Latest news with #Scaringe
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
See How the Rivian R2's Advanced Suspension Elevates Your Drive
See How the Rivian R2's Advanced Suspension Elevates Your Drive originally appeared on Autoblog. Expected to become available in early 2026, Rivian's upcoming R2 is a midsize, fully electric SUV that will slot beneath the R1S and R1T in the automaker's lineup and will provide a more rugged alternative to established electric crossovers such as the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach E. As we eagerly await the arrival of Rivian's third-ever model, we can now take a closer look at the R2's innovative suspension system, as shared on Instagram by the brand's founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe. According to Scaringe's Instagram post, the "R2 multi-link rear suspension includes 5 stamped steel links and uses an isolated rear subframe to deliver incredible ride quality and handling." In an automotive first, the Rivian R2's rear suspension resembles a "starfish" in an effort to "reduce unsprung mass to support enhanced ride quality." Judging by the comments on RJ's Instagram post, it seems that people are generally very excited by the innovative suspension system. Perhaps most importantly, the brand CEO's fascination with seemingly small details such as the R2's rear suspension system echoes the automaker's attention to detail, which seems to have resonated with buyers and enthusiasts alike. Featuring two unique battery sizes, the Rivian R2 will reportedly be available with over 300 miles of all-electric range and a 0-60 miles per hour time of under three seconds. Perhaps the most notable feature of the Rivian R2 is its size. Claimed to be a true SUV, rather than a crossover, the modest-yet-ample sizing of the Rivian R2 reminds us of a popular segment of SUVs that, into the late-2000s and early-2010s, saw most of its models morph into softer, less-rugged crossovers, such as the Jeep Cherokee, the Ford Explorer, and the Chevrolet Blazer. Now that boxy and rugged-yet-practical SUVs are regaining popularity, Rivian is set to be ahead of the game by offering a vehicle in a class that seems to have been entirely neglected for far too long, even by more traditional combustion-powered options. While the upcoming Rivian R2 seems like it's set to be one of the most exciting and most usable electric SUVs introduced to date, perhaps the most eagerly anticipated feature is the R2's supposed price tag, which is expected to start around $45,000 USD. That's about the same price as a 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line, a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, or a Tesla Model Y without the federal EV tax incentive included, despite offering superior interior spaciousness and rugged, off-road-ready chops. We're eagerly awaiting the Rivian R2's imminent arrival in early 2026, and we're excited to see how it stacks up against more established EV SUVs. See How the Rivian R2's Advanced Suspension Elevates Your Drive first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
See How the Rivian R2's Advanced Suspension Elevates Your Drive
Expected to become available in early 2026, Rivian's upcoming R2 is a midsize, fully electric SUV that will slot beneath the R1S and R1T in the automaker's lineup and will provide a more rugged alternative to established electric crossovers such as the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach E. As we eagerly await the arrival of Rivian's third-ever model, we can now take a closer look at the R2's innovative suspension system, as shared on Instagram by the brand's founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe. According to Scaringe's Instagram post, the "R2 multi-link rear suspension includes 5 stamped steel links and uses an isolated rear subframe to deliver incredible ride quality and handling." In an automotive first, the Rivian R2's rear suspension resembles a "starfish" in an effort to "reduce unsprung mass to support enhanced ride quality." Judging by the comments on RJ's Instagram post, it seems that people are generally very excited by the innovative suspension system. Perhaps most importantly, the brand CEO's fascination with seemingly small details such as the R2's rear suspension system echoes the automaker's attention to detail, which seems to have resonated with buyers and enthusiasts alike. Featuring two unique battery sizes, the Rivian R2 will reportedly be available with over 300 miles of all-electric range and a 0-60 miles per hour time of under three seconds. Perhaps the most notable feature of the Rivian R2 is its size. Claimed to be a true SUV, rather than a crossover, the modest-yet-ample sizing of the Rivian R2 reminds us of a popular segment of SUVs that, into the late-2000s and early-2010s, saw most of its models morph into softer, less-rugged crossovers, such as the Jeep Cherokee, the Ford Explorer, and the Chevrolet Blazer. Now that boxy and rugged-yet-practical SUVs are regaining popularity, Rivian is set to be ahead of the game by offering a vehicle in a class that seems to have been entirely neglected for far too long, even by more traditional combustion-powered options. While the upcoming Rivian R2 seems like it's set to be one of the most exciting and most usable electric SUVs introduced to date, perhaps the most eagerly anticipated feature is the R2's supposed price tag, which is expected to start around $45,000 USD. That's about the same price as a 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line, a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, or a Tesla Model Y without the federal EV tax incentive included, despite offering superior interior spaciousness and rugged, off-road-ready chops. We're eagerly awaiting the Rivian R2's imminent arrival in early 2026, and we're excited to see how it stacks up against more established EV SUVs. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Politico
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Politico
Silicon Valley isn't joining Musk's Trump-bashing — yet
