Rivian, the American automaker, has recently provided an exciting update on the development of its R2 validation builds. These production-intent R2 vehicles are undergoing rigorous testing in real-world conditions, and Rivian has taken a unique approach by showcasing its creative R2 wraps. These camoed designs, inspired by nature, are not only stylish but also a testament to Rivian’s innovative brand identity.
Over the past few weeks, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has been sharing glimpses of the R2’s development process on social media. From showcasing the Maximus Drive Unit to the body harness and assembly of validation models at Rivian’s production facility in Normal, Illinois, the company has been building anticipation for its upcoming flagship BEV design.
In a recent Instagram post by @RivianOfficial, Senior Director of Exterior Design Jonathan Szczupak is seen walking through the unique wraps on the R2 validation vehicles before they undergo real-world testing. These wraps, featured in a blog post on Rivian’s website, were designed to reflect nature and evoke a sense of dynamism and mystery.
Inspired by the outdoors, the wraps aim to give each R2 a unique identity while paying homage to Rivian’s commitment to sustainability and adventure. Szczupak mentioned that there may be hidden Easter eggs in the wraps, including a yellow silhouette of Gear Guard Gary, Rivian’s friendly yeti mascot.
While these wraps are currently exclusive to development vehicles, there has been interest from fans in seeing them on production vehicles. Szczupak hinted that there is a possibility of incorporating some of these design elements into the final production models. As Rivian continues to refine the R2’s exterior design ahead of scaled production, the wraps serve as a creative and engaging way to showcase the vehicle’s potential.
As we eagerly await the launch of the R2 next year, it’s exciting to see Rivian pushing the boundaries of automotive design and sustainability. Keep an eye out for these eye-catching R2 validation builds as they hit the road for testing, and stay tuned for more updates from Rivian as they continue to innovate in the electric vehicle space.
