You may not be able to get the new Honda Prelude with anything more than a 200-horsepower hybrid powertrain, but you can always make it look quicker than it is. Nobody is better for that job than Honda tuning company Mugen, known for outfitting both everyday and high-performance Hondas with aggressive body kits and aerodynamic components. Mugen unveiled its body kit for the Prelude last year, and now we have pricing, the full selection of parts, and availability for the kit. The bad news? It’s ultra-exclusive and only available for purchase via a lottery system.
Related: Oh No — Honda Prelude Isn’t As Quick As Expected
Type R Looks—Without The Performance
Honda Prelude with Mugen parts Mugen
Mugen’s body kit works well on the Prelude, which is already a rather dashing coupe in standard form. Known as the SPEC.III, the body kit includes the following carbon parts:
- Front under spoiler
- Side garnish
- Side skirts
- Rear under spoiler
- Rear under diffuser
- Tailgate spoiler
- Door mirror covers
Customers will also get a sports exhaust system, although we’re not sure how exciting a four-cylinder hybrid can be made to sound. A serial plate number is included, too, and Mugen also has Yamaha-tuned dampers and special brake pads available separately. With all the extras and special wheels, the SPEC.III would do a Type R badge proud, if such a Prelude ever became available. A bigger spoiler and a triple-exit exhaust system would bring it even closer to the visual drama of the Civic Type R.
Mugen
The SPEC.III kit costs ¥1,650,000 (around $10,500) on its own, but adding the performance hardware could set you back a lot more, as the stainless steel sports exhaust is $2,170 alone, while the 19-inch forged BBS wheels cost around $4,500.
Related: Honda Prelude Battles Muscle Car and Budget Sedan for Car of the Year Crown
Limited To Just 16 Sets
Honda Prelude with Mugen parts Mugen
Mugen will only be developing 16 SPEC.III sets, an exceptionally limited number, especially considering how many Preludes have already been sold in Japan. The chances of getting one of these kits become even slimmer since a lottery system is in place to decide who can purchase one. This begins with an application via Honda dealers in Japan, which are open between January 9 and February 27. The 16 lucky winners will be announced on March 19, but shipping only begins on June 19.
For anyone outside Japan, it’ll be nearly impossible to secure one of these Mugen kits, although individual parts are still available to order.
Honda itself offers only minimal customization of the Prelude’s design in the United States. You can specify special 19-inch gloss black machined alloys for $2,156, while a tailgate spoiler is $500 and an underbody front spoiler goes for $350. There’s also a Two-Tone trim with a black roof and mirrors, costing $2,500 more than the already pricey standard model ($42,000).