Honda unveils hybrid Trophy Truck

At the SEMA Show 2026 in Las Vegas, Honda introduced a hybrid version of its Passport SUV called the Baja Spec Trophy Truck, designed for the 2027 Baja 500 and Baja 1000 races. This vehicle, which combines off-road racing with hybrid technology, challenges the traditional design of Trophy Trucks, which usually rely on large V8 engines.

Trophy Truck power and design

The Honda Passport Baja Spec Trophy Truck features a 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an 800 V hybrid system, producing over 1,300 horsepower. This surpasses the typical 9.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engines found in most Trophy Trucks, which usually generate more than 1,000 horsepower. The engine is based on one used in endurance racing prototypes like the Acura ARX-06 GTP.

Engineering and performance features

The vehicle uses a five-speed Masomatic gearbox and a unique four-wheel drive system that sends torque to the rear wheels first, then distributes it to each wheel through large bevel gears. This setup avoids conventional bevel gear systems. The chassis includes a 549-liter carbon-Kevlar safety tank in the center to balance weight distribution, and fluid reservoirs and batteries are placed at the rear for optimal performance.

Aerodynamics and suspension

The carbon fiber body of the Passport Baja Spec is shaped to meet strict aerodynamic standards, with deep air channels behind the front wheels and high-mounted exhausts. The vehicle also features massive Toyo tires on custom wheels and a suspension system with double Fox Racing shocks to handle the extreme conditions of desert racing. These components have been tested and proven in other racing disciplines.

Technological innovations

The hybrid Trophy Truck includes advanced electronics such as brake-by-wire systems, adaptive traction control, and AI-managed power distribution. It will be the first hybrid vehicle to compete in the SCORE World Desert Championship, starting with the Baja 500 in June 2027. Honda aims to win the Baja 1000 in 2027 with this vehicle, which is more powerful than the best V8 Trophy Trucks in the category.