ford Mustang GT Premium, which produces 480 horsepower.
Regardless, one renowned Japanese tuner, J’s Racing, is already betting on the Prelude after bringing in an example for a development project. Dino DC on YouTube recently checked out the car while visiting J’s Racing’s new headquarters just outside Osaka, where the shop also showcased several of its other Honda builds, including projects based on the S2000 and the Civic Type R.
A Development Project Begins
Given that the Prelude — now in its sixth generation — only went on sale last year, development on the project remains limited. Murakami-san, the man behind J’s Racing, said the shop does not yet have a customer for the car, though that could change depending on how successful the build is and whether it helps boost the model’s appeal among enthusiasts.
Murakami-san noted that the car was already fitted with an in-house titanium exhaust system, giving it a low-rumble exhaust note. However, Honda intentionally prevents the model from revving while parked, saying the restriction reflects the brand’s commitment to “a clean, fuel-efficient hybrid lineup.” That’s a stark contrast to the other cars in the shop, including a widebody S2000 build that was freely revved and features upgraded internals producing more than 300 horsepower.
The Honda specialist showcased a Civic Type R FL5 claimed to produce around 420 horsepower, roughly 100 horsepower more than the stock figure. It also displayed an S660, a tiny sports car that never made it to the U.S. market, where buyers generally prefer larger vehicles. The kei car’s output had been boosted to around 100 horsepower — about a 40-horsepower increase. While that may not sound like much, it’s more than adequate for a car of its small size.
While the final results of the project remain to be seen, it’s worth noting that J’s Racing has operations in the United States, meaning some of the parts developed for the Prelude could eventually become available stateside. Mugen — Honda’s closely affiliated high-performance partner — has also already released its own version of the Prelude called the SPEC.III. The package includes carbon-fiber body components and a sport exhaust system. However, the kit was sold in Japan through a lottery system, though U.S. buyers still have a few customization options available, including a tailgate spoiler and an underbody front spoiler.
Nouvelles connexes
