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2026 FL5 Speculation Thread

Cueyo

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In Honda's own marketing, they've said that the car is meant to be a "cruiser" not a race car or a Type R like car. The media comparisons to the GR86 and the like is pointless. I also think that it's also their attempt to get the attention of older/previous Prelude owners.

My Dad, who owned a 4th gen Prelude VTEC has taken notice of it, so it must be working...
I still strongly believe the prelude is a litmus test for the markets tolerance to a sportier hybrid. I think the fact that they've marketed the type R's suspension as a part of it is a hint towards that.

There's really not any sporty hybrid coupes on the market like the prelude anymore (maybe the Miata?), so a comparison to the gr86 makes sense in that regard (not so much anything else lol)
 

onepointsix

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I still strongly believe the prelude is a litmus test for the markets tolerance to a sportier hybrid. I think the fact that they've marketed the type R's suspension as a part of it is a hint towards that.

There's really not any sporty hybrid coupes on the market like the prelude anymore (maybe the Miata?), so a comparison to the gr86 makes sense in that regard (not so much anything else lol)
Yup, I agree. The Prelude has always been that car used for experimentation so no surprise there.

They've done with the CR-Z back in the day. It was underpowered though and wasn't what people were hoping it would be. It puts Honda in an odd position with Toyota and other automakers, showing future petrol engines. Honda needs a performance oriented hybrid or a new "K" series motor to compete.
 

TypeRD

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I still strongly believe the prelude is a litmus test for the markets tolerance to a sportier hybrid. I think the fact that they've marketed the type R's suspension as a part of it is a hint towards that.

There's really not any sporty hybrid coupes on the market like the prelude anymore (maybe the Miata?), so a comparison to the gr86 makes sense in that regard (not so much anything else lol)
We know that Honda can make a great hybrid, as demonstrated by the 2nd gen NSX. In addition to what you’re saying, I think it’s also a more sporty competitor to the new, sporty-ish and popular, Prius.
 
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VarmintCong

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Funny enough, plugging the 2001 Prelude TypeSH MSRP into the inflation calc isnt too far off $50k, about $48,500. today.
Yeah I remember them being somewhat unaffordable. I might have still bought it if I fit in it. I liked the way it drove better than the '97 GSR sedan I bought instead. But too little headroom thanks to the standard moonroof in the Prelude.
 


joshinthecity

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when did they confirm this?
About a week ago. It wasn't published. It was a phone call between the Dealer Principal of a major dealership group and Honda Australia. It's not hearsay though, I heard the entire conversation myself.
The question was asked directly and answered the same say. Unambiguous.
"The information we (Honda Australia) have from Honda Japan, is this is the last year"
Or words to that effect.
 

Adam123

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About a week ago. It wasn't published. It was a phone call between the Dealer Principal of a major dealership group and Honda Australia. It's not hearsay though, I heard the entire conversation myself.
The question was asked directly and answered the same say. Unambiguous.
"The information we (Honda Australia) have from Honda Japan, is this is the last year"
Or words to that effect.
Well luckily I went through with putting a deposit and getting an allocation. I was unsure if I should wait until next year.
 

Lamotrigine

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About a week ago. It wasn't published. It was a phone call between the Dealer Principal of a major dealership group and Honda Australia. It's not hearsay though, I heard the entire conversation myself.
The question was asked directly and answered the same say. Unambiguous.
"The information we (Honda Australia) have from Honda Japan, is this is the last year"
Or words to that effect.
Oh damnnnnnn. Lucky I made up my mind quick
 


 







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