Honda has revealed the Prelude GT500, a new racing prototype built to compete in Japan’s Super GT series from 2026. The car produces 660 hp from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, but it won’t
ever be sold to the public. Aimed at replacing the Civic Type R GT500, which has struggled since its 2024 debut, the new Prelude GT500 is being developed by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC).
Unlike the road-going Prelude unveiled earlier this year, which uses a hybrid setup with around 200 hp, the GT500 is a purpose-built race car with rear-wheel drive and no hybrid system. The move marks a decisive step away from Honda’s recent focus on front-wheel-drive layouts in its road cars.
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The GT500 racer features a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis and extreme aerodynamics, including flared wheel arches, deep air vents, and a large fixed rear wing. These elements are designed to help it compete against the current benchmarks in the series, the Toyota GR Supra GT500 and the Nissan Z Nismo GT500. HRC says the Prelude GT500 is scheduled to begin testing this week, though many of its technical details are still under wraps.
The change comes at a critical time for Honda. Its current GT500 entry, the Civic Type R, has claimed only one race win in two full seasons, leaving the brand trailing behind Toyota, whose GR Supra has dominated the grid. The new car reflects Honda’s effort to reset its motorsport strategy and return to the front of Japan’s most competitive racing championship.
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Fans eager to get behind the wheel will be disappointed. Like other GT500-class machines, the Prelude is built solely for racing teams and professional drivers. It will not be homologated for road use. Honda, however, notes that lessons learned from its motorsport program could influence future production cars. The 2026 Super GT season will also bring revised aerodynamic regulations, giving teams more freedom to innovate. Honda believes this timing works in its favour, allowing the Prelude GT500 to make a stronger debut.
