Official Video: How Does it Feel to Drive a Rivian (Featuring Preorder Holders)

[sevengroove]

Riventures,

To your second question first, the understanding I was left with is that 360⁰ View will be available, either at release, or shortly thereafter with an OTA update. To be clear, I don't remember seeing it during during either my ride-along with RJ, or my test drive with Brian. I think if it was available now, it would have been shown. Also, it may have been featured in the Engagement Center and I missed it while visiting with others.

On the subject of the 360⁰ View, RJ took the time to show us the vast array of cameras and other sensors on the R1T sitting behind us during the round table discussion. It is quite impressive and covers all angles (yeah, I know, Duh! 360⁰). At that same time, he explained how the rear-facing cameras on the back of the cab play a role in the security system for our gear in the bed, along with the locking cable that can be used to secure gear to the sidewall within the bed. He also weighed in on how those cameras and sensors will be a part of the Driver Assist feature.

Now to the really fun stuff! The quad-motors with torque vectoring makes this thing very secure, smooth, and stable. I was so pleased when I stomped on the Exhilarator Pedal, as I call it, and felt zero torque-steer, very little nose-rise, nothing more than the open hand of Andre the Giant shooting from the steering column and just burying me into the back of that beautiful seat (Rivian's, not mine). Total power hits instantly and you're rocketing silently down the straightaway with no twitchy side-to-side motion, no discernible slip from any of the tires, and none of the rocking motion that comes from even the smoothest of transmissions shifting gears. As we know, even the best of ICE transmissions and drivers can't stay at the peak of the torque curve from the moment you put the hammer down until you lift off. With Rivian, you live at that peak, if you choose to. Once you lift from the pedal, it lets whatever level of regen selected kick in smoothly (if you dialed up any at all).

That non-stop and consistent g-force pressure is not the norm, and it surprises you further by doing all of this so silently. A few of the birds that didn't hear us coming nearly pulled a Tesla-like test of the windshield's strength. While he may not admit it, I think I got Brian to flinch as two little guys elevated just in time to avoid becoming part of the windshield. I hope David's video captured that from the back seat. Not to worry, the thrill-seekers lived to tell their tale of their near-death experience tojcu

the flock, or covey, or whatever.

Then comes the tight 180-degree corners at each end of the track. Even with the All-Terrain tires, the torque vectoring and solid suspension makes it feel like you're riding on rails, even if you do get the softest of songs from the Pirelli Sisters. They are not singing a cover of "I can't drive 55", rather, it's a gentle four-part harmony to remind you that you're doing well more than double the posted speed recommendation of the current curve. That said, the steering remains very neutral, even with the All-Terrains. I felt no need to correct any input while in those turns because it was so neutral. No oversteer, no understeer. It just goes where you point it.....until you put it in Drift Mode. That's when the grin turns to Perma-Grin.

Another story for another post....maybe with some personal video....and I'm still wearing that damned grin....?

Once I got to the "fun stuff" part in your post I honestly felt like I was reading a transcript of a Top Gear episode ... you have a gift!

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[Attesan997]

On the subject of the 360⁰ View, RJ took the time to show us the vast array of cameras and other sensors on the R1T sitting behind us during the round table discussion. It is quite impressive and covers all angles (yeah, I know, Duh! 360⁰). At that same time, he explained how the rear-facing cameras on the back of the cab play a role in the security system for our gear in the bed, along with the locking cable that can be used to secure gear to the sidewall within the bed.

I hope for a competitive sentry mode/dash cam solution. Having a dash cam is great, using buiit in cameras and not needing to purchase and mount them is even better.

 

[Canthoney]

It’s my pleasure. Im enjoying all of conversations with the group. As pointed out in the article referenced by electruck,

https://www.slashgear.com/rivian-r1t-cold-weather-testing-commences-in-frigid-minnesota-01661699/

I don’t believe we heard about a heat pump being a part of the BMS. I believe that the heat needed to maintain the battery’s temp into the desired working range will be provided by leaving it plugged when parked as well as some heating that will be take place when you pull up to a commercial charging station when out in the Winter elements. I seem to recall that the BMS will also activate some of the cooling system capabilities when plugged in and parked in the extreme heat situations (as my ELR does) but others may have a more definitive answer to that question.

I have a call in to confirm that info, so will let you know what I find.

Thanks!

Thanks for following up, I know we are all excited!

 

[Jamuso]

Was there anything mentioned about towing features? This is something that really interests me as it will become our primary tow rig for our travel trailer. Thanks.

