Wrestler‑turned‑actor John Cena trades his beloved 2021 Honda Civic Type R for the controversial Honda Prelude. Discover why and read the full story now.
John Cena – the eight‑time WWE champion who has also made a name for himself in Hollywood – is as famous for his car collection as he is for his on‑screen presence. Over the years he’s been spotted behind the wheel of high‑performance machines such as the Ford GT, Mustang, COPO Camaro, Dodge Hemi Charger and Plymouth Road Runner.
The beloved Honda Civic Type R
Among those rides, the 2021 Honda Civic Type R held a special place in Cena’s garage. Painted in the eye‑catching Boost Blue, the hatchback quickly became his “baby” after almost two years of daily use.
Enter the controversial Honda Prelude
Recently, Cena took to his social media accounts to announce a surprising upgrade: he has swapped the Civic for a brand‑new Honda Prelude. The Prelude, a two‑door coupe that has divided American car fans, is often dubbed the “younger sibling” of the Type R because it shares a similar chassis and suspension setup.
How the switch happened
During a routine service appointment for his Civic, Cena stumbled upon a gleaming Prelude in the same dealership. The car, also finished in a striking Boost Blue, caught his eye, and he didn’t hesitate to put down a deposit.
Specs and performance
The new Prelude is a hybrid‑powered coupe. It combines a 2.0‑liter, four‑cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, delivering a total output of about 200 horsepower. The power is sent to the front wheels, and the car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0‑62 mph) in roughly 7‑8 seconds – quick enough to satisfy any street‑car enthusiast.
Pricing and market response
When it launched, the Prelude carried a price tag of US$42,000, positioning it above popular rivals like the Ford Mustang and Subaru BRZ. The premium price proved to be a barrier: only 174 units were sold in December, a stark contrast to the 18,176 Civic Type Rs Honda moved in the same period.
What fans are saying
Cena’s decision sparked lively debate online. Some fans admire his willingness to try something new, while others miss seeing the iconic Type R on his social feeds. Whatever the opinion, the move highlights a growing interest in hybrid performance coupes among celebrities and car lovers alike.
For now, the wrestling star’s newest ride turns heads wherever it goes, proving that even a world‑class entertainer can still surprise the automotive community.