Today, Rivian unveiled the second generation of its flagship R1T and R1S battery electric vehicles. The American automaker said it made “hundreds of hardware improvements” and changed more than half of gen-one’s hardware components to build gen-two.
The updates to Rivian’s iconic truck and SUV platform are primarily functional — including a decreased carbon footprint over the vehicle’s expected lifetime, greater power, more range, and improved suspension. However, the second-gen R1T and R1S will also offer new interior options and exterior colors.
“We continue to evolve our flagship R1 vehicles, offering quality and performance without compromise,” Rivian CEO and founder RJ Scaringe said in a press release. “Our revamped R1S and R1T push the technical boundaries further, creating our most capable products to date.”
Here’s the rundown on what’s new with the second-gen Rivian R1T and R1S.
Rivian: Gen-Two Reveal
Performance
In addition to a fully redesigned suspension system and air springs, Rivian claims to provide a smoother ride. Rivian also retooled its motors and battery packs to achieve a claimed 420-mile range for the “Large” and “Max” battery packs. The value-oriented “Standard” battery pack will offer up to 270 miles on a full charge. Improved heat pumps aid the improved range while also “improving rider temperature comfort.”
As for power, Rivian developed new tri- and quad-motor configurations for the second-generation R1S and R1T. The tri-motor scoots 0-60 in under 3 seconds. The more powerful quad-motor will deliver 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque, launching the BEVs 0-60 in under 2.5 seconds. That speed bests Gen One by about a half-second.
The Rivian Gen Two also boasts 22-inch “aero wheels” that reduce drag and improve range over the previous generation.
Tech
Interestingly, Rivian says that that an entirely new electrical architecture and computer platform help remove about 1.6 miles of wiring from the gen-two truck and SUV.
Rivian developed an entirely new autonomy system called the Rivian Autonomy Platform. It employs 11 cameras, five radars, and (you guessed it) AI prediction technology. Rivian claims the new system is 10 times more powerful than the previous system and has eight times the number of camera megapixels. The result, it says, allows the vehicles to “see far into the distance, even in poor weather conditions.”
The Rivian Autonomy Platform, along with blindspot monitoring and highway assist, will come standard on all new R1T and R1S vehicles. A premium version of the system (Rivian Autonomy Platform+) enables “Lane Change on Command.” It is available right now, and “Enhanced Highway Assist” will be available later this year.
The second-gen vehicles will also have adaptive headlights, which adjust automatically to oncoming traffic or darker roads. However, this feature will not be available until an update is released later this year.
Look and Feel
Rivian added some convenience extras to the second-gen R1T and R1S designs. The owner can add digital car “keys” to their Apple Wallet, Apple Watch, or select Google Pixel devices. These keys can then be shared with select friends and family.
Rivian also developed premium audio upgrades that are available as part of a new subscription service called Connect+ and the Rivian Premium Audio option. The Connect+ service will unlock the Apple Music library ad-free. With the premium audio option, customers can listen through the Dolby Atmos sound system, which “reveals more depth, clarity, and details.”
The famed Unreal Engine will power the “unique and playful” user interface graphics and illustrations on the infotainment screen. Overhead, the second-gen R1T and R1S will carry a Dynamic Glass Roof with an electronic variable tint that owners can change at will.
Finally, for the look and feel, Rivian created two premium “Ascend” trim options, blackout trim on offer, and a new Storm Blue exterior paint option.
Rivian’s second-gen R1T and R1S are available today, starting at $69,900.
