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Honda Civic Type R HRC Concept Debuts in North America at SEMA 2026

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Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is bringing its motorsport expertise to the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where the Civic Type R HRC Concept will make its North American debut alongside 11 other racing machines. The showcase will also introduce HRC’s first performance parts lineup for Honda and Acura production models, while highlighting the company’s expanding ambitions in hybrid racing technology and off-road competition.

Honda is preparing a major motorsport-themed presence at the 2026 SEMA Show, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from November 3 to 6. Honda Racing Corporation USA (HRC US) will bring a collection of 12 racing machines, special vehicle builds and championship-winning motorcycles, offering visitors a closer look at the technology, engineering and competition heritage behind the Japanese manufacturer’s racing activities.

Among the biggest attractions will be the Honda Civic Type R HRC Concept, which will make its North American debut following its first public appearance at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon. Honda has also confirmed that the concept is being developed specifically with the U.S. market in mind, potentially opening the door to a more performance-focused evolution of its already accomplished hot hatch.

Developed using HRC technologies and knowledge gained from professional racing drivers, the Civic Type R HRC Concept aims to take Honda’s familiar driving experience a step further. The project reflects the company’s philosophy of transferring lessons learned in motorsport directly into road-going vehicles.

Founded in 1982, Honda Racing Corporation has played a central role in Honda’s motorsport success across multiple disciplines. From Formula One and IndyCar to endurance racing, touring cars and motocross, HRC has helped establish Honda as one of the most successful manufacturers in international competition.

The 2026 SEMA Show will also mark an important commercial milestone for the organization, with HRC introducing its first dedicated performance parts range for Honda and Acura production vehicles. For the first time, visitors will also be able to purchase official HRC merchandise directly from the company’s exhibition stand.

Honda Passport Baja Spec: A 1,300-HP Hybrid Trophy Truck

One of the most extraordinary vehicles making its public debut at SEMA will be the Honda Passport Baja Spec Trophy Truck. Developed by HRC in collaboration with Mason Motorsports, the machine represents a new approach to high-performance desert racing and is set to become the first hybrid-powered Trophy Truck to compete in the SCORE World Desert Championship.

Honda has teamed up with two-time Baja 1000 winner Bryce Menzies and Menzies Motorsports, with the ambitious goal of challenging for overall victory in the legendary desert race.

The Passport Baja Spec combines a 2.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with an 800-volt hybrid architecture, producing more than 1,300 horsepower. That figure puts it ahead of the massive 9.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engines commonly found in today’s leading Trophy Trucks.

Beyond its impressive powertrain, the project incorporates technologies developed through Honda’s global racing programs, including IMSA, IndyCar and Formula One. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been used to optimize aerodynamic performance, while advanced vehicle software and electrification technologies are intended to push the capabilities of desert racing machinery further.

The Baja Spec is more than an engineering exercise. It represents Honda’s intention to demonstrate how hybrid technology can deliver competitive advantages in some of the most demanding motorsport environments.

2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Baja Chase Vehicles

Supporting the new Trophy Truck will be three specially prepared 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport Baja Chase vehicles, developed by HRC to provide essential assistance during competition.

Designed to operate across the challenging terrain of the Baja desert, these SUVs will handle race-day communications, pit-stop support and crew transportation.

Their modifications include a Borla exhaust system, HRC-developed dampers, forged aluminum performance wheels manufactured by Titan7, an auxiliary power system, a dedicated trunk storage drawer system and a platform roof rack.

Although these vehicles are primarily designed for practical race support, their upgraded hardware demonstrates how Honda intends to combine TrailSport’s off-road capabilities with HRC’s motorsport engineering experience.

Hasport Prelude Club Racer: A Turbocharged Track Special

Another interesting project at the Honda stand will be the Hasport Prelude Club Racer, developed by Hasport Performance, one of the largest manufacturers of Honda and Acura engine-swap components.

Created specifically for time-attack competition, the Prelude combines the chassis of the latest-generation Honda Prelude with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission sourced from the Civic Type R.

The build also features a custom Borla exhaust system, suspension tuning inspired by the Integra Type S TCX race car and a special exterior livery paying tribute to the legendary Hasport Prelude Circuit Monster.

The result is a track-focused interpretation of Honda’s latest sports coupe, bringing together modern engineering and the aftermarket tuning culture that has surrounded the Prelude name for decades.

