New Mugen parts make the 2026 Honda Prelude sexier

The first step towards a hotter Honda Prelude has been taken by Mugen, which debuted this month with a variety of new aero parts and more importantly, a sports exhaust system for the upcoming hybrid sports car.

It’s no secret that Honda isn’t planning a track-ready Prelude Type R, as that sort of application is apparently too far removed from the Prelude’s grand touring intent, but that doesn’t mean a warmer Type S version won’t emerge later.

While we wait to find out, Mugen has got the ball rolling with some new carbon aero bits and a performance exhaust intended to make the hybrid coupe’s soundtrack a bit more menacing, especially when using the ‘S+Shift’ system.

Mugen specifically says the system delivers “a powerful, impressive sound and deep bass from low to high rpm, this system delivers a more linear and uplifting sound” – hopefully it doesn’t sound like a fart cannon during normal driving given the continuously variable transmission (CVT).

All these parts, and more, were previewed via the ultra-exclusive (16 lottery-distributed units) Spec.III package but will soon be available to order individually, along with Mugen-branded 19-inch BBS alloys, carbon mirror caps, performance dampers, and various decals and badges.

The 2026 Honda Prelude won’t be available Down Under until the middle of the year, however, the myriad Mugen parts will be released in Japan this April.

It’s unclear exactly when the Mugen parts are due Down Under, but it’s likely they won’t arrive until after the model itself has launched.

That said, the forged wheels – not a Prelude exclusive – are already here for existing Civic Type R owners.

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