New R1 Refresh spotted photos! [Updated w/ New Wheel Aero Covers pic]

[dleepnw]

In addition to having the R1S badge, there is another way to confirm from the picture of the rear that it's an R1S and not an R2. The R1S has the two piece liftgate and tailgate, while the R2 just has a one-piece mechanism. You can clearly see the horizontal line right below the Rivian logo that separates the two pieces. Of course, that line doesn't exist on the R2.

its clearly not an R2 by the body lines and other design elements. but the main giveaway is the rear door windows. Rivian has extensively talked about how it was important for them to have a one piece full window on the rear doors as is on the R2. clearly not the case in the spied photos

Something about it makes it look less substantial? Are the tires smaller?

if these are new 20s, then yes the sidewall is smaller.

I’m a wheel snob, and I don’t think the wheels look bad at all for standard wheels. I like them better than the old 21s. Look at what Tesla and others have for standard wheels. These are much more modern/interesting. Looks like they come in both light and dark options as well.

they are removing 21s as an option. it'll just be 20s and 22s. there's supposed to be new 22 "aero" sp wheels as well as the 20s getting smaller overall diameter, i think reduced by an inch, likely to improve range. they probably also realize 90% of folks dont go offroading so they dont need a 34" tire.

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[Viking80]

Somebody somewhere is already preparing to sell blackout PPF for those wheels.

Black electrical tape???

 

[tate16t]

These wheels look like 20s, so I think it’s safe to assume these are the new standard/entry wheels that replace the killed 21s. The rest of the car doesn’t appear downgraded though, so not sure what you’re talking about specifically.

Sorry, I’m referring to the wheels. I guess I have to see them in person but based on these pictures, I don’t like what I see.

 

[Blueassassin]

Really liking the new wheels.

 

[R1Guest]

I’m going to guess they’re going the Tesla route of standardizing underwhelming wheels so everyone pays for upgrades.

 

[aAlpine]

Spotted in the wild. Only difference I could see was the headlights.

No more fog light?

 

[KRG]

I’m going to guess they’re going the Tesla route of standardizing underwhelming wheels so everyone pays for upgrades.

Haha idk, I see a lot of freakin ugly base wheels on Teslas these days.

 

[olsonnet]

I won't be surprised if, when they add the 2025s to the Shop, it's only the low end trim for the first few months. And the low end trim might only be available with 3 or 4 colors and those ugly wheels to streamline production. Really hope I'm wrong and they don't hold back the higher trims until the preorder discounts expire.

 

[tate16t]

For me, the wheel size is not the correct proportion for the R1S. This reduces the cost and will attract more buyers though.

 

[R1Tom]

Oh come on, it's not that bad. If you look at the new wheels next to the OG 20" dark/light, you can clearly see it's just an evolution—more open and simplified with less material. Probably lighter and slightly more efficient too. Besides, all this belly aching over what is new... it's not like these are the only and mandatory options. And even if they are, there is always the aftermarket.

But they discontinued the 20" brights due to lack of demand.....so kinda weird to make the new wheels look like an evolution of a wheel with the lowest take rate?

I already told my wife....like you said...not a deal killer....but probably would immediately replace them with aftermarket. But I plan to keep my OG a while so just hypothetical anyway....

 

[Yuvvi123]

Anybody think the front end looks chubby now?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

But they discontinued the 20" brights due to lack of demand.....so kinda weird to make the new wheels look like an evolution of a wheel with the lowest take rate?

I already told my wife....like you said...not a deal killer....but probably would immediately replace them with aftermarket. But I plan to keep my OG a while so just hypothetical anyway....

An evolution of, not identical. Can't conclude/project the same take rate. Plus, since these appear have less material, might be cheaper to source/produce. And as someone else pointed out, these may very well be the base/standard offerings, to help up sale to pricier alternatives. Remember, primary objective of refresh was to improve profit margins.

Anybody think the front end looks chubby now?

From just a slight change of light bar, tow hook delete and darkness where fog lights would be? No.

 

[R1Tom]

An evolution of, not identical. Can't conclude/project the same take rate. Plus, since these appear have less material, might be cheaper to source/produce. And as someone else pointed out, these may very well be the base/standard offerings, to help up sale to pricier alternatives.

Very true! I am sure the original dark 20's were relatively expensive to produce, but then they charged a pretty significant amount for them too. Maybe same will hold true for refresh.

 

[DuoRivians]

If Rivian releases an Ascent trim R1T in this blue/green color (same as the R3X), I might have to trade up!

 

[bpamiri]

I won't be surprised if, when they add the 2025s to the Shop, it's only the low end trim for the first few months. And the low end trim might only be available with 3 or 4 colors and those ugly wheels to streamline production. Really hope I'm wrong and they don't hold back the higher trims until the preorder discounts expire.

I think you're right on the money. The limited the options available during the original rollout so it makes sense. Additionally the leaked EPA certification application is only for the lowered 2025 models. The fact that they haven't filled for the rest of the product line probably means they are staggering the roll out.

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