Aston Martin Aramco Formula One AMR26

Formula One will also have a prominent presence at the exhibition, with the 2026 Aston Martin Aramco Racing AMR26 on display.

The 2026 season represents a major turning point for the championship, introducing one of the most significant technical regulation changes in recent F1 history. It also marks the beginning of Honda’s works powertrain partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.

At the heart of the AMR26 is the Honda RA626H power unit, featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine combined with advanced electrification technologies.

The partnership represents another important chapter in Honda’s Formula One history, with HRC once again taking responsibility for developing technology capable of competing at the highest level of international motorsport.

Felix Rosenqvist’s 2026 Indianapolis 500-Winning IndyCar

IndyCar fans will have the opportunity to see the actual Honda-powered machine driven by Felix Rosenqvist to victory in the 2026 Indianapolis 500.

The car is powered by a 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid power unit developed by HRC. Honda enjoyed a particularly successful 2026 IndyCar campaign, collecting the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships, Rookie of the Year honors and victory in the Indianapolis 500.

The presence of Rosenqvist’s winning car underlines the importance of HRC’s American racing operations and the continued development of Honda’s hybrid competition technology.

Acura ARX-06 GTP: Celebrating an Endurance Racing Legacy

Acura will be represented by its ARX-06 GTP prototype, displayed in a special Thank You livery following its participation in the 2026 Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.

The electrified endurance racer continues a successful tradition of Acura prototype competition dating back to 1991.

The special livery celebrates the achievements of Acura and HRC US in North American sports car racing. Their combined record includes 14 team, driver and manufacturer championships, 33 victories and 43 pole positions.

Acura has also achieved overall victories in all four of North America’s major sports car endurance races, including three wins at the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Honda Civic Type R TCR: Touring Car Competition

The latest Honda Civic Type R FL5 TCR will also be part of the SEMA display.

Developed by HRC US in cooperation with J.A.S. Motorsport, the race car is based on the latest production Civic Type R and engineered for IMSA competition in North America.

The No. 5 KMW Motorsports Coral Springs Honda Civic Type R TCR is driven by Rocco Pasquarella and Tim Lewis in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

The team secured a victory at Watkins Glen during the 2026 season, contributing to Honda’s second-place finish in the final manufacturers’ standings.

HRC Heritage Racing: Legendary Acura and Honda Competition Cars

Honda’s SEMA presentation will also celebrate its motorsport heritage with several historically significant machines.

Among them is the 2009 Acura ARX-02a Patrón, the manufacturer’s second Le Mans Prototype. Competing in the premier LMP1 category of the American Le Mans Series, the V8-powered prototype was driven by David Brabham, Scott Sharp and Dario Franchitti.

The ARX-02a secured three victories and five additional podium finishes, helping Acura win both the LMP1 Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championships. Its sister car, entered by de Ferran Motorsports, also enjoyed considerable success, with the two machines combining for eight victories across the 10-race season.

The vehicle is available for purchase and restoration through the HRC Heritage Racing Program.

Another highlight will be the 2017 Acura NSX GT3 No. 93, restored by HRC’s heritage division and presented in its distinctive Lady Liberty livery.

Based on chassis No. 5, this particular NSX GT3 is the most successful example of the model, accumulating 38 class victories across IMSA and SRO competition between 2017 and 2023. Its achievements also include two manufacturers’ championships, five drivers’ titles and four teams’ championships.

The car is also available for purchase through the HRC Heritage Racing Program.

Perhaps the most unusual historic vehicle on display will be the 1969 Honda N600 Baja. With just 35 horsepower, the tiny model became the first automobile ever raced by American Honda.

It competed in the 1970 Baja 1000, driven by desert racing pioneers Dave Ekins and Bill Robertson Jr. More than five decades later, the little N600 remains an important part of Honda’s American motorsport story.

HRC Performance Parts: Racing Technology for Honda and Acura Road Cars

Beyond the impressive collection of racing machines, one of the most important announcements at SEMA 2026 will be the introduction of HRC’s first dedicated performance parts range.

Developed by championship-winning HRC engineers, the initial product lineup will include lightweight forged wheels, performance exhaust systems and a short-throw shifter.

