That process is helped by Rivian's new system architecture introduced in the Gen 2 R1 platform last year. This not only greatly simplified the architecture of the vehicles, cutting cost and weight, but it enabled far more finite control over those motors.

After a lengthy wait, the 2026 Rivian R1S SUV and 2026 Rivian R1T are now available in Quad-Motor configuration. Rivian owners may remember that the first-generation R1 models were available with a Quad-Motor setup that produced 835 horsepower. Since the ...

Rivian has a new high-performance EV that you almost certainly don't need. On Tuesday, the automaker unveiled a quad-motor variant of the second-generation R1. The EV can do remarkable things, but it's positioned as more of an off-road brand magnet than a sensible purchase.