Honda Racing has just unveiled the Honda Passport Baja Spec, its official entry into the Score World Desert Championship and the overall Baja 1000. Undoubtedly, it is one of the more ludicrous SUVs to wear a Honda badge, loaded with over 1,300hp from a somewhat civilian 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6.
Those extra horses actually are drawn from a massive 800V electric system, which effectively makes the Passport the first hybrid Trophy Truck in the tournament. On paper, Honda claims that its hybrid entry is more powerful than the other competitors equipped with naturally aspirated 9.0-liter V8 engines.
The powertrain is managed by a five-speed transmission developed by Mason Motorsports, along with an artificial intelligence power deployment system from Honda’s Formula 1 division. Two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies will be in the driver’s seat as Honda aims to add another trophy to its shelf.
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The Passport Baja Spec will run its first race at the Baja 500 in June next year. While it is the first hybrid Trophy Truck to enter the competition, it is arguably also one of the most software-forward participants.
In fact, Honda Racing has called this Passport a “software-defined vehicle,” further touting its integrated powertrain, chassis, and energy management systems. Those are all baked into one platform, which can be upgraded and configured throughout the racing season. That should give Menzies and company a tighter grasp on what this monstrous Passport can do, and how far they can push it.
Until the tournament starts, here are more photos of Honda Racing’s Passport Baja Spec:
