Honda has unveiled its 2022 Passport stage rally truck. The vehicle was built by the Honda Performance Development Maxxis Rally team. The 2022 Passport made its debut during the Lake Superior Rally in Michigan on October 15th. The team is made up of Honda associates, mainly engineers.
The 2022 Passport uses several key components already found on the vehicle including the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel-drive system. With existing components, engineers did not have to modify the suspension system for competition. They did an automatic transmission fluid cooler.
“The fact that we didn’t have to make any modifications to the 2022 Honda Passport’s drivetrain or suspension for such punishing terrain and competition speaks volumes to the capability and performance that comes standard in the Passport,” said Honda engineer and rally racer Chris Sladek.
The rally vehicle was also outfitted with racing seats, six-point harness, roll cage, fire suppression system and a rally computer along with in-car communications. Weight was shaved from the vehicle by removing rear seats and carpeting. The glass windows were also replaced with Lexan polycarbonate. Finally, a handbrake was added for maneuvering through tight corners.
