Rivian’s New R1T Dual Motor Performance Might Be A Bit Too Good

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Rivian is hyping up its new Dual Motor and Dual Motor Performance versions of the R1T through a new series of test drives. According to those who have had the chance to get behind the wheel, it sounds as though it might actually be a bit too good. Here’s a quick breakdown of what we’re hearing about the new Rivian pickup truck variants.

The R1T launched with one main motor configuration, a quad setup with a motor for each wheel. Now, Rivian is introducing the Dual Motor and Dual Motor Performance. Each leverages a single motor on each axle with open differentials but with different power levels and performance capabilities.

Rivian says that the base R1T Dual Motor makes 553 hp (412 kW) and 610 lb-ft (826 Nm) of torque while the Performance version makes 665 hp (495 kW) and 829 lb-ft (1122 Nm) of torque. The R1T Quad Motor makes a gargantuan 835 hp (622 kW) and 908 lb-ft (1229 Nm) of torque but that might not be enough as test drivers declare that the Dual Motor Performance feels nearly as quick.

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Rivian posted two new videos to its YouTube page and in one we get the chance to see how people react to the Dual Motor Performance on the road. “Dual motor… there’s only two and I’m still faster than any car,” we hear one tester say. Other outlets are reporting the same results. Motortrend’s review says that “even a professional drag racer would have a hard time discerning any difference in acceleration.”

According to Rivian, the Quad Motor takes 3 seconds to go from 0-60 mph while the Dual Motor Performance takes 3.5. The normal Dual Motor takes 4.5. If top-tier performance is your thing, the Quad Motor costs only $3,000 extra over the DMP on Rivian’s configurator.

For those of you wondering how to spot the difference, look for the accent colors. The Dual Motor units all get black and silver accents while the Quad Motor trucks feature yellow accents on the tailgate, wordmark, and brake calipers.

Finally, it’s worth noting that beyond the power difference, the only change between the Dual Motor versions is that the Performance comes with additional drive modes. Technically it seems as though normal Dual Motor customers could, in theory, at some point, buy a “Performance” upgrade via a software update… if Rivian ever offers it. We’ll have to wait and see.