Rivian’s smaller, more affordable R2 has arrived, giving the electric vehicle maker an entry in the crucial compact SUV market. But the company is also drawing attention with a Halloween-themed spin on another vehicle in its lineup.
The automaker has transformed a Rivian R1S into a modern homage to Ecto-1, the decked-out vintage Cadillac ambulance featured in the 1984 supernatural comedy “Ghostbusters.” Rivian calls its customized vehicle Ecto-R1.
The white SUV features red graphics and an assortment of equipment mounted on its roof, echoing the look of the movie vehicle.
“Lean into pop culture. Find a way to do something that’s very fun and playful, and find a way for people to engage in our vehicles that maybe they haven’t before. So one of the things we decided to do this year was ‘Ghostbusters,'” said Jeff Hammoud, Rivian’s chief design officer.
The one-of-a-kind Ecto-R1 is not for sale. Rivian’s creative team built the vehicle for a promotion that includes an advertisement featuring original “Ghostbusters” star Bill Murray.
The ad offers an updated version of the movie’s plot, with Murray using the Rivian Ecto-R1 to capture the animated character “Slimer.”
Rivian worked with Sony Pictures on the tribute, which required the studio’s approval. The company’s team included numerous “easter eggs” throughout the vehicle.
Although customers cannot buy the Ecto-R1, Rivian owners can receive a special “Ghostbusters” over-the-air software update. The update is available for all Rivian vehicles, including the new R2.
When a vehicle is parked, owners can access games on the touchscreen as well as exterior lighting and sound effects. The features can also be controlled remotely through the Rivian app.
“So when this vehicle’s sitting outside, during Halloween, you can activate a lot of those things,” Hammoud said.
The R2 is now reaching customers after many waited longer than expected. The vehicle gives Rivian a smaller SUV at a lower price than its R1S.
At launch, the R2 Performance starts at $57,990. A more basic R2 is expected to arrive next summer with a base price of $44,990. The larger R1S starts at just over $85,000.
“With the R2, we had to be very intentional about where we spent money and where we didn’t. Find ways to reduce parts count, reduce manufacturing costs,” Hammoud said.
Rivian’s next planned model is the R3, an even smaller and more affordable vehicle.
In the meantime, Rivian owners can use the new “Ghostbusters” features to add lighting and sounds to their parked vehicles during the Halloween season.
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