Earlier this year we shared a video of the Rivian R1T in prototype testing. According to numbers it will be the fastest bakkie ever produced, and it’s completely electric.
We’re following the Rivian R1T development closely as Rivian claims the R1T will be a completely capable off-roader than can 4×4 and not just look pretty in parking lots. While we love combustion engines, and the range that efficient diesel engines afford us, we’re cognisant that times are a-changing. And if times are changing, we want to be able to continue doing what we love – 4x4ing.
THE RIVIAN BACKSTORY
Back in 1985 Chrysler owned a part of Mitsubishi as part of a way around the limit set on the import of Japanese cars into the USA. A plant was built in Normal, Illinois and the joint venture to produce Plymouth Lasers and original Mitsubishi Eclipse was called Diamond-Star Motors. In the early 90s, Mitsubishi bought Chrysler out and continued production until 2015 when they decided to restructure. Rivian stepped-in and saved the plant in 2015.
WHO IS RIVIAN?
Rivian is an “electric vehicle manufacturer on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever” founded in 2009. A privately held company that Amazon invested $700 million into in early 2019. Ford swiftly followed suit investing $500 million, though terminated the contract during Covid-19 but still maintain the relationship. Rivian’s key product offering is the all-electric bakkie R1T and the SUV R1S.
R1T BAKKIE PROGRESS REPORT
Tesla might have shown off with the CyberTruck though Rivian are the closest to delivery ready. The first R1Ts should’ve been delivered in December 2020 though the pandemic has forced delivery dates to mid-2021.
The only immediate changes we can see in the new video is that the bumper looks higher and less pronounced compared to the prototype video, we’re assuming this is to allow for an improved departure angle.
WATCH: THE 1 1 20NM RIVIAN R1T IN ACTION
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