BMW’s American arm supplied a new X2 crossover to the Rebelle Rally team, a women’s rally raid where GPS navigation is not allowed. The 1,300-mile challenge unfolds across six stages and will conclude near the U.S.-Mexico border on October 21. The rally began at Mammoth Mountain in California, setting the stage for a showdown among seasoned competitors. Among them, Rebecca Donagh and Sedona Blinson take the wheel of the prepared X2, bringing experience and grit to a demanding course.
The race-ready vehicle is built on the BMW X2 M35i platform, featuring a 2.0-liter turbo engine that delivers 317 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. To tackle rough terrain, the car wears off-road tires, a roof rack, towing eyelets, and underbody protection. Additional lighting and emergency rescue equipment are installed to handle the rugged conditions, while a protective film covers the body to resist debris and rocks along the route.
Rebelle Rally is renowned as the longest off-road competition in the United States. It prohibits male participants and bans electronic devices used for orienteering, emphasizing traditional navigation skills and endurance. The event tests navigation judgment, mechanical reliability, and technical adaptation under extreme desert and mountain conditions, demanding strategic pacing and teamwork from every crew.
In related news, Lexus USA recently unveiled updates to the 2024 IS sedan, refreshing its design language and technology features to align with current performance expectations and safety standards. These developments illustrate how major brands continually adapt their lineups to meet evolving competitive and consumer preferences in the North American market.