Honda Racing is preparing a heavily modified Passport Baja Spec Trophy Truck with more than 1,300 horsepower, an 800-volt hybrid system, and technology derived in part from Acura’s ARX-06 GTP endurance racing program. The truck is scheduled to debut at the 2026 SEMA Show before entering desert competition.

Developed with Mason Motorsports and supported by Menzies Motorsports, the Trophy Truck will compete in the top Trophy Truck class of the SCORE World Desert Championship. Two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies is set to drive it. Honda says the vehicle will be the first hybrid to compete in the class.

Hybrid power from endurance racing technology

The truck’s powertrain centers on a 2.4-liter V6-based engine equipped with twin turbochargers. Honda says it will produce more power than the 9.0-liter V8 engines commonly used in current Trophy Trucks, with total system output exceeding 1,300 horsepower.

The V6 shares close ties with the engine used in Acura’s ARX-06 GTP race car, which has recorded endurance-racing victories at Daytona and Sebring. For the Passport project, Honda Racing has paired the combustion engine with a bespoke hybrid system developed by Honda Racing Corporation.

The battery uses a previous-generation Formula 1-style pouch-cell design housed in a carbon-fiber case. Assembly and validation take place in a clean room at Honda’s Santa Clarita headquarters. Honda has not disclosed the battery’s capacity or the amount of power supplied by the electric system.

Additional electronic systems include brake-by-wire operation on both axles, adaptive traction control, and software Honda calls AI power deployment. The control software links the powertrain, chassis, and energy management systems, allowing adjustments during a race.

Custom drivetrain and desert chassis

The rear-mounted engine drives a Mason-developed five-speed transmission. The all-wheel-drive system uses two rear driveshafts and individual angled gearsets at the rear wheels instead of a conventional ring-and-pinion arrangement. Portal gearsets at the front hubs help increase ground clearance.

Underneath, the truck uses a modified version of Mason’s Gen 2 AWD chassis. Its rear section has been adapted by HRC to package the hybrid hardware. A 145-gallon carbon-Kevlar fuel cell is positioned in the center of the cab to help maintain balance as fuel is consumed.

The fuel cell can create a substantial change in vehicle weight between full and empty, while the battery and other fixed-mass components are positioned toward the rear. Dual Fox shocks at every corner and Toyo tires complete the main suspension and tire package described for the truck.

Carbon bodywork and planned competition

The body panels are made from carbon fiber to reduce weight. Behind the front wheels, deep channels help manage airflow, while high-mounted exhaust outlets are integrated among fins behind the cockpit. The cab has also been shaped to direct air toward a cooler mounted low and toward the rear of the truck.

The Passport Baja Spec Trophy Truck is scheduled to appear at SEMA from November 3 through 6 alongside a Passport TrailSport Baja Chase truck. Its first scheduled race is the 2027 Baja 500, set for June 2 through 6.

Honda is also targeting an overall Baja 1000 victory in 2027, when the event is scheduled to celebrate its 60th anniversary. The project’s high-output hybrid powertrain will ultimately have to demonstrate that it can withstand the demands of desert racing.