The components are intended for selected Honda and Acura production models, including the Civic Type R, Integra Type S and Passport TrailSport.

Before reaching customers, the parts will undergo extensive performance and durability testing, including evaluation at Germany’s legendary Nürburgring circuit.

Honda plans to begin offering HRC Performance Parts through its authorized dealerships across the United States and the Honda DreamShop online platform from March 2027.

The company also plans to expand the range over time, with several future components scheduled to appear as prototypes at SEMA. These include adjustable coilover suspension systems with camber plates and a high-performance Brembo braking package featuring six-piston calipers.

For Honda enthusiasts, the development represents an important step in bringing genuine factory-backed motorsport components to the aftermarket performance scene.

Source: Honda

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Volkswagen ID Golf Development Suspended Amid Financial Crisis

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Volkswagen has temporarily suspended development of its highly anticipated electric ID Golf as mounting financial difficulties force the German automotive giant to tighten spending and reassess its priorities. The decision puts one of the company’s most important future electric vehicles on hold, raising fresh questions about the launch schedule of the next-generation Golf.

Despite the suspension, Volkswagen insists that the electric Golf project has not been cancelled. Instead, development work will remain paused until the company can comfortably accommodate the significant investments required to bring the new model to production.

“We simply cannot afford this work at present,” Volkswagen brand chief Thomas Schäfer reportedly said in an internal company interview obtained by German broadcaster Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR).

Schäfer confirmed that the decision had been approved by Volkswagen’s board, emphasising that the company intends to continue with the project once its financial position allows it.

“We’re pausing it, not cancelling it,” he explained.

Volkswagen’s finance chief, David Powels, also acknowledged the increasingly difficult market environment, highlighting the need for stricter investment discipline, lower operating costs and more efficient management of the company’s financial resources.

According to Powels, temporarily suspending development of the future ID Golf is one of the measures intended to protect Volkswagen’s financial position while maintaining its longer-term product strategy.

Electric Volkswagen Golf Faces Another Development Delay

The latest decision adds another complication to the development of the electric Volkswagen Golf, which has already experienced delays due to changes involving the company’s next-generation Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) and its associated software architecture.

Initially expected to arrive in 2028 or 2029, the electric hatchback is now scheduled to make its debut at the beginning of the next decade. The development suspension could potentially put further pressure on that timeline, although Volkswagen’s works council believes the lost time can be recovered without necessarily postponing the planned introduction.

The ID Golf is expected to become one of the most important models in Volkswagen’s transition towards an all-electric future. Production is planned at the company’s historic Wolfsburg headquarters in Germany, where the Golf has been manufactured for decades.

The new model will follow an electric T-Roc onto the SSP architecture, a next-generation platform designed to underpin a wide range of Volkswagen Group electric vehicles.

Unlike the current ID models, which introduced a distinct design direction for Volkswagen’s electric vehicle family, the ID Golf is expected to retain a stronger connection with the brand’s traditional hatchback heritage.

ID Golf to Combine Classic Design with Rivian Software Technology

Although Volkswagen has yet to reveal the production model, the electric Golf is expected to combine familiar styling references from previous generations with a significantly more advanced technological package.

One of the most important elements will be its software architecture, developed with support from Volkswagen’s partnership with American electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian.

The collaboration is intended to help Volkswagen develop a more modern, responsive and technologically advanced vehicle operating system, addressing one of the biggest challenges facing traditional manufacturers as they compete with newer electric vehicle brands.

Performance enthusiasts could also have reasons to be interested. Volkswagen is reportedly considering both GTI and R versions of the electric Golf, suggesting that the model’s traditional performance identity could survive the transition away from internal combustion engines.

However, the future of the conventional Golf is also undergoing a major transformation. Volkswagen plans to move production of the existing petrol-powered model from Wolfsburg to its Puebla facility in Mexico, making room for the next generation of electric vehicles at its German headquarters.

Volkswagen’s Financial Performance Forces Tough Decisions

The suspension of ID Golf development comes against the backdrop of increasingly difficult financial conditions for the Volkswagen Group.

The company reported a net loss of €5.82 billion in the third quarter of 2026, while the Volkswagen passenger car brand recorded a loss of €182 million. The latter represents its first quarterly deficit since 2020.

The group’s latest financial figures also highlight the scale of the challenges facing the German manufacturer, particularly in China, one of its historically most important automotive markets.

