Munro: Gen 2 R1S Undercarriage. Good improvements and simplifications

[DuoRivians]

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[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Any cliff notes?

 

[MidnightRivian]

Very informative and nice to Rivian taking steps they need to improve the product, scale and bring cost down.

 

[jbssfelix]

Any cliff notes?

• This is likely the first of a series of videos...this one only covering the externally visible underbody bits (suspension, armor, etc...with some initial cutouts to see motor cradle).
  • Front cradle has been heavily simplified from a bunch of extrusions+welding to a largely single casting.
  • Suspension is mostly unchanged with the exception of some simplification of cast pieces to save weight.
  • Rear cradle has also been largely simplified to two castings plus a welded extrusion to link them together.
  • Pleasantly surprised they were able to keep the cradles similar in design despite a completely new set of motors (Bosch>Rivian). Expected to see a completely redesigned cradle as they generally have to be completely re-engineered.
  • Some small modifications to NVH bits around motor.
  • Big reduction in liquid applications (glue, foam, etc...idk I'm not an engineer) around battery pack. Much cleaner look all around.
  • Noted reduction of CFRP under belly for more traditional plastic, although my hunch is they're comparing two models (old with underbody, new without) and not realizing it.

I was listening to it in the background while working, so I likely missed some things.

 

[R1Tom]

• This is likely the first of a series of videos...this one only covering the externally visible underbody bits (suspension, armor, etc...with some initial cutouts to see motor cradle).
  • Front cradle has been heavily simplified from a bunch of extrusions+welding to a largely single casting.
  • Suspension is mostly unchanged with the exception of some simplification of cast pieces to save weight.
  • Rear cradle has also been largely simplified to two castings plus a welded extrusion to link them together.
  • Pleasantly surprised they were able to keep the cradles similar in design despite a completely new set of motors (Bosch>Rivian). Expected to see a completely redesigned cradle as they generally have to be completely re-engineered.
  • Some small modifications to NVH bits around motor.
  • Big reduction in liquid applications (glue, foam, etc...idk I'm not an engineer) around battery pack. Much cleaner look all around.
  • Noted reduction of CFRP under belly for more traditional plastic, although my hunch is they're comparing two models (old with underbody, new without) and not realizing it.

I was listening to it in the background while working, so I likely missed some things.

That is a good summary. I too suspect they are comparing a vehicle with the underbody protection vs one without. Additionally that cast subframe came way before G2. So did the suspension uprights.

So other than the battery comments, not much of what they discussed actually is a G1 vs G2 situation. More and early build vs a little later build showing the continuous improvements that had already been made to G1 vehicles.

 

[Electric Rivilution]

ChatGPT's summary:

• Overview of Updates: The video begins by comparing the new 2025 Rivian R1S with the older model, focusing on various updates in the undercarriage. The presenters express surprise at the improvements Rivian managed to implement.
• Subframe and Suspension: The cast aluminum subframe and lower control arms are highlighted. The Rivian R1S is noted for its unique combination of body-on-frame and unibody construction, depending on the vehicle's part.
• Brake System: The vehicle features a large fixed piston caliper attached to a cast aluminum knuckle, indicating a robust braking system to handle the vehicle's significant weight.
• Suspension System: The Rivian R1S employs an advanced suspension system with both active hydraulic and air suspension. The hydraulic system modulates stiffness and damping, while the air system controls ride height.
• Electric Drive Unit (EDM): The video touches on the new motor and gearbox, a significant update from the previous Bosch-sourced setup. The EDM is part of the changes in the vehicle's drive system.
• Cradle and Knuckle Changes: There have been changes in the cradle and knuckle designs, reducing complexity and improving efficiency. The new single-piece cradle replaces the earlier multi-piece setup, integrating more functions into fewer components.
• Battery Pack and Shielding: The underbody shielding has also seen changes, with new materials possibly being used for the battery pack protection. The video suggests an over-molded aluminum strategy, a shift from the previous designs.
• Manufacturing Optimizations: Rivian is making significant investments in new tooling and manufacturing processes, which is crucial for reducing costs and improving the product's profitability.
• Final Thoughts: The video ends with a general admiration for Rivian's rapid and impactful changes, noting that the company is clearly making strides to improve its vehicles efficiently.

