2022 VW ID.4 AWD EV Racing in Rebelle Rally

Oct 4, 2021

First Volkswagen entry in this woman-driven, off-road adventure competition First entry of the all-electric ID.4 AWD in off-road competition Vehicle modified for off-road action by Tanner Foust and Rhys Millen Racing

Herndon, VA October 4, 2021; This week, Volkswagen of America will make its inaugural entry in the Rebelle Rally, a woman-driven and navigated off-road competition in the deserts of Nevada and California. Driver Mercedes Lilienthal and navigator Emily Winslow will run the prepared ID.4 AWD Pro electric SUV during the competition from October 7–16, 2021.

“The Rebelle Rally is blazing a new trail in motorsports, and presents tremendous opportunity for us to introduce our ID.4 and electric vehicles to an even greater audience,” said Kimberley Gardiner, senior vice president, marketing, Volkswagen of America. “Volkswagen helped make off-road competitions popular in the ‘60s, and we’ve only just begun to explore the potential of electrification in off-roading motorsports. We’re really excited to have Mercedes and Emily leading the charge on this experience of a lifetime.”

The Rebelle Rally, now in its sixth year, is the first all-women rally raid event of its kind in the United States, challenging teams and vehicles across 1,400 miles through the deserts of Nevada and California. Pairs of drivers and navigators use their skills, navigation tools and limited supplies to overcome challenges along the course from Las Vegas to Glamis, Calif., along trails that respect the desert environment.

Lilienthal and Winslow will compete in the ID.4 AWD Pro in the crossover category. Tanner Foust Racing and Rhys Millen Racing are modifying the vehicle with new suspension components, tubular control arms, fabricated skid plates, battery protection and other items to fully equip the vehicle for the driving expedition. The vehicle will also be outfitted with Thule rack accessories and Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires.

The AWD ID.4’s 82kWh (gross) battery along with the permanent-magnet synchronous motor in the rear and asynchronous motor in the front will remain as is, offering a combined maximum 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4 AWD Pro has an EPA-estimated range of 249 miles on a full charge.

The vehicle wrap was created by Salt Lake City-based artist Liz Kuz, who drew inspiration from the anticipated rally terrain throughout the Nevada and California deserts.

In its brief existence, the ID.4 already has a history of off-road racing after competing in the NORRA Mexican 1000 earlier this year. A production ID.4 1st Edition RWD vehicle was modified by Rhys Millen Racing and managed by Tanner Foust Racing, with Foust at the wheel, giving the duo great insight into getting the team and vehicle ready for the Rebelle Rally.

Based in Portland, Ore., Lilienthal is a freelance journalist for outlets like The New York Times, Forbes Wheels, and Crankshaft Culture and is Editor-at-Large for TREAD Magazine. She participated in the 2018 Rebelle Rally. Winslow, a project manager, lives in Puyallup, Wash. and participated in the Rebelle Rally in 2018 and 2019, with a podium finish her first year.

For more information about the Rebelle Rally, visit https://www.rebellerally.com. Starting October 7 viewers can track the live location of Lilienthal and Winslow, also known as Team #211, in the ID.4 AWD during the entire event at https://www.rebellerally.com/live/.

About Volkswagen Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, which is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Volkswagen Group of America’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and a state-of-the-art assembly facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Arteon, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf, Golf GTI, ID.4, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Passat, Taos and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

“VW,” “Volkswagen,” all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Modifying vehicles can adversely affect warranty coverage and compliance with required safety and other standards.

This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

Where stated, fuel economy (MPGe) and range values are EPA estimates. See www.fueleconomy.gov for details. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving and charging habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, battery age, load, and vehicle condition. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. See owner’s manual for details.

ID.4 AWD Pro EPA estimated total range is 249 miles. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving and charging habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, battery age, load, and vehicle condition. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. See owner’s manual for details.

Maximum HP calculated via peak performance of the electric motor(s) at peak battery power pursuant to SAE J2908. Max HP only available under certain limited conditions, including, but not limited to, battery temperature of between 23 and 50 °C (73.4 and 122°F) and a charge level greater than 88%. Your results will vary. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.

Only drive where it is permitted and always stay on provided roads and paths. See owner’s manual for important information regarding off pavement use.