SAN FRANCISCO — The roiling spat between Elon Musk and Donald Trump that erupted Thursday hasn't opened the floodgates for other tech world elites to start bashing the president — yet. Thousands of miles away from Washington, Silicon Valley leaders gathered for a tech conference in San Francisco instead tiptoed around direct questions about White House policies and hurried to offer praise where they could. That was clear Thursday when Bloomberg's Emily Chang asked RJ Scaringe — CEO of Tesla rival Rivian — if the beef could cause Musk's company to fall out of favor, and create an opening for his own electric carmaker to capture more market share. 'Ah geez. It's a good one,' Scaringe said at the conference, hosted by Bloomberg Tech, with a smile. 'It's dynamic. It's interesting.' The cautious rhetoric from Scaringe and others underscores the delicate balance still in play between the tech world and President Donald Trump. Luminaries like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have cheered the administration's America First approach, and Trump has welcomed leading members of the industry into his inner circle, even as his policies like sweeping tariffs threaten their bottom lines. Whether that dynamic starts to change now that Musk has opened the door for criticism, as someone once close to the president, remains an open question, though there were signs of tech skepticism of the White House narrative at the event on Thursday. Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology and a veteran of billionaire Peter Thiel's tech investment firm, sent a conference room into a fit of laughter by deflecting on the Trump-Musk fallout. 'I can't speak to that particular instance,' he said of the split, instead launching into a defense of what he described as the president's ability to turn tech bros into 'generally' amicable teammates in his quest for a 'golden age of American innovation.' 'What's so unique about this particular election versus ones many years ago is that folks who may not necessarily have been considered to be on the same team a few years ago are all now united behind the president to drive this innovation for the country,' Kratsios continued. As he spoke, he drew a few scoffs from around the room. Scaringe also declined to criticize the possibility of tax credits for electric vehicles going away under Trump's megabill — the issue that the president argues set Musk off. 'I think it's easy to get caught into the day-to-day of which tariffs are moving which way, and some of the language that's used around electric vehicles,' Scaringe said. 'But really, the administration wants to see investment in U.S. technology, investment in U.S. jobs … So in all of our discussions with administrations, we try to focus on that part of it.' He did admit that with tariffs swirling, Rivian now has a daily meeting on what has changed in the last 24 hours on the international trade front. Tech leaders were also hesitant to make entirely negative comments regarding various visa restrictions from the administration, which pose a threat to an industry of largely foreign-born employees. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, after declaring himself 'absolutely pro-immigration generally for the U.S.,' tempered his stance and that of his workers. 'There's no question that we should secure our borders, and so I think from that standpoint, we're very supportive. Our drivers and couriers have been quite supportive of President Trump as well, for similar reasons,' Khosrowshahi said. 'There is a dialogue for us to be had, which is what is the right level of immigration in this country?' He admitted that Trump's constant ridiculing of Canada as the 51st state had an 'initial significant effect' on reducing travel into the U.S. from its northern neighbor, some of which has continued. But he also stretched to find a silver lining, arguing Canadians are just boycotting the U.S. and Uber is a global business. Rich Wong, a venture capitalist at San Francisco firm Accel, praised the Federal Trade Commission's new direction under the Trump administration as breathing life back into business mergers and acquisitions. 'The change of the administration … as it relates to the FTC, I think it's perceived as having a little more openness to large-scale M&A among certain players,' Wong said. 'That's opened up the appetite for a number of acquirers to engage, whereas before they were pretty stalled.' Another person who declined to criticize the president was Daniel Lurie, the Democratic mayor of San Francisco, whose city is facing a budget shortfall and potential loss of billions of federal funding. Asked about those financial headaches during the event, Lurie said: 'I can only control what I can control.' 'If I worried about what was coming from Washington or Sacramento, I wouldn't be able to do my job because it changes every hour,' he added. 'So I'm staying focused on San Francisco.' A version of this story first appeared in California Decoded, POLITICO's morning newsletter for Pros about how the Golden State is shaping tech policy within its borders and beyond. Like this content? POLITICO Pro subscribers receive it daily. Learn more at
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Silicon Valley isn't joining Musk's Trump-bashing — yet
SAN FRANCISCO — The roiling spat between Elon Musk and Donald Trump that erupted Thursday hasn't opened the floodgates for other tech world elites to start bashing the president — yet. Thousands of miles away from Washington, Silicon Valley leaders gathered for a tech conference in San Francisco instead tiptoed around direct questions about White House policies and hurried to offer praise where they could. That was clear Thursday when Bloomberg's Emily Chang asked RJ Scaringe — CEO of Tesla rival Rivian — if the beef could cause Musk's company to fall out of favor, and create an opening for his own electric carmaker to capture more market share. 'Ah geez. It's a good one,' Scaringe said at the conference, hosted by Bloomberg Tech, with a smile. "It's dynamic. It's interesting.' The cautious rhetoric from Scaringe and others underscores the delicate balance still in play between the tech world and President Donald Trump. Luminaries like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have cheered the administration's America First approach, and Trump has welcomed leading members of the industry into his inner circle, even as his policies like sweeping tariffs threaten their bottom lines. Whether that dynamic starts to change now that Musk has opened the door for criticism, as someone once close to the president, remains an open question, though there were signs of tech skepticism of the White House narrative at the event on Thursday. Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology and a veteran of billionaire Peter Thiel's tech investment firm, sent a conference room into a fit of laughter by deflecting on the Trump-Musk fallout. 