Rivian unveils a new quad-motor R1 variant

Rivian has a new high-performance EV that you almost certainly don't need. On Tuesday, the automaker unveiled a quad-motor variant of the second-generation R1. The EV can do remarkable things, but it's positioned as more of an off-road brand magnet than a sensible purchase. The Gen 2 Quad R1T (truck) starts at $115,990, and its R1S (SUV) counterpart starts at $121,990.

The Gen 2 Quad lineup packs serious power. The four motors combine to give it 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0 to 60mph in as little as 2.5 seconds. It can cover a quarter mile in 10.5 seconds.

Rivian

The new EVs are estimated to have a range of 374 miles. Rivian adds that it can increase to as high as 400 miles in Conserve mode. When it's time to charge, it has an NACS port as standard. That gives you access to most of Tesla's supercharger network. As a nice bonus, the R1 Quad series will include a CCS DC adapter, expanding your options.

Anyone investing a fortune in one of these probably has some off-road uses in mind. To help with that, Rivian has a feature called Kick Turn. It allows you to make sharp turns or spins on dirt and gravel. It works by adjusting the power to let the R1 spin around its center without needing to move forward. Kick Turn will arrive via a software update in September.

RAD Tuner is another new feature. It lets you customize your ride through sliders. It also has presets inspired by Rivian competition wins: Desert Rally mode (2023 Rebelle Rally) and Hill Climb mode (2024 Pikes Peak).

Rivian

The EV's interior matches its high-end positioning. You get premium quilted seats, extended stitching and a deep bronze finish on the dash, doors, and speaker grilles. (Fancy!)

If you're looking for something more practical from Rivian, you won't have to wait long. The R2 is expected in early 2026, starting at a more palatable $45,000.

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