Honda Unveils High-Powered Hybrid Passport Baja Spec for Off-Road Racing

Honda Racing Corporation USA, also known as HRC US, has revealed its new Honda Passport Baja Spec, a hybrid off-road vehicle designed to compete in upcoming endurance races. Breaking away from traditional large-displacement V8 engines typically used in Trophy trucks, the new competitor is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 2.4-liter hybrid V6 engine generating an estimated 1,300 horsepower.

The vehicle marks a historic milestone as the first hybrid entry to compete in the SCORE World Desert Championship. Scheduled to make its racing debut at the Baja 500 in June 2027 before tackling the Baja 1000 in November 2027, the truck will be driven by two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies and managed by Menzies Motorsports.

Built using an architectural layout based on the powertrain from Acura's ARX-06 GTP race car prototype, the custom 800-volt hybrid-electric system features a lightweight battery utilizing Formula 1-style cells wrapped in carbon fiber. The powertrain was engineered in Southern California by the HRC US team, while the wider truck body was developed in partnership with Baja specialist Mason Motorsports.

The vehicle features advanced racing technology, including a dual-axle electric braking system, adaptive traction control, and AI-optimized power deployment. According to the manufacturer, the truck functions largely as a software-defined vehicle, allowing engineers to utilize data downloaded from energy management, chassis, and powertrain systems throughout races to continuously improve performance and adapt to changing terrain.

Power is delivered to the Mason Motorsports-derived Gen 2 all-wheel-drive system through a five-speed dual-angle Masomatic transmission. The setup utilizes a racing differential with portal gears mounted on each front wheel hub to maximize ground clearance, while the rear replaces traditional crown and wheel gear configurations with high-pinion spiral bevel gears.

The chassis layout utilizes an HRC-specific rear frame configuration designed to optimize weight distribution, positioning the mid-mounted twin-turbo hybrid V6 behind the cabin alongside fluid reservoirs and batteries. A 145-gallon Kevlar safety fuel cell is positioned in the center of the cabin to maintain balance as fuel consumption changes, with the entire structure resting on a long-travel suspension featuring Fox racing shock absorbers.

Aerodynamic enhancements include side channels cut into the carbon fiber bodywork behind the front wheels and cabin tunnels that improve airflow and reduce drag, directing air toward a low-mounted, rearward cooler to help lower the vehicle's center of gravity. Raised exhaust outlets behind the cabin feature aerodynamic fins to direct exhaust flow.

Fans will have the opportunity to view the truck in person ahead of its competitive debut when it is displayed at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from November 3 to November 6.