Rivian is back in the spotlight after telling fans the extra-powerful Quad-Motor R1S SUV and R1T truck roll out on July 8. Even cooler, the long-hidden Tank Turn trick—the one that makes the ride pirouette like a tank—may finally make its public debut.
Tank Turn stole the show back in 2019 when Rivian first showed the R1 family. Yet when early orders shipped in 2022, the showy move had vanished without explanation. Now, a quick YouTube short shows a test R1S pulling off a sharp 90-degree spin, raising hopes the feature returns on the new 2025 models and proving the community wouldn’t let up.
The teaser is only six seconds long, so blink and you’ll miss it. Still, it leaves a fun detail behind—7.8.25 written in dusty old numbers on the truck’s door, the day the Quad Launch Edition hits driveways.
Why Tank Turn Is Making a Comeback
Among the many whispers surrounding Rivian’s teaser, Tank Turn is the headline everyone is talking about. The trick was put on hold after Rivian worried it might chew up off-road trails—an odd worry for a brand that markets eco-friendly adventures. Fans were quick to point out the weakness in that excuse.
Many critics suggested the real reason had more to do with hardware limits. The first R1 platform probably wasn’t stiff enough to handle the wild torque—up to 908 lb-ft—when each wheel spins in opposite directions. Unleashing that force could turn driveshafts and axles into a mechanical mess.
Nothing is set in stone yet, but the new models might get a tamer Tank Turn that spins the truck about 90 to 180 degrees. That smaller motion should ease strain on the machine and leave the trails in better shape.
What’s Coming with the Quad Launch Edition?
Rivian still hasn’t spilled every bean about the Quad Launch Edition—except the already listed California Dune model—but history shows these drops come with a few pleasant surprises.
The original 2022 Launch Editions of the R1S and R1T rolled off the line with a special package that included:
- deep green paint is only available for that run
- rich dark ash wood trim inside
- A badge showing everyone it was a Launch Edition
- shine of Sport Bright alloy wheels
- A fat battery able to cover about 316 miles per charge
This time, the team went deeper into updates. Look for:
- Fresh electrical architecture that boosts efficiency
- smarter, lighter battery packs that charge faster
- A new heat pump that saves power in cold or hot weather
- beefed-up adaptive suspension ready for trails or city streets
On the Quad versions of both vehicles, four separate motors push out 256 horsepower each. That adds up to a wild 1,025 total hp and nearly 1,200 lb-ft of torque ready at any moment. Base sticker lands around $115,900, final number dropping July 8.
For more information, visit Rivian’s official website.
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Hey, I’m Badal! I’m super passionate about cars—especially electric ones. Whether it’s EVs, electric trucks, bikes, or anything with a battery and wheels, I’m all in. I love writing blogs and articles that break things down for fellow enthusiasts and curious readers alike. Hope you enjoy the ride as much as I do!
