Honda builds 1300-horsepower hybrid for desert racing
Passport Baja Spec receives racing prototype technologies and AI-powered power management
Honda Racing has unveiled the Passport Baja Spec—a hybrid racing off-road vehicle with over 1300 horsepower. The car was developed in collaboration with Mason Motorsports for the top Trophy Truck class of the SCORE World Desert Championship. According to Honda, it will be the first hybrid to compete in this class.
From the production Passport, only the name and certain recognizable body features remain. Beneath the carbon panels lies a specialized all-wheel-drive chassis designed for high speeds and the harsh conditions of desert racing.
Engine with endurance racing experience
Behind the cabin is a 2.4-liter V6 with twin turbochargers, based on the engine of the Acura ARX-06 prototype. A related powertrain has already secured victories at Daytona and Sebring.
In the Passport Baja Spec, the engine works in conjunction with HRC’s proprietary 800-volt hybrid system. Honda states that the combined output exceeds the power of the 9-liter naturally aspirated V8s used by leading competitors.
The battery is housed in a carbon fiber casing and uses cell packs of a type previously employed in the previous generation of Formula 1 technology. Its assembly and testing are conducted in a cleanroom at HRC’s headquarters in Santa Clarita.
Electronics control traction and energy
The off-road vehicle features electronic brake management on both axles, adaptive traction control, and a system Honda describes as AI-powered power delivery management.
The proprietary software integrates the powertrain, chassis, and energy management. Settings can be adjusted during the race.
The engine is paired with a 5-speed Mason transmission. The rear drivetrain uses two separate driveshafts and wheel-mounted angular gearboxes instead of the conventional central differential setup. The front features portal wheel reducers to increase ground clearance.
Nearly 550 liters of fuel
At the center of the cabin is a carbon-fiber and Kevlar fuel tank with a capacity of approximately 549 liters. This placement is intended to minimize the impact of fuel consumption on the vehicle’s balance. Batteries and other components with fixed mass are shifted closer to the rear.
For off-road performance, the vehicle is equipped with long-travel suspension, two FOX shock absorbers per wheel, and Toyo tires. The carbon body panels not only reduce weight but also channel airflow toward cooling components through ducts and cabin design.
The Passport Baja Spec will be showcased to the public at the SEMA Show from November 3 to 6. Its racing debut is scheduled for the Baja 500, taking place from June 2 to 6, 2027. Behind the wheel will be two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies, with the primary goal of the program being an overall victory at the Baja 1000.
