Is this a cooling vent…

[HopefullyR1S]

Or just a way for mud to sling up the side? /s

Does anyone know what the purpose of this slot is?

If it doesn’t have a purpose could it be “plugged” with a spongy material like you do with dirt bikes to keep mud out?

There is another (hard to clean) slot in the front bumper as well that is a mystery. This one probably helps with front rotor cooling?

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[Dark-Fx]

Improves airflow around the wheel, better aerodynamics.

 

[mkg3]

its to reduce adverse pressure within the wheel well/fender as the vehicle is moving.

Helps reduce drag from rolling wheel. There is also an inlet into the wheel well from the front bumper to affect the flow field.

 

[Zoidz]

There was some discussion about this waaay back. The general consensus is that it's there for aerodynamic performance. Blocking it will likely reduce your efficiency.

 

[HopefullyR1S]

Thanks for the quick responses. Makes perfect sense now in hindsight.

 

[HopefullyR1S]

I figured it did something; part of the allure of this vehicle for me is the purposeful design.
I need to start thinking more of efficiency than cooling with EVs maybe.

 

[Riviot]

I figured it did something; part of the allure of this vehicle for me is the purposeful design.
I need to start thinking more of efficiency than cooling with EVs maybe.

Until you visit your first EA station in summer...

 

[Jimbydude]

As mention they are for aerodynamics, however if you install mudflaps you will also block them. I noticed a lot of debris up the door until I installed the flaps and for the the most part I will sacrifice the change in range for potential door chips (unless you have PPF on them I guess).

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

It's there to vent and relieve air pressure... and create a curtain of air to smooth and reduce air turbulence (drag). The reason why aftermarket mud flaps and rally flaps are counterproductive.

 

[dleepnw]

early prototypes had a mesh cover there but Rivian removed them. my guess would be because mud, dirt, debris collected there impacting aero/efficiency.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

early prototypes had a mesh cover there but Rivian removed them. my guess would be because mud, dirt, debris collected there impacting aero/efficiency.

It's also additional cost. Pennies add up to dollars... Dollars add up to thousands and millions.

 

[dleepnw]

It's also additional cost. Pennies add up to dollars... Dollars add up to thousands and millions.

the Munro effect

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

the Munro effect

Yup. So it goes for all mass manufacturing. And why GM cheaped out on a ignition switch, with disastrous result. Lucky for them, consumers have bad memory.

 

[dleepnw]

Yup. So it goes for all mass manufacturing. And why GM cheaped out on a ignition switch, with disastrous result. Lucky for them, consumers have bad memory.

GM? whats that?

 

[Joel]

GM? whats that?

Government Motors isn't it.

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