Honda Prelude-GT unveiled with aerodynamic overhaul and 650hp
What's the story
Honda has officially unveiled a racing version of its recently revived Prelude, the Prelude-GT. The new model will compete in the top-tier GT500 class of Japan's Super GT series from next year. While it may look like the road-going version, there's a lot more to this beast under the hood.
Design and performance
Prelude-GT packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
Like all modern GT500 cars, the Prelude-GT is built on a carbon fiber monocoque. Its bodywork is made of sports carbon and looks similar to its road car counterpart. However, unlike the 200hp production model, the Prelude-GT packs a punch with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 650hp. The power is sent to rear wheels through a six-speed sequential transmission.
Upcoming challenges
Prelude-GT replaces Honda Civic Type R-GT
The Prelude-GT will go head-to-head against the likes of Toyota GR Supra GT500 and Nissan Z Nismo GT500. The new model replaces Honda's previous Super GT machine, the Civic Type R-GT. The latter had a four-door body that wasn't ideal for a competitive race car. Despite its efforts, the Civic Type R-GT only managed one win in two years of competition.
Future aspirations
Super GT will lift aerodynamic restrictions next year
Honda Racing's Masahiro Saeki expressed confidence in the new model, saying they see "potential to achieve a higher level than the Civic Type R-GT by applying the knowledge gained over these past two years." He was optimistic about developing a Prelude-based Super GT machine. Next year, Super GT will also lift aerodynamic restrictions, making competition even fiercer.