Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe pulled a Steve Jobs “yet one more factor” second on the debut of the R2 electrical SUV.
On Thursday after the R2 rolled onto stage, Scaringe launched its smaller, sportier sibling, the R3, in addition to a efficiency variant referred to as the R3X.
Particulars on the R3 are slim, however the design makes a press release.
Rivian R3X
Sitting decrease than the R2 with a squatter stance, the R3 is 5.0 inches shorter than the R2 and it seems to be like a scorching hatch. In 2018, Scaringe teased the thought of the automaker’s third car being a rally car-like car.
The entrance of the R3 seems to be much like the R2 because of the automaker’s trademark lighting signature. The roofline tapers down right into a rear hatch with proportions that are not as squared off. It seems to be like a Subaru Outback Wilderness model of a Volkswagen Golf.
Rivian R3
The rear hatch opens like a conventional hatchback however hides a celebration trick. The glass itself can open individually from the hatch in a characteristic Rivian dubs the Flipper Glass. This permits lengthy gadgets, resembling surf boards, to be housed throughout the R3’s smaller footprint.
Rivian’s packaging innovation extends to the R3. It has twin glove bins, each the first- and second-row seats fold fully flat, and there is a giant entrance trunk for safe storage.
The easy dashboard encompasses a digital gauge cluster and a big touchscreen housing a lot of the car controls.
The R3X will characteristic cork and anodized steel inside its cabin. On exterior, it has rally-style wheels, but it surely’s unclear if will probably be a efficiency variant.
Rivian R3
The R3 might be constructed on the identical skateboard chassis because the R2 with 4695-style battery cells. Energy outputs have not been launched, however we all know the R3 might be supplied with a single rear motor, twin motors with a motor at every axle, and a tri-motor powertrain with one motor up entrance and two on the rear axle. Given the R3’s efficiency intent, it’ll doubtless get at the very least the dual-motor powertrain if not simply the tri-motor setup. Rivian mentioned the R3X can have extra dynamic talents on-road and off.
Rivian has dedicated to the Tesla NACS cost port, and the R3 is anticipated to have its cost port on the passenger-side rear fender just like the R2. CCS charging will doubtless work by way of an adapter. Rivian mentioned will probably be about to cost from 10-80% in half-hour on a quick charger.
Rivian plans to place 5 radar items and 11 cameras into each the R3 and R2 as a part of its suite of energetic security expertise.
Whereas the R2 will go into manufacturing in Regular, Illinois, in 2026, it is unclear the place and when the R3 might be constructed. Nevertheless, Rivian has confirmed it’ll price lower than the R2, which is able to begin at $45,000.