Chase (left) and Wakelin.
NASHVILLE: The Infiniti QX80n has been designed to be as capable offroad as it is on-road.
That is being put to the test in October when it will have to tough it out in the US desert during a 10-day all-female navigational off-road competition - the 2020 Rebelle Rally.
Team 142 - Wander Women, comprised Nicole Wakelin (driver), of New Hampshire, and Alice Chase (navigator), of Texas.
Both are professional automotive journalists, who possess decades of driving experience on and off-road and have covered the Rebelle as journalists.
Rebelle Rally, in its fifth year, will take place from Oct to 17 through the California and Nevada desert.
The rally spans over 2,000km and participants will navigate using maps, a compass and a route book to find hidden checkpoints with time checks.
No GPS or outside help is permitted.
This year, 40 pairs of women will drive production vehicles in 4x4 and Crossover classes.
Supporters will be able to follow Wander Women's journey on INFINITI's Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channels and on www.rebellerally.com.
"We are excited to welcome Infiniti in this year's Rebelle Rally. As the ultimate proving ground for vehicles, we look forward to seeing the QX80 showcase its abilities through the course's wide variety of terrain," said Rebelle Rally founder Emily Miller.
Infiniti global marketing general manager Phil York said "10 days navigating the desert in a QX80 will certainly showcase that our flagship SUV has as much grit as it has grace."
Infiniti's participation in the 2020 Rebelle Rally in California marks its first involvement in the rigorous off-road challenge and falls under the banner of "QXploration" - where the brand encourages owners of the QX lineup to use the luxurious vehicle on their driveway for urban escapes and adventures.
The activation follows previous expeditions in breathtaking but unforgiving terrains of the Gobi Desert and Jordan.
The QX80's All-Mode 4WD system and advanced Hydraulic Body Motion Control system have been designed to handle harsh conditions including sand and snow.
