Honda preps 1,300hp hybrid V6 for Baja 1000

SEMA debut for 'groundbreaking' new Trophy Truck - bring on the Baja

By Matt Bird / Friday, 30 October 2026 / Loading comments

Here’s something you might not know: Honda is the most successful bike manufacturer at the Baja 1000, racking up 22 overall victories in the off-road epic, alongside 17 car class wins in Baja competition. In fact, it was the exploits of Honda dealers Dave Ekins and Bill Robertson Jr., who in 1962 rode a pair of CL72 bikes from Tijuana to La Paz in less than 40 hours, that inspired others to do the same and led to the creation of the Baja 1000 in ‘67.

Desert racing is a big deal for Honda, then, with decades of competition history. Which would make the Passport Baja Spec a significant debut already, but there’s additional intrigue here from the powertrain. Where Trophy Trucks tend to run nat-asp 9.0-litre V8s straight from the depths of hell, this Honda has a hybrid. But an interesting one, at least: it pinches the 2.4-litre twin-turbo V6 from the Acura ARX-06 GTP car (a Sebring winner, no less) and pairs it with an 800-volt electric system - both built in-house by Honda Racing Corporation US - for in excess of 1,300hp. Which is more even than the mighty V8s. Power reaches all four wheels through what sounds like a pleasingly old-school five-speed gearbox, which sits ahead of the engine.

The new powertrain means the Baja Spec Honda will actually be the first hybrid to compete in the SCORE World Desert Championship. This isn’t just a concept to make folk look more favourably on the soccer mom SUV - this Passport is built to race, and add to that win tally. Honda says the new project represents ‘a direct transfer of knowledge from Honda global motorsports activities into one of the most grueling racing environments on earth.’ And if a hybrid V6 works at Baja, then it’ll work in a roadgoing fast Honda too…

Alongside HRC US, the truck has been built with Mason Motorsports - the latter providing the front diff, developing the transmission and providing the Gen 2 All-Wheel Drive chassis. While both have enjoyed success in off-road racing with conventional powertrains, adaptations were needed here to accommodate the hybrid element, including a unique ‘rear frame section’ that wouldn’t be there on the standard Gen 2. It’s all about balance, see, because the Passport will set off with 145 gallons of fuel in it; the handling must remain predictable even with just five gallons remaining. So the twin-turbo V6, batteries and fluid tanks sit in that new rear section, with the carbon Kevlar fuel cell in the centre of the car. Mass distribution is said to be ‘ideal’ for gruelling days in the desert.

Tyres are by Toyo, and a pair of Fox Racing dampers are probably worth as much as a Civic on their own sit at each corner. The engine may be less than a third of the size that the category is used to, but it’s a proper Trophy Truck alright - and probably the best bit of Passport PR in yonks. Exhausts coming out at head height, next to no front overhang and a tyre rack in the boot will do that. A Red Bull livery never did a race car - or a SEMA display car - any harm, either.

Following its Las Vegas reveal next week, the Passport Baja Spec will make its competitive debut at the 2027 running of the Baja in June. The campaign will be supported by Menzies Motorsport, with two-time winner Bryce Menzies driving - told you they were taking this seriously. Kelvin Fu, president of Honda Racing Corporation USA, said: “The Honda Passport Baja Spec represents HRC's determination to push the boundaries of Baja desert racing, the ultimate test of off-road performance and durability. We incorporated knowledge and technology from across global Honda racing programs to create the Honda Passport Baja Spec, a bold new approach to desert racing, and HRC is excited to show the world what it can do." You and us both, Kelvin. What a way to mark Baja's 60th anniversary a win would be…