New R1 Refresh spotted photos! [Updated w/ New Wheel Aero Covers pic]

[kurtlikevonnegut]

what is this halo?

No, that's Darth Vader

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[Dark-Fx]

I just don't recall two-three year mid cycle frequencies I guess....

Rivian did originally plan on production starting in 2020. It was a pipe dream because of COVID but the design team likely kept working.

 

[peytonrg]

I am still struggling to understand why this change was worth the expense at this point. I don't really see it increasing sales in any significant way. I am thinking it somehow lowered the cost of the head lights and light bar significantly enough to warrant or it is for other markets than US and something with existing didn't meet requirements somewhere?

This was long planned and has some extra bells and whistles color patterns etc.

 

[peytonrg]

No, that's Darth Vader

looked like your mom at first

 

[anthonysfl]

I just don't recall two-three year mid cycle frequencies I guess....

Standard is about every four years for a mid cycle refresh. And technically, the current R1 is a six year old design. 2018 LA auto show.

 

[savethemanual]

I get that...but we are at like the 2.5 year mark. I don't think most manufacturers change their headlight designs every 2-3 years.

Seems expensive. Development time, vendor time, DOT approval time, updating parts systems, updating every piece of artwork, photoshopping all existing stock photos they use for marketing, manuals, etc....

I get they have a reason....I just want to know the real reason.

Maybe it was just simply...it's going to look cooler....but not sure.

Wasn't there an issue with snow/ice build up on the headlights in colder climates? Perhaps new headlight design to address this?

 

[peytonrg]

Wasn't there an issue with snow/ice build up on the headlights in colder climates? Perhaps new headlight design to address this?

Yes

 

[R1Tom]

Wasn't there an issue with snow/ice build up on the headlights in colder climates? Perhaps new headlight design to address this?

I didn't think of this! Maybe it is the real answer!

 

[SASSquatch]

Blatant disregard for laws of the road. Will be writing my local senator.

 

[savethemanual]

I am still struggling to understand why this change was worth the expense at this point. I don't really see it increasing sales in any significant way. I am thinking it somehow lowered the cost of the head lights and light bar significantly enough to warrant or it is for other markets than US and something with existing didn't meet requirements somewhere?

It seems the main focus of the shutdown/update was for manufacturing efficiencies that will come from major updates under the skin with consolidated CPU's/wiring harnesses as they will share with R2/3 platforms. The heat pump is a nice update also along with these other minor cosmetic changes....and the interior ones that are all speculation at this point.

 

[Scoiatael]

I'm probably in the minority, but I like the 21" wheels more than the 22". I hope the rumor isn't true that the 21s are disappearing

 

[edman007]

I am still struggling to understand why this change was worth the expense at this point. I don't really see it increasing sales in any significant way. I am thinking it somehow lowered the cost of the head lights and light bar significantly enough to warrant or it is for other markets than US and something with existing didn't meet requirements somewhere?

There are lot of reasons why you might see these changes, and they very likely are for cost reasons that might not readily apparent. It may have turned out that the front shape caused problems with molding and they were getting caused extra because of it. Or it could just be that something in the headlights made putting the turn signals in the stadium light was expensive. Moving it to the lighbar is cheaper, but required a redesign of the light pipes to meet regulatory requirements.

Another thing is obsolescence, people forget the design of the vehicle was largely done in 2019-2020, before they stood up the manufacturing. Suppliers don't make the same chips forever, Rivian has to respin boards to include newer chips. Further, newer, faster chips tend to be more capable for the same price, so they can eliminate other chips to support this. So yes, stuff like going from garbage cameras to modern high def cameras is likely a small cost savings, but makes a huge improvement to the customer.

 

[CANCERDOC]

Were there pictures of a refreshed headlight? All I see is a side shot of the light bar with what appears to be a signal light? Not that we would know since none of the shots show the signal light on, so it’s speculation.

One of the best features of the R1 is the signal light halo around the headlight. To lose it will also make the vehicle lose a little bit of character.

 

[peytonrg]

Were there pictures of a refreshed headlight? All I see is a side shot of the light bar with what appears to be a signal light? Not that we would know since none of the shots show the signal light on, so it’s speculation.

One of the best features of the R1 is the signal light halo around the headlight. To lose it will also make the vehicle lose a little bit of character.

Yes, Rivian confirmed at a r2 event, deal with it

 

[CANCERDOC]

Yes, Rivian confirmed at a r2 event, deal with it

Glad I got one of the original ones then.

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