Rivian is gearing up to launch its highly anticipated 2026 Quad-Motor truck and SUV, promising a blend of raw power and cutting-edge technology. With four motors delivering an astounding 1,025 horsepower, these EVs aren’t just about brute force; they’re a testament to Rivian’s commitment to innovation.
Central to this new generation is the advanced software that orchestrates the vehicle’s performance. From the much-talked-about ‘kick turn’ feature to enhanced torque vectoring, Rivian’s in-house technology aims to redefine the driving experience. This article dives into the tech powering Rivian’s 2026 Quad-Motor vehicles, exploring how hardware and software converge to deliver unparalleled performance and unique capabilities.
We’ll cover the impressive specs, the innovative ‘kick turn’ functionality, the comprehensive second-generation overhaul, the pivotal role of software, and the integration of NACS charging. Join us as we uncover what makes these Rivian EVs stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
Unleashing the Quad-Motor Power
The sheer power of Rivian’s 2026 Quad-Motor truck and SUV is undeniable. Boasting a combined 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque, these vehicles can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds. However, Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s head of software, emphasizes that the quad-motor configuration is more than just raw power.
“The quad is really the pinnacle of everything that Rivian has done so far,” Bensaid told TechCrunch, highlighting the vehicle’s acceleration, speed, torque, and estimated 374-mile range. He further noted, “Now that we have full in-house motors, we have full control on the stack, hardware and software.” This comprehensive control enables Rivian to introduce new features via software updates, starting in September.
One standout feature is the ‘kick turn,’ designed to enhance off-road maneuverability. This feature adjusts power to the inside wheels, allowing the vehicle to spin around its center while moving. During a TechCrunch press drive, the ‘kick turn’ demonstrated its ability to swing the vehicle’s back end left or right on dirt trails without steering input, simplifying tight turns.
While Rivian fans may recall the ‘tank turn’ concept, the ‘kick turn’ is its refined, real-world counterpart. Rivian decided against releasing the ‘tank turn’ due to concerns about potential trail damage, aligning with their commitment to outdoor activities and environmental preservation.
The Second-Generation Overhaul
Rivian’s second-generation quad-motor configuration represents a comprehensive overhaul, impacting nearly every aspect of the vehicle. This includes significant changes to the battery pack, suspension system, electrical architecture, interior seats, sensor stack, and software user interface. The goal is to reduce manufacturing costs while enhancing overall performance and appeal.
“Rivian first revealed its second-generation quad-motor configuration during a May 2024 press drive in Washington, in a bid to showcase the . That reboot touched every inch of its insides from the battery pack and suspension system to the electrical architecture, interior seats, sensor stack, and software user interface.”
Deliveries of the dual-motor and performance dual-motor trims commenced swiftly, followed by the tri-motor configuration. The quad-motor, being the most complex, required additional time to refine its software features and embedded systems, ensuring seamless integration with the motors, suspension, and thermal management.
With the Rivian R2 vehicles not expected until 2026, the quad-motor R1S and R1T are crucial for boosting sales. Starting between $115,990 and $125,990, these models rely heavily on advanced software to deliver a superior driving experience.
The Brain Behind the Brawn: Software Integration
While the four motors provide the heart of the second-generation quad-motor, it is the software that acts as the brain, orchestrating their operation. Rivian has developed advanced torque vectoring and balancing algorithms to optimize performance.
Bensaid explains, “Think about it as super complex mathematical processing behind the scenes to allow real-time usage and decisions based on information from the four wheels and then the four motors, while obviously keeping safety guards in place.” This intricate system utilizes numerous sensors to gather data on yaw rate, steering angles, and other inputs.
This data is then processed by sophisticated software models to control torque distribution. Rivian’s in-house hardware and software collaborate in real-time, electronically distributing power to each wheel, enhancing handling and stability.
The result is a seamless integration of hardware and software, enabling features like the ‘kick turn’ and the ‘RAD Tuner,’ which allows drivers to customize their driving experience via the central touchscreen.
RAD Tuner: Customizing the Driving Experience
The ‘RAD Tuner’ is a unique feature developed by Rivian’s “Rivian Adventure Department,” allowing users to fine-tune their vehicle’s driving dynamics. This feature enables drivers to create custom driving modes from scratch or modify presets like “Rally” or “Sport.”
“We really give users full control through software so that they can figure their unique personality of the car,” Bensaid notes, emphasizing that this feature is designed for expert drivers. The ‘RAD Tuner’ evolved from engineers secretly configuring the car to its limits during software testing.
This is more than a simple user interface tweak; it represents years of engineering development. The sophisticated torque vectoring algorithm allows drivers to adjust torque balance with a simple slider, providing high-precision control even while driving.
Additionally, Rivian is introducing a launch cam feature that automatically records “Launch Mode” using an exterior camera. This allows users to capture and share their rapid acceleration, complete with real-time stats like speed and distance overlays.
NACS Charging and Trip Planning
The 2026 R1T and R1S vehicles come equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS), initially developed by Tesla. This provides owners access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, alongside a complimentary CCS DC adapter for compatibility with other charging networks.
Rivian has also updated its EV charging trip planner software. When planning a route, the system recognizes NACS stations and informs users that no adapter is needed, streamlining the charging process.
“As part of this hardware upgrade, the company has also updated its software, specifically the EV charging trip planner feature. Now, when a customer opens the trip planner and selects a NACS station, the information is updated in the trip planner to reflect that they don’t need an adapter.”
This integration simplifies the charging experience, making it easier for Rivian owners to take advantage of the expanding charging infrastructure.
Conclusion
Rivian’s 2026 Quad-Motor truck and SUV represent a significant leap in electric vehicle technology. With their impressive power, innovative features like the ‘kick turn,’ and comprehensive software integration, these vehicles stand out in a competitive market.
The second-generation overhaul has touched every aspect of the vehicle, from the battery pack to the user interface, all aimed at reducing costs and enhancing performance. Features like the ‘RAD Tuner’ offer a level of customization previously unheard of, appealing to expert drivers.
By integrating the NACS charging standard and refining their trip planning software, Rivian is also addressing practical concerns about EV ownership. As Rivian looks towards the future with the upcoming R2 vehicles, the success of the Quad-Motor R1S and R1T is crucial.
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