Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe pulled a Steve Jobs “yet one more thing” moment on the debut of the R2 electric SUV.
On Thursday after the R2 rolled onto stage, Scaringe introduced its smaller, sportier sibling, the R3, in addition to a performance variant called the R3X.
Details on the R3 are slim, however the design makes an announcement.
Rivian R3X
Sitting lower than the R2 with a squatter stance, the R3 is 5.0 inches shorter than the R2 and it looks like a hot hatch. In 2018, Scaringe teased the concept of the automaker’s third vehicle being a rally car-like vehicle.
The front of the R3 looks much like the R2 due to the automaker’s trademark lighting signature. The roofline tapers down right into a rear hatch with proportions that are not as squared off. It looks like a Subaru Outback Wilderness version of a Volkswagen Golf.
Rivian R3
The rear hatch opens like a conventional hatchback but hides a celebration trick. The glass itself can open individually from the hatch in a feature Rivian dubs the Flipper Glass. This enables long items, equivalent to surf boards, to be housed inside the R3’s smaller footprint.
Rivian’s packaging innovation extends to the R3. It has dual glove boxes, each the first- and second-row seats fold completely flat, and there is a large front trunk for secure storage.
The straightforward dashboard includes a digital gauge cluster and a big touchscreen housing many of the vehicle controls.
The R3X will feature cork and anodized metal inside its cabin. On outside, it has rally-style wheels, but it surely’s unclear if it’s going to be a performance variant.
Rivian R3
The R3 will probably be built on the identical skateboard chassis because the R2 with 4695-style battery cells. Power outputs have not been released, but we all know the R3 will probably be offered with a single rear motor, dual motors with a motor at each axle, and a tri-motor powertrain with one motor up front and two on the rear axle. Given the R3’s performance intent, it’s going to likely get no less than the dual-motor powertrain if not only the tri-motor setup. Rivian said the R3X could have more dynamic abilities on-road and off.
Rivian has committed to the Tesla NACS charge port, and the R3 is anticipated to have its charge port on the passenger-side rear fender just like the R2. CCS charging will likely work via an adapter. Rivian said it’s going to be about to charge from 10-80% in half-hour on a quick charger.
Rivian plans to place five radar units and 11 cameras into each the R3 and R2 as a part of its suite of lively safety technology.
While the R2 will go into production in Normal, Illinois, in 2026, it’s unclear where and when the R3 will probably be built. Nevertheless, Rivian has confirmed it’s going to cost lower than the R2, which can start at $45,000.
This Article First Appeared At www.motorauthority.com
