R2 Validation Units first look. Production reconfirmed to begin first half 2026 at starting price of $45K.

[DuoRivian]

Yeah, if validation builds are happening now, it’ll be ~12 months. Let’s hope for May ‘26.

I would have thought June 2026 is a fairly safe goal and their stretch goal if things go broadly right would be a couple of months or so ahead of June. We will see. Let’s get the building finished and equipment moving in - seeing these validation models is a good sign.

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[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

This is cool. Do you guys know if the glass roof will stay?

Glass is cheaper than metal. It's also cheaper than a traditional retractable moonroof or sunroof. It will stay.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Wheel size is.........?

Concept car has 275/50R21.

 

[cohall]

I know it's probably just a coating, but I like the color of the vehicle in these photos. Similar to dune but a bit cooler.

 

[RivAW]

I heard they will have CarPlay?!

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

PS... Since the roof is smaller, probably less prone to cracking. I still wouldn't invite Kim Java over tea. /s

 

[BigSkies]

I would have thought June 2026 is a fairly safe goal and their stretch goal if things go broadly right would be a couple of months or so ahead of June. We will see. Let’s get the building finished and equipment moving in - seeing these validation models is a good sign.

Based on the R1 launch, they'll probably get some initial models out to employees around June 25th and deliveries to customers around June 73rd.

 

[RivRyan]

>deliveries to customers around June 73rd.

Illinois has a constitutional mandate to approve a budget by June 30th. They do pretty well (in terms of timeliness - my judgment of their budgeting isn't germane here), but it's common that at a minute to midnight, they'll take the batteries out of the clock so that when they approve it at what us commoners might call 2:30 am, it's officially approved in the nick of time!

 

[Dark-Fx]

Based on the R1 launch, they'll probably get some initial models out to employees around June 25th and deliveries to customers around June 73rd.

Maybe next time a Rivian employee asks if I work for Rivian, I should say yes.

 

[NY_Rob]

Glass is cheaper than metal... It will stay.

Not when you have to replace it

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Not when you have to replace it

Yes, not cheaper for consumer. But that's not the OEM's concern.

 

[NY_Rob]

Yes, not cheaper for consumer. But that's not the OEM's concern.

If there was an option, I would go for the metal roof. I hate having to be so careful when washing our Model 3 on a summer day. Even if the sun isn't out, the interior is over 100 deg and IIRC our domestic water supply is 50 something deg at the tap. I usually have to "fan" spray the glass roof first to cool it off before I hit it with full flow 50 something degree water.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

If there was an option, I would go for the metal roof. I hate having to be so careful when washing our Model 3 on a summer day. Even if the sun isn't out, the interior is over 100 deg and IIRC our domestic water supply is 50 something deg at the tap. I usually have to "fan" spray the glass roof first to cool it off before I hit it with full flow 50 something degree water.

It can be done. A fabricator from a auto restoration shop can make template of the glass roof, then hand fabricate a metal roof and substructure. An auto upholstery guy can make a custom headliner and wrap it in Alcantara. Gloss black paint for the new roof skin is probably the least labor intensive part. All said and done, probably $10-20k?

 

[NY_Rob]

It can be done. A fabricator from a auto restoration shop can make template of the glass roof, then hand fabricate a metal roof and substructure. An auto upholstery guy can make a custom headliner and wrap it in Alcantara. Gloss black paint for the new roof skin is probably the least labor intensive part. All said and done, probably $10-20k?

So you're saying, about the same price as a replacement glass roof

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

So you're saying, about the same price as a replacement glass roof

Isn’t it a tenth of that? I don’t have a relationship with Kim Java so haven’t had pleasure of finding out.

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