Although crossovers and SUVs often sell themselves as rugged and off-roady, we often wonder how much more capable they really are than the cars they’re based on. Honda, though, decided to take a Passport rallying, and to prove the model’s mettle, they did it without improving the drivetrain or suspension. Driven by Chris Sladek, a suspension test engineered who works at Honda’s Ohio North American Auto Development Center, and Gabriel Nieves, a chassis design engineer, they took the Passport into competition at the Lake Superior Performance Rally last weekend.
Although the Passport featured a few
choice modifications, the SUV’s suspension remained stock while the engine and
transmission received no performance modifications. For the race, the
Passport’s production 3.5-liter V6, its 9-speed automatic transmission with
paddle shifters, and its all-wheel-drive system were all stock. The naturally
aspirated engine makes 280 hp and 355 Nm of torque.
That said, there were some improvements
made with a view to longevity. The transmission got extra cooling help, while a
custom-made 1/8-inch aluminum oil pan and differential skid plates helped
protect them from the abuse of a rally stage. The brakes, meanwhile, were
modified to feature Carbotech XP12 performance brake pads.
The interior was also stripped for
competition and a roll cage, fire suppression system, a rally computer, and
in-car communication system were added. The driver and co-driver, meanwhile,
were kept in place with the help of OMP racing seats with six-point harnesses.
Traction was helped by 7.5×17-inch BRAID
Winrace T rally wheels wrapped in Maxxis RAZR M/T or RAZR A/T tires
(265/70-R17), depending on event conditions. In the end, the Passport finished
in 22nd out of 42, with a de-beaded tire on the first day holding them back.
The team hopes for more in the coming season, though.
