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.

Rivian has long held out the prospect of particularly powerful quad-motor versions of its R1 models. Now the company has presented the series versions with

The Rivian R1S Tri-Motor was already the quickest SUV we've ever tested, hitting 60 mph in just 2.86 seconds. We didn't think anyone could possibly need a more powerful version, but the folks at Rivian disagree. After a lengthy wait, the 2026 Rivian R1S ...