Rumor: Rivian Readying Wheelie-Popping Performance Variant
It’s easy to complain about the rise of more boring electric SUVs and family haulers, but electrification has opened a new world of performance for even the most mundane-looking vehicles. That’s how we get pickup trucks that can run to 60 mph in under three seconds and family SUVs with similar specs. Rivian’s pickup and SUV both offer staggering acceleration and performance numbers and according to a new rumor on the Rivian Forum, it’s got more to give.
A forum user claimed to have heard plans from a “solid source,” but of course, we have no official confirmation. The user said that Rivian plans to overhaul the R1 vehicles next year with a facelift and more efficient powertrains. At the same time, the user noted that Rivian plans to offer a 1,000-horsepower performance variant capable of popping wheelies.
The new configuration is expected to be called Ascent and will likely have its wheelie-popping capability tuned out before launch to keep unsuspecting buyers out of trouble. The forum user waffled on the powertrain configuration for the new model, but the automaker has long talked about a quad-motor performance model.
The R1T was the first electric truck to hit the market, but the EV pickup space is about to get a whole lot more crowded. Despite early struggles with production, the Ford F-150 Lightning has finally gained a foothold on dealers’ lots, and soon, the Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV will hit the streets.
[Image: Rivian]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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As long as they don't use Ford suspension parts, they'll be OK. /s
Seriously, this is cool and all, but Rivian should keep its attention on scaling up production and reducing costs to reach profitability with the R1T, R1S, and Amazon van.
Joining the horsepower wars is an absurd distraction. They should just keep a nice thing going.
As for the offerings from Ford and GM, didn't we just read about slow sales (Ford) and further long delays (GM)? And, as long as the goofy Cybertruck exists, there will be room for more normal offerings like the R1T.
Most of my Amazon deliveries now are via Rivian EDV700. Good reviews from the drivers (sample size = 2).
The "100% Electric" Walmart delivery truck this week had a Ford badge on the front (E-Transit?). I asked the driver how she likes the truck and the answer was distinctly negative. Apparently with the climate control on, the Ford lacks the beans to maintain speed uphill. (Which is strange, because there aren't a lot of significant hills in this county.) Sample size = 1; witness not sworn in.
Is anyone really complaining that their 835-hp quad-motor Rivian isn't powerful enough? This is stupid and they should spend the engineering effort on finding more efficiency.
Wheelies should be easy with 1000hp and no engine up front