Mitsubishi announced that it will be entering a 2022 Outlander in the 2021 running of the Rebelle Rally. The SUV will feature a special livery that celebrates the 20th anniversary of Jutta Kleinschmidt’s 2001 victory at the Dakar Rally.
The Rebelle Rally challenges two-woman teams to a 1,242 miles (2,000 km) event that takes place in the Nevada and California desert. This year will mark Mitsubishi’s third year of participating in the event, every time partnering with Record the Journey, a non-profit that seeks to help military veterans make the transition into civilian life.
The 2022 Outlander it sends to the rally will be finished in a special livery that celebrates Mitsubishi’s motorsport achievements. Marking the 20th of its 2001 victory at the Dakar Rally, the SUV is designed to pay homage to the Pajero (aka Montero) that Jutta Kleinschmidt drove that year.
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Kleinschmidt, who currently races with ABT Cupra XE in the Extreme E all-electric racing series, remains the only woman to have ever won the legendary Dakar rally. This year also marks Mitsubishi’s 40th anniversary in the United States, making this a double celebration.
“Returning to the Rebelle with an Outlander inspired by that Dakar-winning Pajero is a fitting tribute to our history, a powerful statement about our ongoing commitment to women’s achievement, and the exciting future ahead for our brand,” said Mark Chaffin, COO of Mitsubishi Motors North America.
Mitsubishi is the most successful brand of all at the Dakar Rally, and Kleinschmidt’s win in 2001 marked the beginning of a seven-year winning streak for the brand.
The Japanese automaker will continue its legacy of off-roading with the Rebelle Rally this year, which runs from October 7-16. One of its rivals will be Ford, who is entering two Broncos and a Bronco Sport to the event.
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