The Honda Prelude is getting the high-performance treatment it never received from the factory. Two custom versions featuring Civic Type R powertrains will be showcased at the 2026 SEMA Show, offering enthusiasts a look at what the sports coupe could become with a more powerful engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
One project was developed by Hasport, while the other comes from throtl. Both builds feature Honda’s 2.0-liter turbocharged K20C1 engine, which produces 315 horsepower in its factory configuration.
Why the Honda Prelude Is Getting a Type R Makeover
The latest Honda Prelude has disappointed some enthusiasts who expected stronger performance from a car carrying such a recognizable sporty nameplate. Although its styling suggests a performance-focused coupe, its hybrid powertrain takes a different approach.
The production Prelude combines a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine with a two-motor hybrid system, delivering a combined output of 200 horsepower. That figure is slightly lower than the CR-V Hybrid’s output on paper.
However, the 2026 SEMA Show will feature two custom Preludes equipped with Civic Type R powertrains, including the turbocharged K20C1 engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
Hasport Prelude Club Racer Focuses on Track Performance
The Hasport Prelude Club Racer is a track-focused project designed to compete in time attack events.
The custom vehicle features a livery inspired by the Hasport Prelude Circuit Monster, along with a Borla exhaust system and suspension tuning derived from the Acura Integra Type S TCX race car.
The build will be displayed at the Honda Racing Corporation booth during the 2026 SEMA Show.
Throtl Creates the Prelude Type R Honda Never Made
The second project is described as the “Prelude Type R that Honda never did.” The build offers a different interpretation of the modern coupe, imagining what it could have been like with a more powerful factory-style Type R powertrain.
The engine conversion is documented on YouTube, showing that the project involved several challenges despite the Prelude and Civic sharing core underpinnings.
The modifications included changes to the front and rear bumpers and the fabrication of custom motor mounts to accommodate the new engine.
Honda designed the production Prelude as a modern grand touring sports coupe that balances driving enjoyment, fuel efficiency, and everyday usability. The custom Type R-inspired version takes a more performance-focused approach.
Honda Racing Corporation Prepares Major SEMA Display
Beyond the Hasport Prelude Club Racer, the Honda Racing Corporation booth will feature several other performance vehicles at the upcoming event.
- Civic Type R HRC Concept: Making its North American debut.
- 2027 Passport TrailSport Baja Chase: Featured among the displayed vehicles.
- 2026 Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 AMR26: Honda-powered Formula 1 car.
- 2026 Honda IndyCar: The winner of the Indy 500.
HRC US will also introduce its first lineup of performance parts for on-road and off-road vehicles.
2026 SEMA Show Dates and Location
The 2026 SEMA Show will run from November 3 to November 6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The two custom Honda Prelude builds will bring a 315-horsepower Civic Type R powertrain to the spotlight, presenting a performance-focused alternative to the production model’s 200-horsepower hybrid setup.
