The demands of capable off-road 4x4s are almost exactly the opposite of the requirements for agility and comfort in an on-road vehicle. But that was the combination Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe demanded of the engineering team working on the R1T electric pickup truck.
Chief engineer Charles Sanderson already had experience with the team's ultimate solution during his previous job at McLaren Automotive. The same Tenneco linked hydraulic damping system that gives McLaren supercars their surprisingly cushy ride could also be applied to providing amazing off-road capability in a pickup that delivers astounding ride and handling on the highway.
This was the challenge Sanderson and his team took on as they contemplated solutions to the problem. Our seat time in the R1T confirms the team's success.