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Speculation: R2R Maybe Not the First R2 Model

Pherdnut

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Given the performance they were talking about, I suspect this is going to be Rivian's Roadster equivalent. But everything we've heard about it was before they got way more private investment than they were originally seeking. Like 8+ billion when targeting 3.5 to get started. I suspect the R2R was going to bridge the gap between their S-equivalents to more affordable mass-market R2s.

Rivian was likely following Tesla's roadmap in terms of starting with higher end, higher margin vehicles produced at a lower rate while they get their production legs. But now it looks like they'll potentially be building R2s likely before or certainly at least by the originally targeted 2025, in spite of the supply chain delays, and sales in Europe could possibly begin this year. That leads me to suspect they're going to want to move on their smaller mass-market vehicles a lot sooner.

Hoping we see 3 new models introduced with the first R2 unveil but I suspect it won't be just the R2R first, like originally planned.
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SoCalTravels

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Given Rivianā€™s adventure orientation, what about a Subaru Outback meets Audi RS6 Avant wagon. šŸ™ˆšŸ«£
 

Joints4Sale

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While chatting with my delivery specialist during my delivery I got a couple of hints. Heā€™s been with Rivian for a while. I asked if he had a R1T and he said that he did not for a couple of reasons. He lives in Alexandria VA and wasnā€™t keen on paying personal property tax on R1T as well as not wanting to park a truck.

I asked him if he knew anything about R2 and he just smirked and hinted that heā€™d ā€œseen some thingsā€ in Normal.

He currently drives a WRX and was hinting that the new offerings would be aimed squarely at that audience.
 

the long way downunder

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I don't know that Subaru is the target, but given how they've neglected and delayed their EV offerings, they're a sitting duck for affluent Subi owners to be quick to click on the reserve button when Rivian reveals the R2 line-up. (I'm going to reserve one of each R2 and see how things unfold ā€¦ hopefully in less than three years, this time ā€¦ : )
Having sold the Model 3 because it was just silly to keep it such inflated prices, I think there's room in the garage for a Model Y/3 competitor (since Telsa customers have priced Tesla out of the market for the time being ā€¦ I full well expect to update our Model X in a year or two once prices revert to normal ranges ā€¦)
 

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zipzag

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I dount Rivian would build a two seater. I suspect internally they debate two or three rows. If they are smart the R2S won't look too much like a baby R1.

For me the FJ was a flop because it felt like it was designed by committee. Wrangler somehow feels more authentic. Rivian borders on too cute and needs to avoid building an FJ.

FJ is a great offraoder with a little lift. But it's a sad design compared to historic Land Cruisers/Range Rover/G-Wagon.

I think Rivian will come out with a vehicle that an Outback owner will move up to when they go EV. Rivian's zetgeist is close to Subaru with love, dogs, outdoors etc.
 

Blueassassin

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I mean I kind of liked the FJ?
 

crashmtb

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While chatting with my delivery specialist during my delivery I got a couple of hints. Heā€™s been with Rivian for a while. I asked if he had a R1T and he said that he did not for a couple of reasons. He lives in Alexandria VA and wasnā€™t keen on paying personal property tax on R1T as well as not wanting to park a truck.

I asked him if he knew anything about R2 and he just smirked and hinted that heā€™d ā€œseen some thingsā€ in Normal.

He currently drives a WRX and was hinting that the new offerings would be aimed squarely at that audience.
Oh boy. I have a focus RS. Iā€™d like something of similar form factor, all wheel drive, but electric and with 50% more power.
 

chrismc

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RJ has recently stated clearly that the next model and the launch of the R2 platform will be ā€œan accessible mid-size SUVā€ built in the Georgia factory and set to begin production in 2025.

Think similar to Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner.
 

mkg3

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Recall reading something about R2S and Georgia plant as a combined effort in the last earnings call.

The notion of R2S not being a baby R1S is a good one. They need to be different so that they appeal to the different market segment. Lower entry point reads simpler features and less bells and whistles.

As for following a Tesla model of high end first with higher margins, well, Rivian tried, then inflation and parts shortage resulted in actually lower margin preorder backlog (pre-March 2022). Only 10k preorders fit into the higher margin story out of 90k total. Now, we'll have to see how the financials will look going forward regarding this point.

Back to R2S, I'll bet its lot closer to the 5 seater, RWD w/AWD option, CUV-looking (wouldn't be surprised if its called R2C) vehicle. Think of Volvo C40 Recharge kind of vehicle. If it turns out to be a traditional SUV style, then more like what XC60 is to XC90 kind of differences.

Keep in mind that R2 is supposed to be a global vehicle (read, Europe and China) so the appeal must fit those countries in addition to here.
 

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Pherdnut

Pherdnut

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While chatting with my delivery specialist during my delivery I got a couple of hints. Heā€™s been with Rivian for a while. I asked if he had a R1T and he said that he did not for a couple of reasons. He lives in Alexandria VA and wasnā€™t keen on paying personal property tax on R1T as well as not wanting to park a truck.

I asked him if he knew anything about R2 and he just smirked and hinted that heā€™d ā€œseen some thingsā€ in Normal.

He currently drives a WRX and was hinting that the new offerings would be aimed squarely at that audience.
Yeah, it was described by a Carbuzz source as a cross between a "Subaru WRX wagon and an Isuzu VehiCROSS." In the specs thread.
 

RBR1S

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RJ has recently stated clearly that the next model and the launch of the R2 platform will be ā€œan accessible mid-size SUVā€ built in the Georgia factory and set to begin production in 2025.

Think similar to Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner.

Don't say that! I'll have to change my order to R2. JGC is the perfect size to me.


R2S with CATL battery that has, oh, 500mi of range and charges to full in 20 min. *smacks self to wake up from dream*
 

riviantogo

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I'm hoping that the R2S has the same squared-off back feature as the R1S. The popular sloped backs in other vehicles may look nice, but they give up so much interior volume.

I had a Chevy Bolt with its square back, and that tiny vehicle could carry more than the larger Chevy Volt. It was fun to drive but the seats were not up to par and the handling was just so-so. A Honda Passport might be the right reference size.

To improve range, maybe they'll slope the front. They can brute force it in the R1S, with that squared off front and a big battery, but with a smaller, cheaper vehicle, efficiency may be more critical.

They've proven they understand vehicle design and ergonomics: to me the R1S rides like a late model Lexus RX350 but the rest is crossed with a Hummer, so its much more fun and practical than the Lexus line.

It'll be a crowded market by the time they release the R2S, but I'm hopeful that Rivian can leverage all their learning and create a hit vehicle.
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