Honda’s Racing Corporation branch (HRC) has revealed two vehicles inbound for the SEMA show in Las Vegas. It’s a Passport SUV rebuilt for heavy off-roading and a street-legal Civic Type R modified for one of America’s most popular rally series without losing its registration.
Starting with the Passport TrailSport HRC, it rides on new and vastly superior shock absorbers said to make it suitable for the worst off-road tracks out there. It commands 60 mm (2.4 inches) of extra ground clearance and takes advantage of a different exhaust system. HRC also mentions reshaped bumpers for better approach and departure angles, custom wheels and tires, assorted rugged trims and convenient running boards. A winch and a pop-up roof tent round off the list.
As for the Civic Type R HRC Rally XP, it has little to show for being a serious rally contender aside from a livery and aftermarket wheels. It’s only when you look under the hood that you notice a high-end intercooler and other cooling improvements. Heavy-duty shocks in the suspension help with the rally dynamics, and an undercarriage guard plate is not missing, either.
The company says it may actually produce the latter car in a small batch for in-house motorsport events.
