Rivian recently got the Tesla treatment. An X user, @hilbe, found some code on the Rivain website and displayed it for the world to see. This accidental reveal gave us a sneak peek of Rivian’s upcoming R2 SUV. Set to be officially unveiled tomorrow, March 7th, the R2 is poised to be Rivian's entry into the increasingly competitive small SUV market, directly challenging Tesla's Model Y, the current best-selling vehicle globally.
***BREAKING NEWS***
Rivian R2 Specs Leaked!!!
- Starting price $47,500 - Range up to 330 miles - 0 to 60 in 3 seconds - Seats 5 - Length 185.6 in - Width 75 in - Width with Mirrors 84.4 in - Height 66.9 in - Max Ground Clearance 9.8 in - Wheelbase 15.6 in - Wheel and Tire… pic.twitter.com/VcB13HW2lh
The R2 builds on the legacy of the R1 series, including the R1S, R1T, and their electric delivery van. This new model is set to redefine expectations with a starting price of $47,000 and promises up to 330 miles on a single charge.
The inadvertently slip on the website reveals more key features, such as a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3 seconds, seating for five, and unique charging capabilities compatible with both NACS and CCS stations. Additionally, the R2 will feature innovative storage solutions, including a spacious front trunk and a convenient bike mount system designed for ease and accessibility. It has a launch year pegged at 2026.
Rivian's strategy to leverage insights from its R1 program aims to produce a vehicle that balances performance, utility, and affordability. With dimensions that echo those of popular SUVs like the Honda CR-V and the Model Y, the R2 is expected to appeal to a broad audience seeking an EV that does not compromise on space or capabilities.
Competition is Good; Leaks Can be Too
It is certainly not the mythical Tesla Killer, Rivian simply lacks the production capacity of Tesla, however the introduction of the R2 is a welcome new addition to the company that started with the first electric pickup truck.
Rivian's experience with leaks now aligns it with Tesla, a company frequently in the spotlight for similar reasons. This initiation into the big leagues of leaks is a rite of passage in the EV industry, reflecting the high public and media interest in upcoming models. While leaks can sometimes spoil the surprise, they also underscore the anticipation and excitement surrounding new releases.
While Rivian executives may see this as a spoiled surprise, the early reveal has actually provided more coverage. It’s not like there won’t be any additional articles about the March 7 event. Given the social media chatter, the company now has an early preview about how the R2 will be accepted as it appears the majority of commentators view the product as a positive step forward for the company.
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Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.
Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.
It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.
Advisor-led Demo
This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.
The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.
Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.
Vision-based Improvements
ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.
Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.
I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.
Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.
Actually Smart Summon
ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.
We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.
We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.
Park Seek and Banish Autopark
When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.
A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.
While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.
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