Introducing Autonomous Driving Feature for 2nd Generation Rivian R1S and R1T Models
Rivian, the American electric vehicle manufacturer, is continuing to refine its vehicles, bringing both cutting-edge driver assistance and thoughtful usability enhancements to its growing customer base.
Performance Boost with the Performance Pack
For those seeking a performance boost, Rivian has introduced the Performance Pack, priced at $5,000. This optional upgrade is available for Standard+, Large, or Max Pack models and boosts output from 533 horsepower to 665 horsepower. The Performance Pack is an option available for owners looking to unlock additional power in their Rivian vehicles.
Rally Mode: Optimized Performance for Off-Road Conditions
Rivian's Rally mode, part of the multiple driving modes in the R1T lineup, is aimed at optimizing driving performance for different road conditions. These modes, which include settings for rock, sand, and snow, are continually improved via software updates but no specific new hardware plans for Rally mode have been reported.
Enhanced Highway Assist: Hands-Free Driving and More
Rivian's Enhanced Highway Assist is currently available and allows for hands-free driving with Driver Attention Detection (Gen 2). This system continues to evolve with software updates, improving driver assistance functions and integrating enhanced features like the Go Chime alert, which warns the driver only when attention is diverted at stoplights if a vehicle ahead moves. Additionally, Enhanced Highway Assist now supports use when certain electrical accessories are connected to the tow hitch, though functionality may vary depending on the accessory.
Hardware availability for Enhanced Highway Assist in R1 models is not explicitly stated for models prior to 2025. However, the 2025 Rivian R1T models are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems supporting Enhanced Highway Assist functionality and are receiving ongoing enhancements through software. This implies that from at least the 2025 model year onward, R1 models come with the hardware required for Enhanced Highway Assist.
Quality-of-Life Improvements Across the Lineup
Enhancements introduced by Rivian are not limited to new or high-performance models. Quality-of-life improvements can also be found across its lineup. For instance, side mirrors on Rivian vehicles will now automatically tilt downward when reversing to help prevent curb damage. Furthermore, a new menu option allows owners to configure wheel size, ensuring more accurate range estimations.
Looking Ahead: Autonomous Driving and Subscription Services
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has suggested that "eyes-off" autonomous driving could arrive next year. Enhanced Highway Assist is currently free but will later become part of a subscription service under the Rivian Autonomy Platform+. This shift towards a subscription model indicates a continued focus on providing cutting-edge technology to Rivian customers.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Driver Attention Alert
Rivian has upgraded its tire pressure monitoring system and introduced a driver attention alert. The new tire pressure monitoring system ensures optimal tire pressure at all times, while the driver attention alert chimes to remind distracted drivers when traffic ahead begins moving. These features are available across Rivian's lineup, not just the R1 models.
In summary, Rivian is committed to improving its vehicles through software updates and quality-of-life enhancements. With the introduction of the Performance Pack, Rally mode, and Enhanced Highway Assist, Rivian is offering customers more ways to enjoy their electric vehicles, both on and off the road.
- The Performance Pack, priced at $5,000, is an optional upgrade for Rivian vehicle owners seeking a performance boost, offering an increase in horsepower from 533 to 665.
- Rivian's Rally mode, part of the multiple driving modes in the R1T lineup, is aimed at optimizing driving performance for different road conditions, with ongoing software updates to improve its functions.
- Rivian's Enhanced Highway Assist allows for hands-free driving with Driver Attention Detection (Gen 2) and integrates features like the Go Chime alert and support for certain electrical accessories connected to the tow hitch.
- Beyond new or high-performance models, Rivian also introduces quality-of-life improvements across its lineup, such as automatic tilting side mirrors during reversing and a new menu option for wheel size configuration.
