Latest news with #TomoyukiYamagami
Top Gear
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Honda hasn't completely shut down the idea of a new Prelude Type R
Hybrid As the Civic Type R leaves us and a new Prelude arrives, TG asks the obvious question… Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading The Honda Civic Type R is dead. Well, it will be once all 40 examples of the FL5's 'Ultimate Edition' are built and with their new owners. That leaves what we would consider to be a whopping great hole in Honda's lineup for a proper performance car. Thankfully, the Prelude name is back, and it's returning on a two-door coupe. We've had a brief go already in a pre-production car and came away impressed with its simulated 'S+ Shift' gearbox, but could a full-fat Prelude Type R be in the works? Advertisement - Page continues below 'It's a very difficult question, of course, and you can't expect a direct answer,' said the new Prelude's chief engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami. We knew this would happen, but it'd be remiss not to ask. 'We have been talking for years now about whether there will be a hybrid Type R in the future or a battery-electric Type R in the future,' Yamagami-san continued. 'What we've always said is that Type R is not dependent on the method of propulsion.' You might like Of course, it wasn't an outright no when TG asked about an all-electric 0 Series Type R at the beginning of this year, and the same could now be said for the hybridised Prelude. 'I remember when the first turbocharged Type R came on the market, and everybody was so disappointed,' said Yamagami. Advertisement - Page continues below 'Everyone was questioning the decision to go away from the naturally aspirated engine, but nowadays nobody even talks about that because the Type R badge is more than just a drive unit. It's the ability to enhance dynamic performance to its maximum, and as long as this attribute is being realised it doesn't matter whether it's hybrid, electric or a naturally aspirated petrol engine.' Dig the 324bhp 2.0-litre turbo four-pot, the six-speed manual gearbox and a giant rear wing out of the Civic Type R parts bin, Honda, then maybe strap a little bit of mild-hybrid assist in and you've got yourself a lightweight Prelude Type R. Perfect, no? Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Motor 1
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'Market Demands:' An Electric Honda Civic Type R Could Still Happen
The future of electric vehicles, especially in America, is more uncertain than ever, with federal tax credits and funding drying up. That's forcing many companies to reconsider their futures, including Honda . The Japanese automaker is reportedly shifting resources from EVs to hybrids as it attempts to keep up with the changing tides. But the possibility of an electric Civic Type R isn't completely out of the cards—one day. Speaking with Auto Express , Honda Prelude project leader Tomoyuki Yamagami left the door open for such a model in the future. He told the publication that the Type R could be anything the "market demands," adding that the Type R badge is "not dependent on a turbo powertrain.' According to Yamagami, Type R badge is about maximizing the car's dynamic attributes. However, a battery-powered Type R is likely still years away. Earlier this year, Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda's BEV Development Center, questioned how the engineers could still guarantee that an electric Type R was still a joy to drive . A battery and electric motor give a car different driving dynamics that present unique challenges, although Akiwa admitted then that Honda hasn't given up on the endeavor. But if consumers don't want electric vehicles, Honda is unlikely to build them. It has allegedly already pulled the plug on a large SUV , a segment consumers love, and we doubt Honda will want to spend the money necessary to develop a low-volume electric hot hatch. Not only is the future of electric vehicles faltering in the United States, but President Donald Trump's tariffs on Japan pose a threat to Honda's financial future. A recent report suggested the automaker is in talks to have Nissan build Honda-branded trucks at its factory in Mississippi. Here's More Honda News: 2026 Honda Prelude Near-Production Prototype Revealed The Honda Super EV Looks Like a Kei Car For Europe Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Auto Express Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
