Latest news with #JeffHammoud
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Rivian just unleashed the fastest off-road EV ever — meet the 2026 Quad-Motor beast
Rivian has just come out with something that will change the game. The 2026 Quad-Motor R1T and R1S are amazing because they have amazing acceleration, can handle tough trails, and have the latest software. Rivian's newest models are fast, easy to control, and useful all at the same time. They work well on both dirt trails and drag strips. Rivian demonstrates once more that EVs are superior to gas models in terms of off-road capability and acceleration. The 2026 Rivian R1S and R1 Quad models have off-road capabilities and supercar acceleration . What makes Rivian's Quad-Motor system so powerful? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Owing to their distinctive features and design, the R1 Quad models are unlike anything else on American roads. Currently, Rivian manufactures a full-size family SUV and a full-size pickup truck as electric vehicles. Both electric models' ground clearance, design, and strong electric motors earned them excellent reviews for their capabilities. The 2026 Quad, the most potent iteration of the R1 truck and SUV to date, is now being unveiled by the American electric vehicle manufacturer and automotive technology company. Live Events How fast is the new Rivian quad-motor? Four electric motors are used in Rivian R1 Quad models to transfer power to the wheels. More horsepower and nearly unbelievable acceleration times are guaranteed with a quad-motor all-wheel drive system. The 2026 Rivian R1 Quad versions can achieve 0-60 miles per hour in around 2.5 seconds, rendering them among the fastest production vehicles ever manufactured. In comparison, the 2025 Lamborghini Urus has a 0-60 miles per hour acceleration in around 3.1 seconds. Rivian R1 Quad trucks and SUVs surpass several supercars in speed, are more economical, and provide greater practicality in terms of space and functionality. The R1T Quad and R1S Quad can complete a quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds, generating an impressive 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque. All four motors are oil-cooled and independently regulated. The R1 Quad variants have a driving range of up to 400 miles in Conserve Mode. Jeff Hammoud, Rivian's Chief Design Officer, articulated that the brand's objective is to deliver a luxury experience while being approachable. He instructed the team to ensure the R1 embodies the essence of a six-figure vehicle that one would not hesitate to take off-road. Following the evaluation of the Rivian R1T Quad, it was concluded that it performs as claimed. The electric vehicles progressively enhance due to over-the-air software upgrades, and several options exist to tailor the R1 to your own preferences and requirements. The new Rivian R1 Quad is "software-defined," integrating advanced technologies that enhances your driving experience. What is the price of the 2026 Rivian R1 Quad? The starting price of Rivian's R1S Quad Launch Edition electric SUV is $125,990. The starting price of the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad's standard model is $121,990. How is software shaping the new R1 experience? "Kick turn," which modifies the power to the inside wheels and allows the vehicle to spin around its center while in motion, is one of the most anticipated features. By pressing a button, off-roaders can now make tight turns on trails without having to perform the tiresome 3-point turn. Fans of Rivian might remember "tank turn," a feature that regulates power and tire grip but was never released. Rivian has, however, imposed certain software-powered restrictions on the feature, such as a speed limit and the restriction to spinning only in dirt. ALSO READ: Bezos to buy Vogue as a gift to new wife? Insiders link deal to Sanchez's cover shoot, could cost him billions Kick turn and other software-meets-hardware features, such as its "RAD Tuner," which enables users to modify the vehicle's driving dynamics through the central touchscreen, have been added by the company to the quad-motor. There are also some very useful features here besides off-road tricks. In Conserve Mode with the right tires, the vehicles can go up to 400 miles, seat up to seven people, and tow up to 11,000 pounds. Rivian's 140 kWh battery charges through a Tesla-style NACS port and comes with a free CCS adapter, which lets drivers use both Tesla Superchargers and older public charging networks. The new trip planner software can even tell if you need an adapter or not. It's clear that Rivian's engineers wanted more than just brute strength. The Quad-Motor system is a technical demonstration of what happens when smart software and electric performance meet serious off-road intent. Rivian is betting that this ultra-capable flagship lineup will carry them forward until mid-2026, when cheaper R2 models are expected to come out. FAQs How fast is the new Rivian quad-motor? The 2026 R1T accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, faster than many supercars. What is a Kick Turn, and why does it matter? Kick Turn allows the vehicle to spin tightly on dirt trails, making it easier for off-roaders to maneuver in tight spaces.
