Just a few weeks after its global introduction, the all-new Honda Prelude is already into something big as it’s set to go racing next year. According to a report by American media outlet Sportscar 365, Honda is about to begin its new chapter in Japanese motorsport with the introduction of the Prelude GT500. It will be Honda’s next-generation racecar for the prestigious Super GT series, replacing the Civic Type R GT as its challenger in the series’ top category.
The move comes as Honda retires one of its most iconic road cars, the FL5 Civic Type R, from racing duty, and passes on the torch to a revived nameplate in its history – the Prelude. The announcement was made during a shakedown event at Sportsland Sugo, where first images of the Prelude GT500 hinted at a bold new direction for Honda’s motorsports program.
The Prelude holds a special place in Honda’s lineup. First launched in the late 1970s and discontinued in 2001, it became an icon in the affordable 2-door sports coupe segment, where it clashed with the Mitsubishi Eclipse and the Toyota Celica. Its return in both road-going and racing form signals Honda’s commitment to aligning its motorsport ambitions with the spirit of its production models today. By basing the GT500 challenger on the all-new Prelude, Honda is securing the legendary coupe’s heritage with an exciting future.
One of the interesting aspects of this development is its divergence from the strategies of Honda’s Super GT rivals. As it stands, Toyota and Nissan will still continue to field the GR Supra and the Z NISMO, respectively, for the 2026 season. While both brands are allowed to make selective aerodynamic updates, neither has yet introduced a completely new car. Going by this, it’d be interesting to see how the all-new Prelude will prove its racing capabilities.
Performance-wise, the debut of the Honda Prelude GT500 may mean more than just a symbolic gesture. Sportscar 365 pointed out that the Civic Type R GT has struggled in the last few Super GT seasons, with results not quite meeting expectations. By switching to the Prelude, Honda is effectively making a big reset with the aim of returning to the leaderboard with a new design that’s optimized for the upcoming regulations.
Lastly, the introduction of the Prelude GT500 ties in with the “aerodynamic freeze” rule in Super GT, which will take effect from the 2026 to 2029 season. This new rule limits the extent to which bodywork can be altered beyond a predetermined design line. As such, the choice of a base model to be turned into a race machine is crucial, as it dictates much of the car’s long-term competitiveness.
While the 2026 Super GT season opener is still months away, the anticipation is already hot and brewing. For fans of the Prelude, its GT500 machine represents more than just the brand’s mission to win, but also the rebirth of a beloved nameplate on the global stage.