 

[SeaGeo]

ChatGPT's summary:

• Overview of Updates: The video begins by comparing the new 2025 Rivian R1S with the older model, focusing on various updates in the undercarriage. The presenters express surprise at the improvements Rivian managed to implement.
• Subframe and Suspension: The cast aluminum subframe and lower control arms are highlighted. The Rivian R1S is noted for its unique combination of body-on-frame and unibody construction, depending on the vehicle's part.
• Brake System: The vehicle features a large fixed piston caliper attached to a cast aluminum knuckle, indicating a robust braking system to handle the vehicle's significant weight.
• Suspension System: The Rivian R1S employs an advanced suspension system with both active hydraulic and air suspension. The hydraulic system modulates stiffness and damping, while the air system controls ride height.
• Electric Drive Unit (EDM): The video touches on the new motor and gearbox, a significant update from the previous Bosch-sourced setup. The EDM is part of the changes in the vehicle's drive system.
• Cradle and Knuckle Changes: There have been changes in the cradle and knuckle designs, reducing complexity and improving efficiency. The new single-piece cradle replaces the earlier multi-piece setup, integrating more functions into fewer components.
• Battery Pack and Shielding: The underbody shielding has also seen changes, with new materials possibly being used for the battery pack protection. The video suggests an over-molded aluminum strategy, a shift from the previous designs.
• Manufacturing Optimizations: Rivian is making significant investments in new tooling and manufacturing processes, which is crucial for reducing costs and improving the product's profitability.
• Final Thoughts: The video ends with a general admiration for Rivian's rapid and impactful changes, noting that the company is clearly making strides to improve its vehicles efficiently.

out of curiousity, how are you getting a ChatGPT summary of a youtube video?

 

[Electric Rivilution]

out of curiousity, how are you getting a ChatGPT summary of a youtube video?

https://chatgpt.com/g/g-dHRRUFODc-video-summarizer

Best way to digest overly long Youtube videos (which is nearly all of them) and get all the info you need!

 

[mini2nut]

Rivian should have used the refresh to update the headlight styling. Unless you're a huge Rivian fan you can't tell a Gen 1 from a Gen 2 from the outside. A huge miss in my opinion.

 

[COdogman]

https://chatgpt.com/g/g-dHRRUFODc-video-summarizer

Best way to digest overly long Youtube videos (which is nearly all of them) and get all the info you need!

This will go down as the greatest contribution AI ever makes to improving society.

 

[Electric Rivilution]

This will go down as the greatest contribution AI ever makes to improving society.

Youtubers who rely on producing overly long monetized videos would beg to differ ?

 

[R1Tom]

Youtubers who rely on producing overly long monetized videos would beg to differ ?

Out Of Spec?

 

[DuoRivians]

Youtubers who rely on producing overly long monetized videos would beg to differ ?

In Spec Studios!

 

[DuoRivian]

Rivian should have used the refresh to update the headlight styling. Unless you're a huge Rivian fan you can't tell a Gen 1 from a Gen 2 from the outside. A huge miss in my opinion.

Many would disagree with you and given the R2 and R3 have the same shape headlight safe to say it’s a styling cue that will be around for quite a while. It is distinctive and they didn’t want 2025 models to standout too much, just like with Porsche it can be very hard to tell mode years apart visually.

 

[CrazyOne]

Youtubers who rely on producing overly long monetized videos would beg to differ ?

YT changed monetization rules a few years back. It required videos to be Atleast 10 minutes long. Now a change light bulb video is also 10 minutes long. And that's how the management ruined YT.

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