The current Civic RS has a combustion engine and a manual gearbox, but Honda is working on a hybrid alternative
Honda is rolling into the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 with a fleet of concepts and prototypes. Headlining the showcase are a pair of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) concepts based on the Civic Type R and the new Prelude. Also in the spotlight is the new Civic e:HEV RS prototype, which fuses hybrid tech with simulated gear changes.
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Beginning with the Civic e:HEV RS, this new prototype builds on the RS trim that launched in Japan last year. That original version served as a sportier take on the Civic hatchback, featuring a sharper chassis setup, a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, and a six-speed manual gearbox.
The e:HEV RS takes a different route, swapping out the combustion drivetrain for a self-charging hybrid system. It also adds Honda’s S+ Shift mode, which aims to deliver a more engaging driving experience despite the absence of a traditional gearbox.
The Civic e:HEV RS is still in prototype form, but its presence suggests Honda may be eyeing a production version. If it gets the green light, it will become the second model to use the S+ Shift tech, following the Prelude. This system mimics gear shifts by manipulating RPM, torque delivery, and engine sounds.
As for the powertrain, the e:HEV RS will likely use Honda’s standard hybrid setup, combining a 2.0-liter engine with two electric motors to produce a total of 200 hp (149 kW or 203 PS).
While Honda hasn’t released any official images yet, the prototype is expected to resemble the current RS model, featuring red emblems, dark trim, black 18-inch alloy wheels, and optional aerodynamic add-ons. One notable difference, however, will be the absence of the dual tailpipes found on the gasoline version.
Honda Racing Corporation Concepts
On the performance side, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is back in action with two new concepts. While details remain light, they’re expected to follow the blueprint of the Acura Integra Type S HRC Prototype from 2024, with visual tweaks and chassis enhancements aimed at track use.
The Civic Type R HRC Concept, in particular, is being touted as the ultimate in pure sports performance. It’s unclear whether this is a preview of a higher-performance Type R or simply a testbed for new components, but either way, it adds intrigue to the lineup.
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Meanwhile, the Prelude HRC Concept will bring its own set of enhancements, billed as upgrades that further explore “the joy of driving.” This builds on optional parts already available from Honda Genuine Accessories and Mugen, though HRC is expected to push the envelope further.
Rounding out the lineup is the Honda HRC Prelude-GT racecar, which is set to compete in the GT500 class of Japan’s Super GT series starting in 2026. For sim racing fans, Honda will also showcase a new racing simulator based on the retired NSX-GT.
In the official teaser of the Honda booth we counted 14 cars and two motorcycles, suggesting even more surprises could be in store
The Tokyo Auto Salon takes place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture from January 9 to 11, with Honda’s press conference scheduled for January 8 at 8:30 pm EST. More information will be released as we get closer to the show.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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