Honda Racing presented a revolutionary hybrid pickup Passport Trophy Truck with over 1300 hp, which will debut at the SEMA show in 2026 in Las Vegas. The pickup, developed in collaboration with Menzies Motorsports, will be driven by two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies.
Powertrain and engine construction
The Honda Passport Baja Spec Trophy Truck is equipped with a 2.4-litre V6 engine with twin turbochargers, derived from the Acura ARX-06 GTP race car, combined with an 800-volt hybrid system. This configuration provides over 1300 horsepower, making it more powerful than typical 9-litre V8 engines used in modern Trophy Trucks. The engine's racing heritage, including wins at Daytona and Sebring, is proof of its durability under extreme conditions.
The hybrid system, developed by Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US), integrates advanced technologies from global motorsport programs. It includes a specially developed pouch-cell battery housed in a carbon body, providing a lightweight and robust solution. The pickup's propulsion, chassis, and energy management systems are connected through proprietary software, allowing real-time adjustments during races.
Aerodynamic innovations
The Honda Passport Baja Spec Trophy Truck uses a next-generation aerodynamic design, leveraging computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimize airflow. Each panel is made from carbon fiber to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. The pickup is equipped with deep channels behind the front wheels to manage airflow, and high-mounted exhausts are positioned among vents behind the cab.
The cab is shaped to direct air towards a low-mounted radiator at the rear of the pickup. The chassis, modified from the Mason Motorsports Gen 2 AWD design, includes a specially developed rear section for HRC to accommodate the hybrid hardware.
Chassis and fuel management
The Honda Passport Baja Spec Trophy Truck is designed to withstand the challenges of desert racing, equipped with a modified Mason Gen 2 AWD chassis. The chassis includes portal gearboxes on the front hubs to increase ground clearance, and unique angular gearboxes are used on the rear wheels instead of a traditional ring-and-pinion system. Each corner of the vehicle is equipped with dual Fox shocks and Toyo tires to complete the desert racing configuration.
A 145-gallon (549-litre) fuel tank, made from carbon and Kevlar fibers, is centrally located in the cab to maintain balanced weight distribution as fuel is consumed. The tank is approximately 899 pounds (408 kg) heavier when full compared to when empty. The batteries and other fixed-weight components are strategically positioned towards the rear of the vehicle to further optimize weight distribution. The advanced technologies and innovative design of the pickup aim to secure victory in the overall Baja 1000 classification in 2027, when the race will mark its 60th anniversary.