Electric Cars

At the recent SEMA Show in Las Vegas, two independent customizers unveiled their distinct interpretations of a high-performance Honda Prelude, dubbed the "Prelude Type R." These creations, by Hasport and Throtl, both feature the robust 315-horsepower powertrain from the Civic Type R, showcasing significant engineering and fabrication to integrate the advanced drivetrain into the Prelude's chassis. These bespoke vehicles offer a tantalizing glimpse into a more potent version of Honda's latest coupe, generating considerable buzz among automotive enthusiasts.

Custom Honda Prelude Type R Builds Ignite SEMA Show

The 2026 SEMA Show, held from November 4th to November 6th in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, became the stage for two groundbreaking custom builds of the Honda Prelude. Renowned for its focus on aftermarket innovations, the event saw Hasport and Throtl unveil their respective "Prelude Type R" creations, each meticulously engineered to house the formidable 315-horsepower engine from the Civic Type R. This marked a significant upgrade from the production Prelude's 200-horsepower hybrid system.

Hasport's entry, a dedicated time-attack machine named the Club Racer, was prominently displayed at the Honda Racing Corporation's booth. This placement subtly hinted at Honda's internal interest in such a high-performance variant, even without an official production commitment. The Club Racer integrates suspension components derived from the Acura Integra Type S TCX race car and features a bespoke Borla exhaust system, all wrapped in a livery that pays homage to Hasport's earlier Prelude Circuit Monster.

Conversely, Throtl, a prominent aftermarket specialist and YouTube channel, presented a street-oriented version in collaboration with Idemitsu. Throtl's co-founder, Evan Beckerman, detailed the extensive modifications required, including adapting the Civic Type R's front and rear bumpers, crafting a carbon-fiber hood with Seibon that seamlessly incorporates the Type R's signature scoop, and integrating the Civic's triple-exit exhaust and rear wing. The interior of Throtl's Prelude received a comprehensive makeover, featuring red Alcantara door panels, rear seats, and a complete transplant of the Civic Type R's shifter, center console, and even its carpet. Beckerman noted the intricate challenge of fitting the Type R's intercooler, necessitating the Civic bumper swap for adequate airflow.

The integration of the Civic Type R's turbocharged 2.0-liter K20C1 engine and six-speed manual transmission into both Preludes involved considerable custom fabrication. Despite sharing some foundational elements, the swap was far from straightforward, requiring precise engineering to ensure full functionality, with Throtl's car even communicating as a Civic Type R via its OBD2 system.

While these custom builds demonstrate the exciting potential of a more powerful Prelude, Honda has previously stated that a factory-produced Prelude Type R is not currently in their plans. However, the official showcase of Hasport's build at Honda's own HRC booth suggests that the concept is being internally considered, keeping enthusiasts hopeful for a future performance model.

These innovative custom builds of the Honda Prelude Type R at the SEMA Show serve as a powerful testament to the ingenuity and passion within the automotive aftermarket community. They not only push the boundaries of vehicle customization but also spark important conversations about the potential evolution of iconic models. From a consumer perspective, these creations highlight a persistent demand for high-performance variants, especially for beloved platforms like the Prelude. For manufacturers, it's a clear signal to observe and perhaps draw inspiration from these enthusiast-driven projects, understanding that sometimes the most exciting innovations stem from the creative freedom of custom builders. The dialogue between aftermarket visionaries and original equipment manufacturers is crucial for fostering an environment of continuous automotive evolution and fulfilling the desires of a dedicated enthusiast base.

Colorado is preparing for significant snowfall, with a winter weather advisory forecasting up to 11 inches in higher elevations. This advisory, issued by the National Weather Service, highlights the potential for hazardous driving conditions, especially during Wednesday evening's commute. A key change for drivers is the expanded scope of the state's traction law, which now includes all passenger vehicles, irrespective of their drivetrain. This requires drivers to ensure their vehicles are equipped with suitable tires or alternative traction devices to navigate the snowy mountain highways safely.

The advisories detail specific snow accumulations and timelines across various regions, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the traction law. This measure aims to enhance safety on roads like I-70, particularly between Dotsero and Morrison, where the law is in effect for an extended period. Violations carry substantial fines, increasing significantly if a non-compliant vehicle causes a road closure. Authorities urge all drivers to stay informed about current road conditions and comply with regulations to prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow during this winter weather event.

Winter Weather Advisory: Snowfall Forecast and Impact Zones

Colorado is currently under a winter weather advisory, with forecasts indicating substantial snowfall of up to 11 inches in its mountainous areas, persisting until Thursday morning. The National Weather Service has highlighted potential hazards for drivers, particularly during Wednesday's evening commute, as roads are expected to become slick. In response, the state's traction law has been activated, now extending its requirements to all passenger vehicles, including those with two-wheel drive. This mandates that all vehicles must either have appropriate tires or be equipped with chains or other approved traction devices to ensure safety on snow-covered mountain highways.

The advisory covers specific regions, with NWS Denver issuing warnings for areas like Summit County, the Mosquito Range, and Indian Peaks, predicting 3 to 10 inches of snow, with higher localized amounts. NWS Pueblo anticipates 4 to 9 inches, potentially reaching 11 inches in the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges and Pikes Peak, warning of extremely difficult travel conditions. Meanwhile, NWS Grand Junction expects 4 to 8 inches above 10,000 feet in the Gore and Elk Mountains, including Vail Pass and Aspen, cautioning about slippery bridges and overpasses. These detailed forecasts emphasize the widespread impact and the critical need for preparedness among residents and travelers.

Colorado's Traction Law: New Regulations for All Passenger Vehicles

Colorado's traction law has undergone significant revisions, now encompassing every passenger vehicle, including two-wheel drive models, as of a new state law enacted on May 5. This expansion means that all drivers must adhere to specific tire requirements or utilize approved alternative traction devices when the law is in effect on state highways, particularly on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison from September 1 to May 31. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) communicates activations via overhead message boards and its COtrip map, urging drivers to stay informed and compliant to avoid penalties.

To meet the traction law's requirements, tires must have a minimum tread depth of 3/16 inch and feature an all-weather rating, an M+S or M/S marking, or the mountain and snowflake symbol. Vehicles not equipped with qualifying tires must have chains or an approved alternative traction device on at least two tires. Non-compliance can result in a fine of $100 plus a $33 surcharge, escalating to $500 plus $157 if the vehicle causes a lane closure. A more stringent passenger vehicle chain law, mandating chains on all cars regardless of tire type, is a last-resort measure. Drivers are advised to consult cotrip.org or dial 511 for real-time road conditions and to ensure their vehicles meet the necessary safety standards.