A pair of Rivian R1T pre-production prototypes have
been spied testing at the southernmost tip of Argentina in Tierra del Fuego, a
long way from the startup’s home in California. The images, shared by the Rivian
Forums, show that the new road-ready R1T looks virtually identical to the
concept. At the rear the only notable differences include a
slightly re-shaped rear bumper on the street car. There is also an R1T badge on
the left side of the tailgate that wasn’t present on the concept. Other
alterations include slightly different wheels.
A single photo of the prototype’s interior was also
snapped. It shows the electric pickup outfitted with a plethora of buttons and
switches on the center console that are there for testing purposes. There
remains a large central infotainment display in the center of the dashboard and
a digital gauge cluster. One significant change is the fitment of a more
traditional steering wheel compared to the concept.
According to Autoblog Argentina, the two prototypes
are in Argentina as part of an attempt to break a continental record for
electric vehicles in a TV series starring British actor Ewan McGregor. It is
reported that the epic roadtrip will also include four Harley-Davidson LiveWire
motorcycles and a support crew with Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and Ford F-350s.
The Rivian R1T will be sold in a host of
configurations, including an entry-level model with a 105 kWh battery, a
mid-range model with a 135 kWh battery, and a range-topping model with a huge
180 kWh battery. Rivian intends on commencing production of the electric pickup
by the end of 2020.
