[R99]

The Fast Lane went to the Outdoor Retailer event that Rivian attended with the R1S and R1T. There's a couple of good interviews with CEO RJ Scaringe and Charles Sanderson, the VP for vehicle integration and development.

One of the things that stood out the most is that Sanderson discussed the potential for Rivians to perform "tank turns" based on how they can distribute torque and the articulation of the suspension. He also discussed the different ride heights you can drive in with Rivian's air suspension.

The idea of making tight turns like a tank would be great for maneuverability but who knows how likely it could actually work properly.

 

[eHauler]

Now a CGI video shows what could be like, just don't expect it to play out entirely like this in real life.

 

[EyeOnRivian]

Now a CGI video shows what could be like, just don't expect it to play out entirely like this in real life.

You're right, I won't expect it to play out that way mostly since this non-Rivian official video got it wrong, which I suspect in-part is why Rivian had the original video taken down. A tank steer or turn is a maneuver done in-place, without moving forward (or back) unlike what was done in this video.

 

[R99]

You're right, I won't expect it to play out that way mostly since this non-Rivian official video got it wrong, which I suspect in-part is why Rivian had the original video taken down. A tank steer or turn is a maneuver done in-place, without moving forward (or back) unlike what was done in this video.

That video definitely took some creative liberties about what the tank steer could look like. Also, if tank steering is a feature it's not going to be nearly as fast as in the video.

 

[eHauler]

Now the video got taken down. Likely a C&D from Rivian.
I would even be happy with rear wheel steer. It's not fancy, but simple and gets the job done on the trail or city when trying to get around tight turns or just parking.

 

[EyeOnRivian]

Confirmed! Rivian just posted the following video YouTube:

From video description: "Tank Turn. Available on the R1T and R1S "

Happy Holidays!

 

[St00k]

That is crazy cool! I thought the wheels would turn like that old Jeep Hurricane concept.

 

[eHauler]

I still wish the wheels would turn.

Rivian should at least include rear wheel steer for better turning radius.

 

[EyeOnRivian]

I still wish the wheels would turn.

Rivian should at least include rear wheel steer for better turning radius.

IMO not worth it. All that additional linkage would add significant cost to purchase, maintain, repair, not to mention the additional weight. Right now I believe the feature is completely software driven. Even if there is some mechanical requirements, I can only imagine it's way less than implementing something like the hurricane steering.

 

[R99]

This is going to be the first thing everyone does when they get their Rivians I can't wait to see all the videos.

 

[EyeOnRivian]

No doubt, but if they do, it won't work on their asphalt or concrete driveway. According to Rivian the feature will not engage unless the tire resistance is low enough (and at a complete stop). Need to find some dirt, mud, sand, gravel (though probably not wise with all that gravel bouncing off the paint), grass, etc. type surface.

As for "everyone" do you think this feature will be standard on their EVs? It might be on the 180 kWh BP but I suspect it will be an option, an expensive one at that. In which case I hope it is an option because I don't want baked in features raising the base price on things I'll never or rarely use.

 

[R99]

No doubt, but if they do, it won't work on their asphalt or concrete driveway. According to Rivian the feature will not engage unless the tire resistance is low enough (and at a complete stop). Need to find some dirt, mud, sand, gravel (though probably not wise with all that gravel bouncing off the paint), grass, etc. type surface.

As for "everyone" do you think this feature will be standard on their EVs? It might be on the 180 kWh BP but I suspect it will be an option, an expensive one at that. In which case I hope it is an option because I don't want baked in features raising the base price on things I'll never or rarely use.

My guess is that it will be an option. If it's not then I'm with you I hope it doesn't raise the prices.

 

[R99]

Rivian isn't going to be the only car company with vehicles doing tank turns. Rumor has it the new GMC Yukon will be able to perform a "Hurricane Turn".

Now it won't be done in the same way because the Yukon obviously runs on a gas engine. But here's how Motor Trend explains it.

There are, of course, a few key differences between the GMC system and Rivian's. The Rivian models are powered by four individually controlled electric motors, one per wheel, and can truly rotate around a central axis on a low-friction surface. (Watch the video below!) The Yukons are powered by a single engine each, which can drive either the rear wheels or—with four-wheel drive engaged—all four wheels. It probably goes without saying that, yes, at any given time those two-to-four GMC wheels are being spun in the same direction (either forward or backward).

So, how do the GMC Yukon's conventionally driven wheels help the vehicle spin? We weren't able to extract many details from GMC on this front—the engineers were hoping to keep a lid on the feature until a later date, so we did our best to pepper them with questions at the '21 Yukon's reveal event. Here's what we could surmise: "Hurricane Turn" functionality is engaged when the Yukon's electronic brain detects that the driver intentionally has done the following: Deactivates stability control, cranked the steering wheel hard to either the left or the right, and floored the gas.

If the truck is on a low-friction surface, such as snow or gravel, the system jumps into action, manipulating the brakes, particularly on the side you're steering toward (if you're steering to the right, then it grabs the right brakes, and vice versa) to instigate a sort of donut move. In this state, the GMC rotates around its front axle, like someone competing in one of those spin-around-a-baseball-bat-before-running competitions. Keep your foot on the throttle, and the GMC's "Hurricane Turn" system will gradually tighten the donut spin radius—a technical term we just made up—until the Yukon is nearly spinning around its central axis, like the Rivian.

 

[JimmyEV]

Rivian might not be the only car maker that has tank turn capability. Elaphe Propulsion decided to try out a tank turn with a modified electric BMW X6.