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Get up close and personal with Rivian's R1 Quad, one of the quickest EVs on the market
Rivian once again proves EVs can beat gas models when it comes to acceleration and off-road capability. Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) currently produces two electric vehicles: a full-size pickup truck and a full-size family SUV. Both electric models received top-tier reviews for their capabilities, thanks to ground clearance, design and powerful electric motors. Now, the American electric vehicle manufacturer and automotive technology company is unleashing the most powerful version of the R1 truck and SUV yet, the 2026 Quad. Rivian R1 Quad models use four electric motors to transfer power to move the wheels of the vehicles. A quad-motor all-wheel drive system means more horsepower and acceleration times almost too quick to believe. USA TODAY got up close and personal with the R1T Quad electric pickup truck, and we can confirm it's just as mind-blowing on the road as it is on paper. The 2026 Rivian R1 Quad is insanely quick 2026 Rivian R1 Quad models rocket from 0-60 miles per hour in around 2.5 seconds, making these EVs some of the quickest production vehicles ever made. For context, the 2025 Lamborghini Urus accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in around 3.1 seconds, according to Car and Driver. Rivian R1 Quad trucks and SUVs are quicker than many supercars, more affordable, and more practical in terms of spaciousness and capability. The R1T Quad and R1S Quad can do a quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. The EVs produce a massive 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque. Each of the four motors are oil-cooled and individually controlled. R1 Quad models boast up to 400 miles of driving range (in Conserve Mode). How much does the 2026 Rivian R1 Quad cost? Rivian's R1S Quad Launch Edition electric SUV starts at $125,990. The regular version of the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad starts at $121,990. The new 2026 Rivian R1T Launch Edition starts at $119,990. The regular version of the R1T Quad starts at $115,990. Rivian also charges a fee of $1,895 for destination and freight in the United States. What sets the 2026 Rivian R1 Quad apart from competitors? USA TODAY interviewed Rivian's Chief Design Officer, Jeff Hammoud, to find out what makes Rivian R1 Quad electric trucks and SUVs different from the competition. "Our brand ethos. In terms of being able to provide a premium experience that's still inviting.", said Hammoud. When asked what design challenges the team faced when developing the latest Rivian Quad models, Rivian's Chief Design Officer answered, "We asked ourselves, how do you make the R1 feel like a six-figure car that you won't be afraid to off-road in?" After testing the Rivian R1T Quad, I determined that it's every bit as capable as advertised. Rivian's latest electric vehicle drives like a sports car, but offers the ground clearance (nearly 15.0 inches) and design of a true off-road vehicle without sacrificing any luxury materials or tech for capability. Hammoud noted that the EVs "continue to improve over time" thanks to over-the-air software updates. Additionally, there are plenty of ways to customize the R1 to your individual wants and needs, including creating an entire driver profile for your vehicle and even specific drive modes. The new Rivian R1 Quad is "software-defined," incorporating plenty of futuristic technology that elevates your driving experience. Rivian's latest EV pushes the envelope both from an engineering and design perspective.
Fast Company
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fast Company
Why it's so hard to picture a Rivian in black or white
When the electric car startup Rivian was set to release its first vehicle in late 2021, the company made the unconventional choice. Instead of a more conventional neutral tone, it manufactured a significant amount of its initial production run in a custom color the company called Launch Green. It was a decision that ran counter to almost every color trend and automotive industry sales report, and one that's come to shape the way the company builds out one of the most unique color palettes in the car business. 'Everybody buys black, white, or gray. Pretty much every single brand, they're going to have that. And it doesn't matter if you're in the U.S., you're in China, you're in Europe, that's what it is,' says Jeff Hammoud, Rivian's chief design officer. 'Those are the ones that people order. But they're not the ones that create the most buzz or excitement.' Launch Green, marketed as a limited run for the company's R1T truck, bucked the trends and rose near the top of color rankings among Rivian fans and buyers. The Rivian forum on Reddit had such a heated debate over Launch Green's merit that its moderator pinned a note to the top of the comments thread stating that it had been reported by some users for 'incorrectly' placing Launch Green in second place. 'I understand that many of you feel personally victimized by Launch Green not being #1. I encourage you to take a break from the internet or talk to a loved one for support,' the note read. Though the company doesn't break down its sales figures publicly, Launch Green was immediately popular. Despite being a limited run, customers still ask for it nearly five years later. Colors that look good dirty Considering the approach validated, the company has since put an uncommon amount of effort into its color palette, not only creating unique custom colors but also making those colors an extension of Rivian's adventure-centric, California-inspired brand. From L.A. Silver to El Cap Granite to Red Canyon to Storm Blue, Rivian's paint options purposely lean into an outdoorsy theme. The company just announced another limited edition paint and trim package, California Dune, a pale sand color that evokes off-roading in the desert. 'We wanted something that like looked crisp and clean and premium,' Hammoud says. 