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Jsidell

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Some great photos of the R2 with the validation wraps they'll be driving around testing in.

Story can be found here.



Our R2 development fleet has begun taking to the roads—and trails—gathering real-world feedback, refining performance and helping us tune every detail.

In this phase of validation, production-intent vehicles are put through long cycles and extreme conditions, all to ensure R2 is ready for any adventure you may have in 2026 and far beyond.
As these vehicles head into the wild, they'll be wrapped in a colorful, custom camouflage. While the R2 design has already been revealed, our latest wraps serve as a reminder that even in the most technical phases of development, there’s still room to have a little fun.

We caught up with Jonathan Szczupak, our Senior Director of Exterior Design, as he put the final touches on the wraps before the vehicles headed out.

Why do we wrap development vehicles in the first place?

Jonathan:
It’s mostly functional—camouflage helps keep certain design elements less visible while we test. But it's also tradition in the automotive world, and a bit of a signal: R2 testing and validation is underway in the real world.


With R2 already revealed, why keep the wraps?

Jonathan:
Even though the exterior design is out there, there are still small updates happening as we refine the product. The wraps help keep attention on the right things, while also letting us stay flexible during development.


What inspired these new wrap designs?

Jonathan:
We looked to the outdoors—textures, patterns, movement. We wanted to wrap R2 in nature and have it feel alive, dynamic, and a little mysterious. Almost like a children’s storybook. Something you’d want to take a second look at and explore deeper.


Are there any hidden Easter eggs in the designs?

Jonathan:
There might be. We like to layer in little surprises—shapes, references and nods to Rivian that aren’t obvious at first glance. It’s a way to reward curiosity.


Could a wrap design like this ever make it into production?

Jonathan:
Never say never. People have been asking, and we’re definitely listening. Right now, it’s just for development—but we’re always exploring ways to bring more personality into the ownership experience.



Video & Photos



Rivian R1T R1S R2 real-world validation begins! Prototypes will wear unique wraps rivian r2 wrap real-world validation in unique wraps 4


Rivian R1T R1S R2 real-world validation begins! Prototypes will wear unique wraps Grk2n68WYAAZ1m


Rivian R1T R1S R2 real-world validation begins! Prototypes will wear unique wraps rivian r2 wrap real-world validation in unique wraps 3


Rivian R1T R1S R2 real-world validation begins! Prototypes will wear unique wraps rivian r2 wrap real-world validation in unique wraps 5


Rivian R1T R1S R2 real-world validation begins! Prototypes will wear unique wraps rivian r2 wrap real-world validation in unique wraps 2


Rivian R1T R1S R2 real-world validation begins! Prototypes will wear unique wraps rivian r2 wrap real-world validation in unique wraps 1
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It looks like the front seats are also a little more bolstered. The headliner and also the back of the seats look to be darker than the touring prototype.
 

Katsudon

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I like the this R2 wheels style. And looks like Pirelli Scorpion MS tires.

Rivian R1T R1S R2 real-world validation begins! Prototypes will wear unique wraps rivian r2 wheels
 

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godfodder0901

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First thing I noticed was the top of the windshield has what appears to be a lidar?
Nope. It's missing the top panel there, and the hole that looks centered is actually on the side of the top of the A pillar.
 

RivianRiverRat

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I've said before that I'm likely to cancel my R2 reservation but I've been slowly rethinking it. I may just trade my R1T for the R2.
 

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godfodder0901

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Oh okay maybe it’s another camera/sensor like ADAS just not under the windshield
It's not a sensor at all. Look at the tape that runs centerline. There is nothing there at all.
Rivian R1T R1S R2 real-world validation begins! Prototypes will wear unique wraps 1747936034728-x9


The 'sensor' you see is just a gap on the side of the upper trim that will be covered by the applique just like in the R1.
 

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It's not a sensor at all. Look at the tape that runs centerline. There is nothing there at all.
1747936034728-x9.jpg


The 'sensor' you see is just a gap on the side of the upper trim that will be covered by the applique just like in the R1.
Ah okay. We’ll see once the full unwrapped version is done with validation if some sort of LiDar makes it or not.
 

narmstrong79

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First thing I noticed was the top of the windshield has what appears to be a lidar?
You could see a potential spot for Lidar in the earlier picture of the body going into the e-coat dip

Rivian R1T R1S R2 real-world validation begins! Prototypes will wear unique wraps 1747937584834-t9
 

narmstrong79

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I've said before that I'm likely to cancel my R2 reservation but I've been slowly rethinking it. I may just trade my R1T for the R2.
I canceled my R2 pre-order when i took delivery of my R1S (at pre-order voucher pricing), which i didn't think i would actually pull the trigger on. Maybe in a few years after release, I'll get an R2 but it doesn't make since to switch IMHO, especially where my R1S was probably priced at not much higher than R2 will be at.
 
 








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