- Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) develops extensions for cars and SUVs.
- The Prelude and Civic Type R lead the way.
- Crossovers also get HRC upgrades.
Italdesign’s redesigned NSX is the most interesting Honda at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, but the Japanese automaker itself also has some juicy news to share. Through its global racing division, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), it has given the new Prelude a spicy makeover. Moreover, the Civic Type R hot hatch has never looked so aggressive.
While both are technically concepts, Honda says the punchier Prelude and CTR are a sign of things to come. There will be more expensive versions with HRC-branded parts, with everything from fender flares to large rear wings. The duo will be the founders of a new ‘Sport Line’, intended for improved configurations with HRC goodies.
Honda’s luxury division, Acura, first hinted at an HRC parts catalog with a beefed-up Integra Type S during Monterey Car Week 2024. While those parts are still not available for purchase, these new concepts strongly suggest that HRC bolt-ons are on the way for customers looking to spice up their cars.
Photo by: Honda
In addition, Honda is introducing a Trail Line specifically for crossovers and SUVs equipped with HRC items. To that end, a rugged Passport TrailSport Elite is on display in Tokyo, following its debut last November at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It will be joined on stage by TrailSport HRC concepts based on the CR-V, ZR-V, Vezel and WR-V.
A colorful Civic hatchback is also present at the event and is the first Honda to receive the S+ Shift technology after the Prelude. It will go on sale in Japan at the end of this year, allowing drivers to swap imaginary cogs using the paddle shifters. It’s too early to tell if availability will extend beyond the domestic market or if it will remain JDM-only.
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Source: Honda
Taking Motor1s: It makes sense for Honda to create an additional revenue stream by offering a new line of HRC accessories. But at least in the case of the Prelude and Civic Type R, these upgrades appear to be largely limited to visual changes. More substantial changes are likely planned, as the Integra Type S concept also featured adjustable coilovers and a carbon fiber hood.
Hopefully these HRC parts will be available individually rather than just as complete packages. The Prelude and CTR concepts are too aggressive for our tastes, but we would definitely choose some of the components Honda is developing.
#Honda #visually #enhances #Prelude