MINI USA is preparing for its first Rebelle Rally entry, with driver Felicia Killman and navigator Erika Ferrer training for 1,500 miles of rugged terrain in the American West.
In its September 23 update, MINI said the pair had completed field training on dunes, rocks and loose ground, and had seen the prepared vehicle they will take into the competition. The adventure-oriented model variant was still under wraps in that release, with a global reveal planned shortly before the rally.
MINI Rebelle Rally preparation goes beyond driving
The training has covered handling the vehicle through sand and rocky sections, as well as the map-and-compass work that will determine the team’s route. MINI’s release says GPS is banned in the competition, putting the emphasis on traditional navigation rather than a screen giving turn-by-turn directions.
Killman described seeing the finished vehicle as the moment the project became real. After the dune, rock and navigation sessions, the next test will be putting those skills together with only her navigator and the MINI for company.
Engineering for miles away from pavement
BMW Group engineers James Wallace, Dennis Heaphy and Eran Garma led the vehicle preparation. Their work has focused on the durability needed for rough terrain, with repeated testing and adjustments to the brackets, mounts and panels that must cope with off-road use.
“For every bracket, every mount, every panel, we gave thought to what happens when it’s in such rigorous conditions forty miles from pavement,” Wallace said in the release. He described the process as testing, adjusting and testing again.
Equipment for the rally
The entry has support from a group of technical and outfitting partners. Thule is supplying cargo systems, while DealerTire provided all-terrain tires and spares. Pelican Cases is protecting equipment from dust and impacts, and Morimoto Lighting supplied roof- and grille-mounted lights.
New Jersey-based Heinlein Racing Development engineered the skid plate and interior mounting systems. Peak Design supplied bags and luggage, GoPro is helping the team record the journey, and MINI Motoring Protection is supporting travel, vehicle shipment and media work.
The September announcement is a preparation report rather than a model launch: MINI had not yet identified the new variant in the release. For now, the story is the team’s move from training into the brand’s first attempt at the Rebelle Rally.
Source: MINI USA’s September 23, 2026 release via NewsPress USA.
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