+1 on this question, my wife and I are looking to get a small travel trailer to go with the Rivian as we move into retirement years.....

 

[dleepnw]

@DuckTruck quick question about the instrument panel in front of the driver. I noticed there is no shade/cover over that screen and was wondering if you noticed any glare or difficulty reading the screen while driving.

 

[Riventures]

...
Then comes the tight 180-degree corners at each end of the track. Even with the All-Terrain tires, the torque vectoring and solid suspension makes it feel like you're riding on rails, even if you do get the softest of songs from the Pirelli Sisters. They are not singing a cover of "I can't drive 55", rather, it's a gentle four-part harmony to remind you that you're doing well more than double the posted speed recommendation of the current curve. That said, the steering remains very neutral, even with the All-Terrains. I felt no need to correct any input while in those turns because it was so neutral. No oversteer, no understeer. It just goes where you point it.....until you put it in Drift Mode. That's when the grin turns to Perma-Grin.

Thank you!

Clearly, they are using torque vector steering based on your description, which is great. The best part of it is that is software-based torque distribution between motors and they will keep fine-tuning it as they move forward. With each update, I suspect the improvements would be downloaded automatically to the vehicle after purchase.

Also, based on something else you mentioned previously: If they actually monitor vehicle use, each update may get personalized based on owners' use cases. I would venture to guess that this would ease concerns of owners about equipment changes; such as tires, wheels, weight, etc.

All good, thank you again.

 

[DuckTruck]

Thank you!

Clearly, they are using torque vector steering based on your description, which is great. The best part of it is that is software-based torque distribution between motors and they will keep fine-tuning it as they move forward. With each update, I suspect the improvements would be downloaded automatically to the vehicle after purchase.

Also, based on something else you mentioned previously: If they actually monitor vehicle use, each update may get personalized based on owners' use cases. I would venture to guess that this would ease concerns of owners about equipment changes; such as tires, wheels, weight, etc.

All good, thank you again.

You are so welcome!

Actually, in answering your questions, it brought back memories that weren't front of mind. Feel free to ask more as they come to you.

Thanks.

 

[Babbuino]

You are so welcome!

Actually, in answering your questions, it brought back memories that weren't front of mind. Feel free to ask more as they come to you.

Thanks.

What's the range you saw while driving in those insane conditions[ 130mph, drifting and offroading]?

 

[Trekkie]

I didn't see these videos linked. These guys interview one of the ten folks and are posting it edited in chunks. Part 1 and 2 are posted, and the full video is on their website (unedited)





Lot mroe info between these two, interesting.

 

[DuckTruck]

What's the range you saw while driving in those insane conditions[ 130mph, drifting and offroading]?

Babbuino,

I'm sorry. I wish I knew, but I don't. They were being driven hard all day, and they may have had some intermittent charging to keep them from running low. If so, that would have made what I should have seen of questionable accuracy. But the truth of the matter is that I was so focused on what was happening on the other side of the windshield, I pretty much only saw my speed (and maybe the reflection of my goofy grin) in the driver's display.

I really kept reminding myself beforehand to "Check the range! Check the range!" then, BOOM! Off we go and that thought is now in the rearview mirror, rapidly fading from view. I recently used the following line elsewhere in the Forum, but I think it bears repeating. It comes from that great orator, Mike Tyson: "Everyone has a plan until they get hit in the mouth", or bit in the ear.... Just ask Evander Holyfield. I SAID, JUST ASK EVANDER HOLYFIELD!"

 

[Hilbe]

I didn't see these videos linked. These guys interview one of the ten folks and are posting it edited in chunks. Part 1 and 2 are posted, and the full video is on their website (unedited)





Lot mroe info between these two, interesting.

That's @DuckTruck, like a few posts up from you and answering questions in this thread.

 

[godfodder0901]

That's @DuckTruck, like a few posts up from you and answering questions in this thread.

No. @DuckTruck was there, but John is not Duck.

 

[Babbuino]

No. @DuckTruck was there, but John is not Duck.

Is DuckTruck the second person Rivian stories will interview?

 

[godfodder0901]

Is DuckTruck the second person Rivian stories will interview?

They already did, but haven't released the video yet.

 

[DuckTruck]

No. @DuckTruck was there, but John is not Duck.

Thanks Godfodder! John gave a great interview and the guys did a fantastic job in visiting with him.

I'm still higher than a goat from the event with Rivian, largely from the great interaction with all of you in this Forum.

Keep watching for more of their interviews. It should be fun! Then again, everything should be fun....

Please note, I didn't drop any S-Bombs....

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