New Honda Prelude prototype and Civic Type R Racing black

Expect these compact Hondas to arrive with wilder styling than we’ve seen before

There are few car shows in the world that highlight racing and modified cars like the Tokyo Auto Salon. Honda is one of the biggest players at the 2025 Auto Show, bringing two unseen cars, an updated Prelude prototype and a unique Civic Type R.

The Tokyo Auto Salon will be held at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture from Friday, January 10 to Sunday, January 12, 2025, and will feature at least nine Honda vehicles. They will all be seated in the Honda Sports booth, which focuses on how the brand’s performance history influences its current direction. To do this, it will have important racing cars, such as the Red Bull F1 car.

More: Honda Prelude prototype confirmed for first drive, paddle shifters and Civic interior

What we’re most excited about, though, are the two new cars Honda hasn’t shown us yet. First, it tells us that an updated Prelude prototype will appear. Apparently, this new Prelude has some aerodynamic parts to “enhance its sportiness.” It is worth noting that Honda announced today that the production version of Prelude will begin rolling off the assembly line at the end of 2025.

Now, this nameplate may stir up car enthusiasts’ memories of high-revving VTEC, but its modern version will be a two-motor hybrid electric coupe with simulated shifting. We expect the prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon to be roughly the same as the ones Honda has shown so far. Even so, it’s likely to add more aggressive aerodynamic features and perhaps a new paint color.

Honda Civic Type R Racing Black Kit

In addition, Honda said it will also launch the Civic Type R with a “Racing Black Package”. Obviously, this suggests a bunch of black badges and maybe some dark accents or black wheels. Interestingly, the fact that this is called the “Racing” pack may also indicate that it may come with some upgrades to the stock model, although we may have to wait until next month to find out.