During the first nine months of 2026, worldwide deliveries across the Volkswagen Group’s brands declined by 9.0 per cent to 6.01 million vehicles. Deliveries in China experienced a particularly significant downturn, falling by 30.3 per cent to 1.38 million units.

Electric vehicle sales also came under pressure. Global deliveries of Volkswagen Group electric cars decreased by 5.4 per cent to 678,702 units, while deliveries in China dropped by 42.5 per cent to just 48,938 vehicles.

Even more concerning was the group’s operating profit, which fell dramatically from €5.4 billion to just €71 million over the same nine-month period.

Volkswagen also recorded a €1 billion write-down on assets in China, reflecting weaker sales expectations and lower anticipated vehicle prices.

These figures underline the difficult competitive environment facing Volkswagen, as established manufacturers struggle with changing consumer demand, intensifying competition from Chinese brands and the substantial costs associated with electrification.

Electric Cars Are Putting Additional Pressure on Volkswagen’s Margins

Another significant challenge is the profitability of electric vehicles.

Although Volkswagen continues to expand its electric vehicle portfolio, the company still generates lower margins from many battery-powered models than from comparable petrol and diesel vehicles.

This creates a difficult financial equation. Manufacturers must invest billions in new platforms, batteries, electric motors, software and production facilities while simultaneously dealing with lower profitability during the transition.

For Volkswagen, the situation is particularly complicated because the company cannot afford to abandon its electrification strategy. At the same time, continuing to invest aggressively in every planned model becomes increasingly difficult when sales are under pressure and operating profits are shrinking.

The temporary suspension of ID Golf development therefore reflects a broader effort to balance immediate financial stability with long-term technological ambitions.

Can Volkswagen Afford to Delay the Electric Golf?

The Golf name remains one of the most important assets in Volkswagen’s history. For decades, it has represented the brand’s core identity in the compact hatchback segment, combining everyday practicality, accessible performance and relatively attainable pricing.

Transforming that legacy into an electric vehicle is therefore about more than introducing another battery-powered model. Volkswagen needs the ID Golf to demonstrate that its most recognisable nameplate can remain competitive in an automotive industry increasingly dominated by electrification and software technology.

The challenge is that the company must develop this new generation while facing intense financial pressure, declining sales in China and competition from manufacturers with increasingly competitive electric vehicle offerings.

For now, Volkswagen maintains that the ID Golf remains part of its future product strategy. However, the latest development pause demonstrates just how difficult that future has become to finance.

The electric Golf may not be cancelled, but its journey towards production has become considerably more complicated. And with the next decade approaching, Volkswagen will need to ensure that its financial restructuring does not come at the expense of one of the most important electric cars in its upcoming portfolio.

Source: Autocar

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Toyota and Waymo Join Forces to Bring Fully Autonomous bZ4X Robotaxis to Japan in 2027

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Toyota and Waymo are taking their autonomous driving partnership to the next level, with plans to introduce a fleet of fully autonomous Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs in Japan starting in 2027. The collaboration represents a major step toward expanding Waymo’s global robotaxi operations and marks an important milestone for Japan’s emerging autonomous mobility industry.

Building on the preliminary agreement announced in April 2025, the two companies will begin initial operations in Japan in 2027 to test and validate autonomous Toyota bZ4X vehicles equipped with Waymo’s self-driving technology. Following the Japanese launch, the partnership is expected to expand to the United Kingdom and other international markets where Waymo already operates, although those deployments are planned for the following years.

The project will combine Toyota’s extensive automotive manufacturing experience with Waymo’s fully autonomous driving technology, with the shared objective of accelerating the global deployment of Level 4 autonomous vehicles.

Toyota bZ4X to Become Waymo’s Next Robotaxi

At the centre of the collaboration is the Toyota bZ4X, the Japanese manufacturer’s all-electric SUV, which will be specially adapted to accommodate Waymo’s autonomous driving hardware and software.

Unlike conventional vehicle conversions, Toyota plans to manufacture and equip the autonomous bZ4X fleet at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The entire production process will take place under one roof, covering everything from assembling the base vehicle to integrating Waymo’s autonomous driving hardware.

This approach is expected to streamline production, improve integration between the vehicle and self-driving systems, and provide a scalable manufacturing foundation for future autonomous fleets.

