Photo: Rivian
Rivian is preparing a new update tailored for off-road enthusiasts, as previewed in a video teaser for the Rebelle Rally. Based on the video, Rivian EVs will get a new off-road screen with plenty of information and possibly new settings for off-road scenarios.
Rivian is pitching its all-electric R1S and R1T as adventure vehicles able to tackle the harshest terrain. Even though some owners reported damaged underbody even after crossing a puddle, it's clear that the R1S and R1T are the most off-road capable electric vehicles on the market right now. They have proven their capabilities countless times, including on some of the most challenging trails in the US.
Last month, a Rivian R1S Quad-Motor became the first series-production EV to conquer the Rubicon Trail. The stunt was organized by Rivian's test and development team. The SUV was entirely stock, including its 34-inch Pirelli all-terrain tires. The only additional equipment was a set of steel rock sliders, front tow hitch receivers, and a roof rack. The success proved there is substance behind the "adventure vehicle" claim. A week later, a privately-owned R1T achieved a similar feat on the John's Trail in Utah, which has been given a seven (hard) rating.
Rivian is undoubtedly working to improve such capabilities and offer drivers better tools to help them cross the most difficult sections of their off-road journeys. Known for its timely and meaningful software updates, the EV startup will likely deploy more off-road refinements with future updates. This has become obvious in a recent video teasing Rivian's Rebelle Rally adventure.
At some point in the video, you can see that the R1T's center screen is blurred as if Rivian is trying to hide something. Upon closer inspection, it's clear that this is a new off-road screen that offers a plethora of information about the terrain and the truck's position. While this could be a custom screen specifically developed for the Rebelle Rally, I believe it will be pushed to customer vehicles in one of the forthcoming updates. The fact that Rivian blurred this screen is a tacit confirmation.
This is the fourth year that Rivian attends the all-women rally and the first time it will have both factory teams and a customer R1T lined up at the start. Rebelle Rally is now the longest off-road rally in the US, testing the teams' off-road skills and navigational know-how. The vehicles will not be spared either, given that there are no roads to follow and the winds and heat are sometimes unbearable.
The eight-day rally that debuts on October 12 spans over 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) of unforgiving desert. Only paper maps, compasses, and plotters are allowed in the competition. GPS and other digital navigation tools are strictly forbidden, which is likely what the custom off-road screen in the video aims to address.
Last month, a Rivian R1S Quad-Motor became the first series-production EV to conquer the Rubicon Trail. The stunt was organized by Rivian's test and development team. The SUV was entirely stock, including its 34-inch Pirelli all-terrain tires. The only additional equipment was a set of steel rock sliders, front tow hitch receivers, and a roof rack. The success proved there is substance behind the "adventure vehicle" claim. A week later, a privately-owned R1T achieved a similar feat on the John's Trail in Utah, which has been given a seven (hard) rating.
Rivian is undoubtedly working to improve such capabilities and offer drivers better tools to help them cross the most difficult sections of their off-road journeys. Known for its timely and meaningful software updates, the EV startup will likely deploy more off-road refinements with future updates. This has become obvious in a recent video teasing Rivian's Rebelle Rally adventure.
At some point in the video, you can see that the R1T's center screen is blurred as if Rivian is trying to hide something. Upon closer inspection, it's clear that this is a new off-road screen that offers a plethora of information about the terrain and the truck's position. While this could be a custom screen specifically developed for the Rebelle Rally, I believe it will be pushed to customer vehicles in one of the forthcoming updates. The fact that Rivian blurred this screen is a tacit confirmation.
This is the fourth year that Rivian attends the all-women rally and the first time it will have both factory teams and a customer R1T lined up at the start. Rebelle Rally is now the longest off-road rally in the US, testing the teams' off-road skills and navigational know-how. The vehicles will not be spared either, given that there are no roads to follow and the winds and heat are sometimes unbearable.
The eight-day rally that debuts on October 12 spans over 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) of unforgiving desert. Only paper maps, compasses, and plotters are allowed in the competition. GPS and other digital navigation tools are strictly forbidden, which is likely what the custom off-road screen in the video aims to address.
.@RebelleRally gives women an opportunity to take their vehicles into the wild. This is our 4th year in what is now the longest off-road rally in the U.S. Join us cheering on our 3 amazing employee teams – and for the first time ever – an R1T owner! https://t.co/HgTJHoTyva pic.twitter.com/AijgqiWWNA
— Rivian (@Rivian) September 26, 2023
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