Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) is going big with the Passport Baja Spec. Honda's American racing division aims to use the new hybrid competition vehicle producing more than 1,300 hp to earn an overall victory at the Baja 1000, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027.
According to Honda, it will be the first hybrid vehicle to compete in the premiere Trophy Truck class of the SCORE World Desert Championship. Two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies will take the wheel through a partnership with his team, Menzies Motorsports.
The public will get a first look at the vehicle at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this week, from November 3 to 6. The Passport Baja Spec’s debut is scheduled for the Baja 500, running from June 2 to 6, 2027.
A V6 derived from endurance racing
The Passport Baja Spec might share its name with Honda's production SUV, but its engineering is dedicated purely to motorsport. Positioned behind the cockpit is a 2.4L twin-turbocharged V6 derived from the engine powering the Acura ARX-06 prototype, which has raced at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring.
This all-aluminium engine is paired with an 800-volt hybrid system engineered by HRC US. Combined output exceeds 1,300 hp. A 5-speed transmission developed by Mason Motorsports sends that power to all four wheels.
Desert-tuned electronic control
Designed and manufactured in-house by HRC US, the battery pack uses previous-generation Formula 1-style pouch cells housed in a carbon-fibre casing.
Honda also announces a brake-by-wire system on both axles, adaptive traction control and artificial intelligence-driven power delivery management.
Explained Kelvin Fu, president of HRC US, “The Honda Passport Baja Spec is essentially a software-defined vehicle.” The company's software ties together powertrain, chassis and energy management. As a result, settings can be adapted to the driver, terrain and race conditions.
A chassis co-developed with Mason Motorsports
The vehicle rides on Mason Motorsports' Gen 2 all-wheel-drive chassis. Its rear section was modified to accommodate the hybrid powertrain, while key components, including the batteries and fluid reservoirs, were positioned to optimize weight distribution.
The carbon-fibre bodywork underwent extensive aerodynamic simulations. Channels behind the front wheels and high-exit exhaust pipes contribute to airflow management. A long-travel suspension featuring dual FOX Racing shocks at each wheel completes the chassis package.
Honda already holds 22 overall Baja 1000 victories on two wheels. On four wheels, its off-road racing programme has earned 17 class wins since 2015. This new Passport exists to propel the automaker to its first overall victory in the four-wheel categories.
