Rivian Adventure Department (RAD) focuses on off-road performance

Rivian has announced the creation of its own performance division, but instead of following the classic racing philosophy, it's betting on extreme off-road capability. The new structure is called the Rivian Adventure Department, or RAD, and will serve as an internal 'lab' for realizing the brand's most ambitious projects.

The auto industry has a long tradition of performance divisions, from Mercedes' AMG to Nissan's Nismo. However, young electric vehicle manufacturers have so far operated without such structures. Rivian has become the first startup to formalize this direction officially, and it's doing so with a distinctive focus on adventure and off-roading.

RAD is only being formally presented now, but the team has actually existed for some time. This is the group behind the brand's participation in the Rebelle Rally, where Rivian secured a win, and the record set by a production pickup at Pikes Peak. The same Rivian Adventure Department name appears on the R1T in the bright livery familiar from recent announcements.

The first notable product from RAD is the RAD Tuner mode—a software tool that allows owners of the R1T and R1S to finely tune their vehicle's behavior. Drivers can adjust accelerator response, regeneration, torque distribution, suspension stiffness, and other parameters.

The division's next challenge will be the FAT Ice Race in Montana, where a quad-motor R1S will take the start line. For Rivian, this isn't just about flashy stunts; it's a way to strengthen its off-road image and highlight the technical potential of its platform. In the electric SUV segment, this could become a significant competitive advantage.