You will not confuse the Rivian R1T with another vehicle – and that's the intention.

The truck has a "very identifiable face," according to the company's managing director and founder, RJ Scaringe.

The non-traditional front, without the large grille that we see on the internal combustion engine trucks, features a strip of daytime running lights across the width of the truck in front of the hood, interrupted by a pair of "Stadium" vertical headlights. to convey a "friendly but difficult" atmosphere.

It's a design theme that should touch Rivian's planned lineup, which is set to begin this week when the startup unveils its first concept vehicles – the R1T and an electric SUV – in conjunction with the Auto Show. from Los Angeles. The truck is to be presented for the first time at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles on Monday.

Scaringe, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, along with other Rivian executives and employees, gave journalists from the Rivian Engineering Center, west of Detroit, in Plymouth Township, an overview of the truck in Antarctic money. In a refurbished industrial space including "wellness" rooms, natural light and recycled shipping containers, executives and engineers showed the truck that Scaringe and others were hoping to lead him to a lucrative future.

It's unclear whether the company can successfully launch a vehicle to deliver the R1T by the end of 2020 and meet the challenges inherent in automotive production and distribution, but Rivian – a kind of mashup of the Indian River name in Florida , where Scaringe grew up – defined his own course. Unlike electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, which at times struggled to meet its production targets, Rivian, which employs about 560 people, has located its operations in corridors of technology centers, such as San Jose and Irvine, California, and in the industrial center, in Plymouth Township and at a former Mitsubishi manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois.

The company, whose logo is based on the appearance of a compass, targets customers who lead an active life. Artistic Director Larry Parker said he wanted to be "a brand that attracts people".

Patagonia model

Rivian sees himself entering a similar space in the automotive world, just like the Patagonia brand in the world of clothing.

"We are trying to develop a vehicle that we all love to drive," said Mark Vinnels, executive director of engineering and programs at Rivian. "It's not just designed to look pretty. It is designed to get dirty. It is designed to go out and is designed to live an adventure. "

The five-passenger R1T pickup promises 100 km (100 km) full electric range (with the largest of three battery options) to eliminate "all anxiety" and 800 horsepower. Rivian said the R1T would reach 60 mph in 3 seconds and 100 mph in less than 7, depending on the battery.

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The battery must maintain a range of 200 km every 30 minutes of fast DC charging or 300 to 400 km distance for a night load using a slow level 2 charger.

A four-engine system provides "precise torque control at every wheel, enabling active vectorization of torque and maximum performance in all situations, from high speed to low speed ramping," the company said in a statement.

The company calls the R1T skateboard platform the base of the vehicle, providing a low center of gravity and a "battery pack, drive units, suspension, brake and thermal system, all under the height of the wheel, thus offering the packing space for the occupants and their passengers. equipment."

Storage added

Storage is a key selling point for this vehicle.

Without the need for a large engine under the hood, the R1T provides storage space for clean items, which no gasoline truck can boast, enough for a Coleman cooler and a travel bag. At the rear of the rear seats is a "gear tunnel" along the width of the truck, with exterior access doors, perfect for carrying "snowboards, golf bags or strollers" said the company. The access doors also serve as a step to access the roof or seat while you are putting on your shoes.

The truck's platform is over 4½ feet long with the liftgate, and the company said the truck had a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds.

The movable and folding crossbars are designed to cover the bed and roof to provide additional options.

The interior features synthetic leather, floor mats made from a material that passes the "ketchup and mustard test" and concealed cup holders, officials said. A rechargeable Rivian flashlight is also stored in the driver's side door.

"The biggest challenge was to create an interior design that offered a high-end experience while remaining comfortable as a heavily used space. To do this, we turned to the automotive industry and took inspiration from contemporary furniture, as well as hiking and outdoor gear, to drive design, "said Jeff Hammoud, vice president of vehicle design.

The company also promises live software upgrades and driver assistance features that allow level 3 battery life ("unattended and unattended flying") for highway operations.

The price starts at $ 61,500 after federal tax reduction. Delivery will begin at the end of 2020. Pre-orders with a refundable deposit of $ 1,000 are accepted on www.rivian.com.

Contact Eric D. Lawrence: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence

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