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

[R2D2TOO]

I cant tell from the pics, but I am curious to see how they implement the rear window wiper. Since the window rolls down, they must be doing something inside the top of the lift gate, like 4Runners.

Sponsored

 

[DaveA]

I cant tell from the pics, but I am curious to see how they implement the rear window wiper. Since the window rolls down, they must be doing something inside the top of the lift gate, like 4Runners.

Ugh, I hope not. Really like the spoiler airflow passages. But that seems most likely. I wish they would ditch the wiper altogether and just have a high rez camera for the backup mirror in the underside of the spoiler.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Ugh, I hope not. Really like the spoiler airflow passages. But that seems most likely. I wish they would ditch the wiper altogether and just have a high rez camera for the backup mirror in the underside of the spoiler.

Camera + rearview mirror that is also a display. Some current production premium segment cars have this. Wiper and motors add additional manual assembly steps to production. Camera and display is just additional wires to existing harness. Rear wipers are pre-2000 era and majority do not get used often. Heating elements in rear glass is a must. Rear wipers are not, especially in age of wide angle high-res cameras and fast image processing.

 

[elektrode]

Ugh, I hope not. Really like the spoiler airflow passages.

Ugh. Why can’t they do both? Ugh, I hope so. Ugh.

Rear wipers are pre-2000 era and majority do not get used often.

Wrong. LOL. Use my rear wiper every time it rains in post-2000 vehicle.

List of things triggering a lecture on Rivian forums: (updated)
- CarPlay
- Texting
- Seat belt
- Apple <anything>
- Elon <anything>

And without further hesitation, I have added:
- rear windscreen wiper

All in good fun.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Ugh. Why can’t they do both? Ugh, I hope so. Ugh.


Wrong. LOL. Use my rear wiper every time it rains in post-2000 vehicle.

List of things triggering a lecture on Rivian forums: (updated)
- CarPlay
- Texting
- Seat belt
- Apple <anything>
- Elon <anything>

And without further hesitation, I have added:
- read windscreen wiper

All in good fun.

I knew someone would be ego-centric enough to think they, solo, represent majority.

 

[Dark-Fx]

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

This week.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Rivian keeps referencing the $45K starting price for the R2, but let’s be honest—it’s shaping up to be like every other automaker promise that doesn’t materialize for 18+ months after the first production vehicles. Saying "we’re holding the $45K price" is a bit misleading when the first versions off the line will realistically be $52–55K.

If the R2 is meant to compete with the $45K Model Y, then be the outlier—launch both the single and dual motor versions at the same time. Otherwise, meaningful competition with Tesla pricing won’t happen until 2028, and that’s just too late. Then again, shock the world Rivian and launch the dual motor at $45K and own the market!!

 

[elektrode]

I knew someone would be ego-centric enough to think they, solo, represent majority.

Pot Kettle Black

Welcome to my ignore list.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Rivian keeps referencing the $45K starting price for the R2, but let’s be honest—it’s shaping up to be like every other automaker promise that doesn’t materialize for 18+ months after the first production vehicles. Saying "we’re holding the $45K price" is a bit misleading when the first versions off the line will realistically be $52–55K.

If the R2 is meant to compete with the $45K Model Y, then be the outlier—launch both the single and dual motor versions at the same time. Otherwise, meaningful competition with Tesla pricing won’t happen until 2028, and that’s just too late. Then again, shock the world Rivian and launch the dual motor at $45K and own the market!!

And is it $45k before or after IRA incentives? We can pretty much bet on IRA credits going away in the next three years.

 

[VandalSibs]

And is it $45k before or after IRA incentives? We can pretty much bet on IRA credits going away in the next three years.

They have stated in the past that the price as planned was without taking any tax credits and such into account.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

They have stated in the past that the price as planned was without taking any tax credits and such into account.

Good. Even more reason to laugh at the worry-warts who keep doubting Rivian's sustainability.

 

[Guuma]

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

More importantly, will it be bulletproof?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

More importantly, will it be bulletproof?

If it's not Kim Java proof...

 

[SASSquatch]

Rocking the pirelli scorpions I see…

Took the words right out of my mouth...

 

[SASSquatch]

If it's not Kim Java proof...

@opnwide That *ss cracks glass!

Sponsored