Rivian Just Launched Its Own Version of BMW M, and It's Called RAD (Rivian Adventure Department) - Yanko Design

"RAD takes its trucks and SUVs into demanding events, learns what breaks, what grips, what flies, and channels those lessons into future products and features. It has been operating inside Rivian for years without a formal name. Think of it as Rivian's version of BMW M or Toyota GR, except its proving ground is desert rallies and frozen lakes rather than the Nurburgring."

"RAD's first deliverable for actual owners is the RAD Tuner, and it is more substantive than a typical software feature drop. It gives quad-motor R1S and R1T owners on Gen 2 hardware touch sliders to build custom drive modes across more than 10 powertrain and suspension variables, including power output, torque bias, stability control intervention, and brake regeneration."

"That feedback loop between competition and production software is what separates a real performance division from a badge on a brochure. Two presets come built in: Desert Rally, developed from Rebelle Rally data, and Hill Climb, shaped by Pikes Peak runs."

Rivian established RAD (Rivian Adventure Department), formalizing its performance and development group that tests vehicles in extreme conditions like desert rallies and frozen lakes. RAD debuted at the 2026 FAT Ice Race in Montana, where the quad-motor R1S finished second. The division operates similarly to BMW M or Toyota GR, using competition data to inform product development. RAD's first owner-focused feature is the RAD Tuner, enabling quad-motor R1S and R1T owners to customize drive modes across powertrain and suspension variables. Two presets—Desert Rally and Hill Climb—were developed from actual competition data, establishing a direct feedback loop between racing and production software.

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