The decision to use a high-volume, domestically manufactured Toyota model is particularly significant for Japan, where the partnership aims to establish the country’s first fully autonomous ride-hailing service based on mass-produced domestic vehicles.

Level 4 Autonomous Driving Focuses on Safety

The Toyota-Waymo partnership is built around the development and deployment of Level 4 autonomous driving technology.

Unlike Level 2 and Level 3 systems, Level 4 autonomous vehicles can perform all driving tasks within defined operational conditions without requiring human intervention. This makes them particularly suitable for commercial robotaxi services operating within designated geographical areas.

Waymo will contribute its fully autonomous Waymo Driver technology, while Toyota will provide its vehicle engineering, manufacturing capabilities and extensive experience in developing safety-focused automobiles.

According to Waymo co-CEO Dmitri Dolgov, the company’s autonomous vehicles have demonstrated performance of up to 20 times better than human drivers in terms of serious crash injuries in the areas where Waymo operates.

Dolgov highlighted Toyota’s reputation for safety, reliability and quality as important factors behind the partnership, adding that the collaboration will help bring autonomous mobility to more people, including customers in important international markets such as Japan.

For Toyota, the initiative is closely connected to its long-term ambition of achieving zero traffic accidents. The company believes that autonomous driving technology could significantly reduce accidents caused by human error while improving mobility options for people who cannot easily drive or access conventional transportation.

Autonomous Toyota bZ4X Designed for Passenger Comfort

Beyond its self-driving capabilities, the autonomous Toyota bZ4X will receive several modifications aimed at improving passenger comfort, convenience and accessibility.

The specially equipped electric SUV will feature generous rear-seat legroom, automatic doors, a power-operated liftgate and ambient interior lighting.

These features are designed to make entering and exiting the vehicle easier, particularly for passengers with reduced mobility, older people and those who may require additional assistance when using conventional transportation services.

The focus on accessibility highlights an important aspect of the autonomous mobility concept. Robotaxis are not simply intended to replace traditional taxis or ride-hailing services. They could also provide new transportation opportunities for people who cannot drive because of age, disability or other mobility limitations.

Toyota and Waymo Look Beyond Robotaxis

The partnership will extend beyond commercial autonomous ride-hailing services.

Toyota and Waymo will continue exploring how autonomous driving technology could eventually be integrated into personally owned Toyota vehicles. The companies will also work alongside Woven by Toyota, Toyota’s mobility technology subsidiary, to investigate additional opportunities for improving road safety.

One particularly important area will be the use of real-world operational data collected by Waymo’s autonomous fleet. Insights generated through its driving operations, data analysis and autonomous technology could help Toyota develop safer vehicles and improve the overall transportation ecosystem.

The companies are also interested in how vehicle technology could interact with road infrastructure to create safer driving environments for everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists and conventional vehicle users.

Toyota executive vice president Hiroki Nakajima emphasised that safety technologies deliver the greatest benefits when they can reach as many people as possible. He also stressed that achieving the company’s ambition of zero traffic accidents will require cooperation between automotive manufacturers, technology companies and other mobility stakeholders.

A Major Step in the Global Robotaxi Race

The Toyota-Waymo agreement comes at a time when the global autonomous mobility industry is entering a new phase. Robotaxi services are gradually moving beyond experimental programmes towards larger commercial operations, increasing the importance of reliable vehicle platforms and scalable manufacturing processes.

For Waymo, Toyota represents an important manufacturing partner capable of supplying vehicles produced at significant volumes, while the Japanese automaker gains access to one of the world’s most advanced fully autonomous driving technologies.

The planned 2027 Japanese operations will be an important test of how effectively the two companies can combine their respective expertise in a market with its own regulatory, infrastructure and traffic challenges.

The subsequent expansion to the United Kingdom and other Waymo-serviced markets could further strengthen the partnership’s international ambitions.

Although autonomous driving still faces technological and regulatory challenges, the collaboration demonstrates that the future of robotaxis will depend not only on sophisticated artificial intelligence and sensors, but also on established automotive manufacturers capable of producing safe, reliable and commercially viable vehicles.

With the electric Toyota bZ4X serving as the foundation, Toyota and Waymo are positioning themselves to play a significant role in the next generation of autonomous transportation.

Source: Toyota

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