MERCEDES-BENZ 350GD TURBO
Teammates Kristian Rene and Renee Vento of Team Wunder On #124 are a tight-knit team. Driver Rene started off-roading in college and track driving in her mid twenties. Off-roading was her passion, though she says her destination is “always unknown, always a gift. The concept of man versus nature beautifully manifests when off-roading.” While they are both seasoned Rebelles, driver Rene and navigator Vento paired up for the first time for the 2020 rally. Their vehicle of choice this time was not a VW, but Rene’s ’92 imported Mercedes-Benz 350GD diesel 4x4 named “Bertha,” which typically runs on a bio-fuel she's created. This uniquely sweet fuel is made from scrap, ready-to-landfill cocoa butter after it's been used in the chocolate-making process.
Why did you choose this vehicle for the Rebelle Rally? What was your inspiration to build it or pilot it for the event?
KRISTIAN RENE: I love the G-Class. I drive a G55 as my daily. It has an incredible history and Mercedes-Benz is a company that sets the bar for automotive. The G was designed to be the most-capable stock vehicle imaginable and that was 40 years ago. I love that pedigree.
What was your favorite place to go with it during the rally and why?
KR: Absolutely sand.
Every vehicle has a purpose. What do you think your vehicle’s was as you completed the rally with it?
KR: This year, Bertha had one job and that was to school us. She’s almost 30 years old. A flaw on the G-Class are the shock mounts on the rear axle. The standard mount is double-layered construction. The cavity fills with dirt and moisture, causing the console to rust from inside to outside. In an advanced stage, the console breaks off the frame tubing. And that is precisely what happened to us about 300 miles into a 1,600-mile rally. How you choose to handle that is the lesson.
With an amazing team of mechanics, we field-built shock mounts and installed basic NAPA auto part truck shocks. Speeds were slower; some terrain was unmanageable as we had more up-and-down momentum that counteracted our forward force.
What part(s) of the vehicle proved to be a success, exceeded your expectations, or surprised you in a good way?
KR: I’ve driven modern Gs in sand. I’ve driven Jeeps, trucks, and Volkswagen Touaregs. I’ve driven multiple tires in sand. But the best day of rally was when that truck got to the dunes. I wish she had a bit more power for some of the climbs, but she flowed like water through the terrain. The balance of the vehicle—even without proper shocks—was exemplary, and the ability to skate through sand on her KM3clad beadlocks was damn near poetic.
In Closing
Rebelles are fierce. They’re strong, dedicated, and can withstand challenges. Rebelles are also supportive and can stare defeat or adversity straight in the face while trying to conquer it. These women range widely in age and are various ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. However, they all share a common goal: Complete the Rebelle Rally with grace and determination, while strengthening a sense of camaraderie with those who surround them.