The Honda Passport Baja Spec is a purpose-built desert racing truck featuring a 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6, an 800-volt hybrid system and more than 1,300 horsepower. Developed by Honda Racing Corporation USA and Mason Motorsports, the truck is set to become the first hybrid-powered entry in the SCORE World Desert Championship’s top Trophy Truck class, with its competition debut scheduled for the 2027 Baja 500, June 2–6.
Two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies will drive the truck through a partnership with Menzies Motorsports. Before entering competition, the Honda Passport Baja Spec will make its first public appearance at SEMA, November 3–6.
Despite its name and styling, the vehicle is not a modified Passport TrailSport with an aggressive accessories package. Beneath its carbon-fiber body is a mid-engine, all-wheel-drive racing chassis, making its connection to the production Passport primarily a matter of identity and design.
Honda Passport Baja Spec Powertrain and Performance
The truck’s all-aluminum V6 is based on the engine used in Acura’s ARX-06 GTP endurance racer, which has recorded victories at Daytona and Sebring. Honda Racing Corporation USA developed the engine and accompanying hybrid system in Southern California.
The combined powertrain produces more than 1,300 horsepower, exceeding the output of the naturally aspirated 9-liter V8 engines used in leading Trophy Trucks.
The combination of a relatively small-displacement engine and electric assistance distinguishes the Passport Baja Spec from conventional high-powered desert racing trucks. However, several key specifications remain undisclosed, including battery capacity, electric-motor output, combined torque and curb weight.
The hybrid system uses an 800-volt architecture and a battery featuring previous-generation Formula 1-style pouch cells. The cells are housed in a lightweight carbon-fiber enclosure, with the battery pack designed and manufactured in-house.
Battery assembly and validation take place in a dedicated clean room at the company’s Santa Clarita headquarters. The confirmed specifications include more than 1,300 horsepower and an 800-volt hybrid system.
How the Honda Passport Baja Spec Delivers Power
Mason Motorsports supplies a Masomatic twin-angled-drive five-speed transmission mounted ahead of the engine. Its unusual all-wheel-drive transaxle configuration routes torque through two rear driveshafts to angled high-pinion spiral bevel gears at the rear wheels.
This arrangement replaces a conventional rear ring-and-pinion setup. The design increases ground clearance and allows adjustments to camber and toe.
At the front, a differential distributes torque through portal gearsets at the hubs. The system is designed to maximize ground clearance while optimizing drivetrain geometry for demanding off-road conditions.
The truck also incorporates advanced electronic controls, including dual-axle brake-by-wire, adaptive traction control and a system called AI power deployment.
Specialized software coordinates the powertrain, chassis and energy management systems, allowing the team to tailor the truck’s responses to the driver, course and changing conditions.
Chassis and Suspension Built for Desert Racing
The Passport Baja Spec is built around a Gen 2 AWD chassis, modified with a dedicated rear frame section to accommodate the hybrid powertrain.
A 145-gallon carbon-Kevlar safety fuel cell sits centrally within the cab structure. Its placement is intended to minimize changes in weight distribution as fuel is consumed, while the batteries, fluid tanks and other fixed-mass components are positioned to help maintain consistent vehicle balance.
The suspension features two FOX Racing shocks at each corner, paired with Toyo tires. Suspension-travel figures have not yet been released.
Carbon-Fiber Body Focuses on Aerodynamics
The truck’s carbon-fiber body was developed using computational fluid dynamics. Deep channels behind the front wheels manage airflow, while tunnels through the cab direct air toward a low-mounted rear cooler.
High-mounted exhaust outlets behind the cockpit incorporate aerodynamic fins. These design elements are intended to improve stability, cooling and efficiency.
The aerodynamic features complement the truck’s hybrid powertrain and specialized drivetrain, forming a package designed for demanding desert racing conditions.
Honda Passport Baja Spec Targets 2027 Competition
Honda’s Baja racing history includes 22 overall Baja 1000 victories achieved through its motorcycle program. Separately, its four-wheel racing program has accumulated 17 Baja class victories since 2015, including four Baja 1000 wins and five Baja 500 triumphs.
The Passport Baja Spec represents a new effort to pursue an overall Baja 1000 victory. The truck combines an endurance-racing-derived hybrid powertrain, a purpose-built chassis and the experience of two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies.
The vehicle will make its first public appearance at SEMA, November 3–6, before its scheduled competition debut at the 2027 Baja 500, June 2–6.
With more than 1,300 horsepower, an 800-volt hybrid system and a specialized all-wheel-drive chassis, the Honda Passport Baja Spec is preparing to bring hybrid technology into the SCORE World Desert Championship’s top Trophy Truck class.
