Tank Turn Returns: Rivian Teases Long-Awaited Feature originally appeared on Autoblog.
A Party Trick That Didn't Even Reach Production
When Rivian first burst onto the EV scene with the R1S SUV and R1T pickup in 2019, few features grabbed more attention than "Tank Turn" – a party trick that allows the EV to spin in place like an off-road ballerina. The system, also found in the electric G-Class, rotates the wheels on either side in opposite directions to pivot the car 360 degrees.
The tank turn quickly became a sensation, but before Rivian could make it to production, CEO RJ Scaringe nixed the feature, citing concerns over trail damage. That move was intended to reinforce Rivian's environmentally responsible image, but left early fans disappointed.
Now, in a teaser clip posted to social media, Tank Turn appears to be making its long-awaited return. The six-second video shows a second-gen R1S performing a 90-degree turn before revealing the etched launch date of July 8, 2025, written in dust on its side. The feature will debut with the company’s most powerful configuration yet: the Quad-Motor R1S and R1T, which are expected to bring this long-shelved feature to life.
Quad Power, Now for Real
Rivian announced its second-generation R1 models last year, including overhauled mechanicals, a better electrical architecture, and greatly improved autonomy and infotainment systems.
Among those updates was the new Quad-Motor drivetrain, delivering a staggering 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft of torque, allowing a 2.5-second sprint to 60 mph for the R1T (2.6 seconds for the R1S). However, at the time, it was only available for reservation, without an exact delivery timeline. That changes next week.
The Quad Launch Edition, which will arrive with every update for second-generation Rivians, will finally open for orders. These new Rivians go beyond spec-sheet frenzy; they come with real improvements: zonal electrical layouts that reduce wiring, a redesigned heat pump for range efficiency, a 420-mile Max Pack, and a new Autonomy Platform with 360-degree vision and AI-powered driving assistance. Even the interior experience has been elevated, with Dolby Atmos audio, Apple Music integration, and a new Unreal Engine-based UI.
RivianView the 3 images of this gallery on the original article
Price of Entry for the Tank Turn Club
Getting access to the return of Tank Turn – and everything else the second-gen R1S and R1T offer – won't come cheap. Pricing starts at $75,900 for the R1S and $69,900 for the R1T, but the Quad Launch Edition is expected to be priced at around $115,900.
We'll know the exact figures soon enough, but for now, know that reservations require a $3,000 refundable deposit. Deliveries are expected to begin shortly after the official July 8 announcement. If you missed the hype the first time around, now's your chance to spin back in.
Tank Turn Returns: Rivian Teases Long-Awaited Feature first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 5, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
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