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MINI to Debut New Adventure SUV at Rebelle Rally
MINI USA will enter the Rebelle Rally for the first time with an unrevealed adventure SUV, driven by Felicia Killman and navigated by Erika Ferrer, ahead of a global reveal on October 7, 2026.
By Eleanor Ellington · 4 min read
MINI USA is preparing to enter the Rebelle Rally for the first time with a new adventure-oriented SUV that has not yet been revealed to the public. The vehicle will make its global debut just before the rally begins on October 7, 2026, and will then tackle 1,500 miles of western terrain in the hands of driver Felicia Killman and navigator Erika Ferrer.
The model has already been fully prepared, but MINI is keeping its name, powertrain and platform under wraps until the official reveal. The only clue offered so far is Ferrer’s description of it as a «rugged looking SUV», which strongly suggests it is based on the U25 MINI Countryman. The brand has confirmed that the car is adventure-focused and built for durability rather than outright speed.
The Rebelle Rally is not a traditional speed contest. It is a navigation rally in which GPS is banned for the entire event, forcing crews to rely on maps and a compass. That places as much pressure on the navigator as on the driver, and the car’s infotainment system effectively gets the week off. Killman and Ferrer have trained extensively in dunes, on rocky ground and on loose surfaces, as well as on map and compass fundamentals, with sessions built around muscle memory and decision-making under pressure.
Killman said seeing the finished car was one of those «oh boy, we’re actually doing this» moments. «We’ve had an opportunity to complete various trainings in the dunes, on rocks, and with the maps and compass, but pretty soon it’s just Erika and me, the MINI, and 1,500 miles to figure it out,» she said. Ferrer added that her biggest concern is not the car but mastering navigation. «This rugged looking SUV is impressive – I won’t pretend otherwise – but the training that kept me up at night was mastering navigation,» she said, pointing to reading terrain, trusting the compass over instinct, and knowing when to slow down and recheck a bearing.
The build was handled by BMW Group engineers James Wallace, Dennis Heaphy and Eran Garma, who fitted it around their regular jobs. MINI describes it as a passion project, with a focus on off-road durability. «For every bracket, every mount, every panel, we gave thought to what happens when it’s in such rigorous conditions forty miles from pavement, and that’s only something you can solve by testing, adjusting, and testing again,» Wallace said.
Much of the rally-specific equipment comes from outside suppliers. Thule provides the roof rack and cargo system, DealerTire supplies a full set of all-terrain tires plus spares, Pelican Cases offers weatherproof cases for critical gear, and Morimoto Lighting contributes roof- and grille-mounted auxiliary lights. Heinlein Racing Development, a New Jersey shop with roots in IMSA and World Challenge, has supplied the skid plate and interior mounting systems. Peak Design provides bags and luggage, while GoPro cameras will document the team from training through the competitive stages. MINI Motoring Protection, part of MINI Financial Services, covers travel, vehicle shipping, media support and giveaways.
The Rebelle Rally will be MINI’s first appearance in the event, and the brand is using it to launch a model that clearly signals a more rugged direction for the marque. While the name and technical details remain unknown, the combination of a Countryman-based platform, extensive off-road preparation and a high-profile rally debut points to a serious push into the adventure SUV segment. Further details are expected at the global reveal on October 7, 2026, just before the rally gets underway.
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