Rivian is officially bringing back its iconic “Tank Turn” feature, debuting it on the high-performance Quad-Motor variants of its second-generation R1S SUV and R1T pickup. The long-teased maneuver—where the vehicle spins in place like a tracked tank—will make its debut on July 8, 2025, alongside the launch of Rivian’s most powerful electric drivetrains to date.
Originally demonstrated in 2019, Tank Turn was designed to rotate the vehicle 360 degrees by spinning the wheels on each side in opposite directions. Although the feature wowed audiences during Rivian’s early marketing push, it never made it into production. CEO RJ Scaringe ultimately shelved it due to concerns over potential trail damage and Rivian’s environmental responsibility goals.
Now, six years later, the feature is back—reimagined and refined for Rivian’s second-gen electric adventure vehicles. A teaser video shared by the automaker shows a new R1S performing a sharp 90-degree pivot in the dirt, with the launch date “7/8/25” traced in dust on the vehicle’s door.
It’ll stop you in your tracks. Turn you in ‘em too.
— Rivian (@Rivian) July 2, 2025
R1 Quad Launch Edition arrives July 8. pic.twitter.com/huRW682M6b
Quad-Motor Power Delivers 1,025 Horsepower
The 2026 R1S and R1T Quad variants boast some serious performance specs: 1,025 horsepower, 1,198 lb-ft of torque, and 0-60 mph acceleration in just 2.5 seconds (2.6 seconds for the R1S). These numbers not only exceed the first-generation Quad’s 835 hp output but also give Rivian the edge over key competitors like the Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast and GMC Hummer EV.
This performance comes courtesy of a new zonal electrical architecture, which reduces wiring complexity and improves efficiency. Combined with a redesigned heat pump and the 420-mile Max Pack battery, Rivian’s latest powertrain strikes a balance between raw performance and off-road practicality.
Tank Turn Only for Gen 2 Models
While the return of Tank Turn has been met with enthusiasm, it has also sparked controversy among early Rivian owners. The feature will not be available on first-generation R1T or R1S models—even those equipped with Quad-Motor drivetrains. This exclusion has left some customers frustrated, especially as the feature was part of early marketing campaigns but ultimately never delivered to them.
Rivian has not commented on whether this was a hardware limitation or a durability concern. However, speculation suggests the original vehicles may not have been engineered to withstand the extreme torque stresses involved in repeated Tank Turn use.
Premium Pricing for Exclusive Features
The 2026 Quad Launch Edition, which includes the Tank Turn feature, starts around US$115,900—well above the base prices of the R1T (US$69,900) and R1S (US$75,900). A US$3,000 refundable deposit secures a reservation, with deliveries expected to begin soon after the July 8 debut.
Despite the premium cost, Rivian’s latest models come fully loaded. In addition to performance upgrades, the second-gen R1 vehicles feature the new Autonomy Platform with 360-degree vision, AI-powered assistance, Dolby Atmos sound, and an Unreal Engine-based user interface.
