Nissan’s go-anywhere Navara pick-up is taking on the Rebelle Rally, a 2,000km stage-race set in the United States and is open to women-only pairings.
The current International Pickup Award winner is taking on the deserts of California and Nevada, with each stage having long distances off the beaten track.
Mobile phones and GPS devices are strictly forbidden during the stages, with teams only able to use maps and compasses to navigate around the desolate landscape to find hidden checkpoints. All the stages are announced just hours before they take place, so there is little time for preparation.
Running from October 12 to 21, the event has 40 teams from 12 countries taking part. Nissan is sending two of its French marketing and communication teams – Karen Rayrolles and Florence Pham – to America to take on this challenging event that is only in its second year.
The Navara the pair are using has not been modified in any way apart from a set of off-road tyres, which means the duo need to make the most of the vehicle’s adaptable setup.
Rayrolles said: “The Navara’s tough and smart character makes it the perfect choice for the Rebelle Rally and we’re thrilled to be taking part in this amazing event.”
The Navara double-cab the duo are using is fitted with a 2.3-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine that produces 188bhp and 450Nm of torque, offering good amounts of grunt in the tricky off-road conditions.
