Rivian R1T (2020)

Rivian reveals one-off 1,025-horsepower R1S for a good cause

Monterey Car Week is famous for its collection of rare and historic gasoline-powered cars. But this year, American manufacturer Rivian is bringing a different kind of power to the party. The company is auctioning a truly unique, one-of-a-kind 2026 Rivian R1S Quad Pebble Beach edition. This special EV combines supercar-level performance with a design inspired by the California coast, and every dollar from its sale will support a global charity.

Underneath the special paint is Rivian's second-generation Quad-Motor platform. This means there is one electric motor for each wheel, giving the vehicle incredible control and power. The system delivers a combined 1,025 horsepower, which allows this family-sized SUV to accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h in a mind-bending 2.6 seconds.

The Quad-Motor version of the R1S can complete a quarter-mile drag race in just 10.5 seconds. Those figures are impressive on the road, but Rivian engineered the platform to perform just as well off-road, navigating everything from deep sand to rocky trails.

The exterior is finished in a custom color called "Monterey Silver." Rivian says this special paint is applied in a meticulous four-stage process to give it the look of liquid metal, inspired by the soft light over Monterey Bay. The subtle, sophisticated look continues with premium painted cladding and eye-catching "Laguna Beach Blue" brake calipers.


 
Rivian R2 confirmed to be headed to the UK

Rivian unveiled the R2 in March of last year, and ever since then the brand was adamant about wanting to sell it in Europe. This hasn't changed, and the company now expects it to be released in North America initially, in the first half of 2026, priced at around €38,400. The European launch will follow after that, most likely in the second half of next year.

Now Rivian has also confirmed plans to sell the R2 in the UK, obviously in right-hand drive. This will happen after left-hand drive models arrive in the European mainland. Unfortunately, Rivian hasn't even hinted at a timeframe for UK sales, but given all of the above, we assume very late 2026 is the optimistic variant, with 'sometime in 2027' being the more realistic one.

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe says the brand will position itself in Europe as one that "remains highly aspirational but highly attainable", acknowledging that "those things don't often go together". According to him, the R2 is "inviting and attainable" in its pricing but still feels "very special".

 

2026 Rivian R2 First Review: Affordable, Practical, Awesome! - Doug DeMuro​

This is the new 2026 Rivian R2 and it's a huge deal. The Rivian R2 takes everything we love about the R1S SUV and scales it down to a smaller size with a more affordable price. I think this will be a big hit, despite the slowing demand for EVs.

Today I'm reviewing the new R2 and I'll show you the many quirks and features. I'm also going to get behind the wheel and show you what it's like to drive.

 
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