'If it's dirty you can't really tell. It's not this car that you feel like you constantly have to clean, like a black car.' Rivian does offer its vehicles in black—'Midnight' in the company's parlance—but only reluctantly. Hammoud says Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe doesn't like black, which he finds to be 'not an optimistic color' and one that's not exactly on brand. 'But,' Hammoud says, 'customers love it.' For some, Rivian's colors may just look like slightly different versions of a blue or red that any other car company might use. But according to Hammoud, Rivian's colors have been carefully developed to reflect a spirit of adventure, while also being bespoke to the brand. 'We want it to have that warmth that our brand has, and also something that invites you to get it dirty,' he says. That approach to color has become so ingrained in the brand's approach that Rivian hired its own in-house paint specialist, enabling it to develop new color options faster. Even so, adding new colors to the palette—there have been 12 so far—requires a significant investment of time and coordination with suppliers. 'The fascias, the mirrors, the door handles, parts of the liftgates, none of those are actually painted at our plant,' Hammoud says. 'So we have to work with all these different suppliers to essentially take that same color and make sure it matches identical.' Adding a new color can take years, but Hammoud says that limited color runs can happen much faster, since the company's manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, can swap a color into the production line for a short time before returning to a more standard color. Bringing a new color like California Dune into the lineup for a limited run is another way for the company to generate some brand buzz. 'It's a fun and I wouldn't say easy but a light lift for us to be able to go and add freshness to the vehicle by offering a new color,' Hammoud says. Rivian is also careful about when to take a color out of the lineup. One discontinued color, Compass Yellow, had consistently high Net Promoter Scores, a measure of how likely a customer is to recommend a product to others. 'People were the most passionate about that color and Red Canyon, which are really low take rates for us,' Hammoud says. Though the yellow was dropped from the lineup, the red is still available. These color choices are partly driven by sales figures and customer demand, but Hammoud says the company's overall approach to color is more closely tied to the adventurous image it's trying to create with its off-road-ready truck and SUV models. The company pays attention to color trends in the automotive world, but isn't concerned with simply keeping pace with competitors. 'Everything we do from a color standpoint is influenced by the types of products that we think align with our brand, align with our customers. And a lot of that starts from outdoor adventure gear, footwear, backpacks,' Hammoud says. This extends to other sides of Rivian design, like the brand's distinctive headlights, which were inspired by a rock climbing carabiner. But Hammoud says color may be one of the most important elements of Rivian's vehicles. 'Color is a big part of purchase consideration for people,' he says. Ultimately the cars are products, and the company is trying to sell them. Color, he argues, helps make the cars more distinctive, which leads to more customer interest, and maybe a foothold in a crowded marketplace. 'Finding inspiration from outside of automotive is a big part of it,' Hammoud says. 'If you don't do that, you're just going to feel like you're every other car brand.'
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rivian's New Dune Edition Trucks Pay Tribute to California, Not Arrakis
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Electric truck enthusiasts have a new special edition model to lust after. Following last week's teaser campaign, Rivian has just released the first unique R1S and R1T variants since the Launch Edition models arrived back in 2022. Known as the Rivian R1 California Dune Edition, these trucks come ready for your next adventure to Johnson Valley or Glamis. Whether you pick an R1S or an R1T as your base, every California Dune Edition model will feature the brand's tri-motor layout, which provides 850 horsepower and 1,103 lb-ft of torque. The special models also come equipped with the All-Terrain Package equipment, including underbody skid plates, a full-size spare, and a set of range-reducing all-terrain tires wrapped around the unique 20-inch wheels. Customers will have a choice between two new finishes on those wheels, including a dark hue or a body-matched set in the new California Dune paint. The latter is a particularly handsome combo out on the move. Additional bonus hardware includes a set of MaxTrax recovery boards in a dark finish, a powered tonneau cover for the pickups, and dark-hued crossbars up top. The special edition model also adopts the new two-tone Sandstone interior, which pairs nicely with the dark trim included on all tri-motor vehicles. Given the off-road intentions of this new model, Rivian has also included a set of easy-to-clean mats for the interior. And like all second-gen R1 models, the special editions benefit from reworked infotainment and advanced driver-assistance tech. 'The design team was inspired by the color and warmth of the beautiful, sun-drenched dunes of Southern California to create our first bespoke, limited-edition variant of the R1 vehicles,' said Jeff Hammoud, Rivian's chief design officer. 'In this unique expression, we embraced the balance between the vast, quiet terrain of the California dunes and the desire to create something that is both elevated and refined. It invites you to submit to the elements while offering colors and materials that are easy to clean but look just as good when they aren't.' The trucks are slated to have a public appearance at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas, from March 6 to 17. Units will also be available to view at select Rivan Spaces throughout the country. The pickup models are slated to start at $99,000, while the SUV is a bit more expensive, kicking off at $105,900. Order books for the electric off-road trucks are open now. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