'I can't speak to that particular instance,' he said of the split, instead launching into a defense of what he described as the president's ability to turn tech bros into 'generally' amicable teammates in his quest for a 'golden age of American innovation.' 'What's so unique about this particular election versus ones many years ago is that folks who may not necessarily have been considered to be on the same team a few years ago are all now united behind the president to drive this innovation for the country,' Kratsios continued. As he spoke, he drew a few scoffs from around the room. Scaringe also declined to criticize the possibility of tax credits for electric vehicles going away under Trump's megabill — the issue that the president argues set Musk off. 'I think it's easy to get caught into the day-to-day of which tariffs are moving which way, and some of the language that's used around electric vehicles,' Scaringe said. 'But really, the administration wants to see investment in U.S. technology, investment in U.S. jobs … So in all of our discussions with administrations, we try to focus on that part of it.' He did admit that with tariffs swirling, Rivian now has a daily meeting on what has changed in the last 24 hours on the international trade front. Tech leaders were also hesitant to make entirely negative comments regarding various visa restrictions from the administration, which pose a threat to an industry of largely foreign-born employees. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, after declaring himself 'absolutely pro-immigration generally for the U.S.,' tempered his stance and that of his workers. 'There's no question that we should secure our borders, and so I think from that standpoint, we're very supportive. Our drivers and couriers have been quite supportive of President Trump as well, for similar reasons,' Khosrowshahi said. 'There is a dialogue for us to be had, which is what is the right level of immigration in this country?' He admitted that Trump's constant ridiculing of Canada as the 51st state had an 'initial significant effect' on reducing travel into the U.S. from its northern neighbor, some of which has continued. But he also stretched to find a silver lining, arguing Canadians are just boycotting the U.S. and Uber is a global business. Rich Wong, a venture capitalist at San Francisco firm Accel, praised the Federal Trade Commission's new direction under the Trump administration as breathing life back into business mergers and acquisitions. 'The change of the administration … as it relates to the FTC, I think it's perceived as having a little more openness to large-scale M&A among certain players,' Wong said. 'That's opened up the appetite for a number of acquirers to engage, whereas before they were pretty stalled.' Another person who declined to criticize the president was Daniel Lurie, the Democratic mayor of San Francisco, whose city is facing a budget shortfall and potential loss of billions of federal funding. Asked about those financial headaches during the event, Lurie said: 'I can only control what I can control.' 'If I worried about what was coming from Washington or Sacramento, I wouldn't be able to do my job because it changes every hour,' he added. 'So I'm staying focused on San Francisco.' A version of this story first appeared in California Decoded, POLITICO's morning newsletter for Pros about how the Golden State is shaping tech policy within its borders and beyond. Like this content? POLITICO Pro subscribers receive it daily. Learn more at
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rivian secures $1B infusion from VW after meeting Q2 profit goal
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Electric vehicle maker Rivian achieved its second consecutive quarterly gross profit in Q2, which triggered a $1 billion cash infusion from partner Volkswagen Group, CEO and founder RJ Scaringe said during a call with analysts May 6. The funds, which executives expect to receive by the end of June, will aid Rivian in deploying its technology and software stack to a wide array of vehicles by capitalizing on VW's scale as it pushes for broader EV adoption, according to Scaringe. 'The relationship there continues to progress really well,' Scaringe said of the partnership. 'At this point, we're very focused on executing a lot of programs across the Volkswagen Group.' In addition to financial support from VW, Rivian's efforts to scale production has also been bolstered by a $6.6 billion Department of Energy loan finalized in January to revive the company's stalled Georgia EV factory project, which is expected to start production by 2028. The company is also investing $120 million in Normal, Illinois, where it is constructing a supplier park meant to create an electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem next to its production plant where it is building the R2 SUV. However, like other automakers, Rivian also faces tariff-fueled headwinds necessitating plans to offset higher duties on automotive parts, especially battery components. CFO Claire McDonough said on the call that the company expected 'per unit direct impact from tariffs to be a couple thousand dollars for 2025 based off of the currently announced tariffs in place.' Rivian's chief concern is rising cost for battery materials. McDonough said while the company's stockpile of batteries is sufficient to carry its production through early 2026, it continues to monitor export restrictions on rare earth minerals from China. 'We are actively monitoring these developments and working to mitigate potential risks through a variety of initiatives, including strategic sourcing and proactive engagement with policymakers,' she said. Higher component costs due to tariffs moved Rivian to raise its capital expenditure guidance to between $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion. Uncertainty fueled by economic policies also led the company to revise its delivery outlook to 40,000 to 46,000 vehicles, down from 46,000 to 51,000 announced April 2. But Rivian believes higher production costs may be short-lived as it works with suppliers, including LG, to secure domestically produced batteries. Scaringe said the R2 uses the 4695 cell format currently sourced from Korea, but that will soon change. 'We've been for a while now working very closely with our partner on this, which is LG, to localize that into the United States and starting in 2027 those cells will be produced in Arizona,' he said. Recommended Reading Rivian investing $120M in Illinois to strengthen domestic supply chain Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
