DETROIT — A 2002 Rendezvous, one of the first models of the innovative new crossover vehicle from Buick, is about to participate in one of the world's most aggressive and scenic driving events — the 15,000 mile, 55-day, "Inca Trail 4x4 Adventure Drive" in South America.
Rendezvous Brand Manager Jack Bowen said the Rendezvous was entered in the drive to emphasize Buick's entry into an entirely new market for the division — and to demonstrate Rendezvous' overall capability, versatility and durability.
Bowen has named Patrick Brooks to head the Buick driving team. Brooks is no stranger to adventure, having piloted a Buick in two previous world-renowned driving competitions. Joining Brooks will be Kevin Clemens, a freelance writer, who like Brooks drove around the world last year. Clemens will record Rendezvous' progress with reports posted on the Buick media site. The Rendezvous will be among about 50 four-wheel-drive vehicles to leave Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Oct. 6, 2001. They are scheduled to return to Rio on Nov. 29.
The route is spectacular. After the start from Copacabana Fort near Rio's Sugar Loaf Mountain, the vehicles will head into the Andes Mountains of Bolivia to the world's highest capital, La Paz, and will then be ferried across Lake Titicaca. The travelers will explore Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, and the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu, hidden until 1912.
They'll travel to Lima, Peru, and wind down hairpin turns in the mountains near Santiago, Chile. One highlight of the trip will be crossing the Straits of Magellan to the island of Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America, and on to Ushuaia, which is known as the southernmost city on Earth. They will travel up the eastern coast to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay, before arriving back in Rio. Those who successfully complete the route will win gold or silver medals.