Rivian R1 Refresh Rumored With Improved Aerodynamics, Crazy 1,000+ HP 'Ascent' Variant

Rivian is finally on track to ramp up the R1S and R1T production, as proved by the impressive sales results in the third quarter. This achievement will be discussed in extenso during the Q3 2023 earnings call next month when we will learn more about the company's plans. Although production is only starting to catch up with demand, the R1 EV lineup is almost three years old, having been launched in 2021. In the automotive world, this requires at least a mild refresh.

Rivian executives, including the company's CEO RJ Scaringe, haven't been shy about discussing the refreshed R1 lineup. Now, sources inside the company have revealed more details, and we found out that the Rivian off-roaders will get a lot more compelling from 2024. Among the changes expected with the 2025 model year are the launch of a new top-of-the-line trim called Ascent and essential changes to the R1 electric architecture.

The information shared on Reddit claims to be offered by a "solid source" and provides an interesting insight into the R1 roadmap. As expected, the refreshed R1 EVs will feature design changes, but they might be rather subtle. Rumors about blacked-out chrome trims and emblems have come out of Rivian's design studio, but there is no indication that this will make it into production, so take that with a grain of salt. Rivian aims to also improve aerodynamics, so expect some functional changes without altering the R1's visual character. After all, Rivian will carry it to the R2 lineup when it launches.

The revamped R1 models will also have a more powerful powertrain, delivering more than 1,000 horsepower. It's unclear if this is exclusive to the Ascent model or will also be offered with the Adventure package. Intriguingly, the 1,000 horsepower powertrain will come from a dual-motor setup, or so the Rivian source claims. This is rather unusual and likely to put the R1 Quad-Motor models in a tight corner.

We all knew that the Bosch-sourced motors of the Quad-Motor variants were doomed the moment Rivian ramped up its Enduro motor production. The Enduro drive units proved more efficient than their Bosch counterparts, and it's likely Rivian will save a lot of money by using electric motors produced in-house. The fact that Rivian can offer a similar or higher power level using just two Enduro motors instead of four from Bosch means the R1 Quad Motor variants are on their way out with the 2024 refresh.

Rivian is taking a bold gamble by opting for a dual-motor configuration on a 1,000-horsepower pickup truck. There is no such precedent, and other 1,000-hp EVs (except the Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance) use three motors to achieve this. This brings another advantage: having two motors on the rear axle enables torque vectoring without needing a limited-slip differential.

Based on what RJ Scaring revealed earlier, the R1 platform will also get a massive overhaul next year. The aim is to simplify production and significantly cut the bill of materials to save money. Rivian will likely use more cast parts, as it has already demonstrated this. Another significant change is reducing the complexity of the network architecture that connects all the different ECUs and electronic components in a Rivian vehicle. This will cut the number of ECUs by 60% and the wiring harness by 25%, with significant benefits in efficiency and costs.