Rivian R1T 2022: A Novel Suspension Transforms It Into the McLaren of Off-Roaders
Integrating cross-linked adaptive dampers with air springs results in a ride, handling, and articulation that is unmatched.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 | Chimniii Desk
Key Highlights
- To be sure, it operates similarly to the suspension on the McLaren 720S, as it incorporates hydraulic cross-linking of the adaptive dampers.
- It uses this data to determine the optimal degree of roll control or suspension articulation in real time and communicates this information to the central valve body.
- However, millisecond response time enables lightning-fast damping and roll-control adjustment, allowing the suspension to maintain its optimal ride quality until driving or road conditions dictate firmness—all while adapting the damping rate to the spring rate under all circumstances.
- Rivian is justifiably proud of the fact that its engineers designed, developed, and tuned this revolutionary suspension entirely on their own, with components purchased from top-tier vendors.
- And the fact that specialists were able to replace the strut in a parking lot in a matter of hours indicates that Rivian may have the hardware and personnel necessary to compete in the world's most prestigious off-road race in Baja California, Mexico.
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In the case of the 2022 rivian r1t electric pickup, producing a truck unlike any other — for more information, check our First Drive review — necessitated developing a suspension unlike any other. To be sure, it operates similarly to the suspension on the McLaren 720S, as it incorporates hydraulic cross-linking of the adaptive dampers. The Rivian's arrangement is likewise similar to that of numerous higher-end trucks and SUVs, which utilise ride-height-adjustable air springs. However, integrating these factors results in some significant advantages for the rivian r1t.
To design an electric "adventure vehicle" with a range sufficient to induce actual overlanding, a large battery pack is required, resulting in a high curb weight. A large cargo capacity is also necessary to transport gear and fellow adventurers, and a variable riding height is critical for tackling the most difficult trails. While air springs are the most effective means to accomplish these aims, their spring rate increases as they inflate—whether to accommodate for load or to raise ground clearance.
Ride quality is governed by how well the shock damping and spring rates of each corner are matched, which means that maintaining a reasonable ride quality with variable-rate springs requires variable-rate dampers.
Meanwhile, minimising body roll on roads while allowing for significant suspension flexibility off-road necessitates the use of some type of variable roll control system. Rivian's hydraulic cross-linked suspension, which was designed and tuned in-house, utilises variable-orifice valves to match damping and spring rates while balancing roll control and articulation requirements without the use of heavy, expensive (and occasionally power-consuming) variable-rate or disconnectable anti-roll bars. Rivian's system is as follows:
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Shocks with a Monotube External Reservoir
As with all of the top off-road shocks, these true monotube shocks have external reservoirs. The internal piston is devoid of valves. Rather than that, the hydraulic shock oil is pumped into and out of the upper and lower chambers when the wheel articulates, passing via variable-orifice valves that quickly modify the flow rate that controls jounce and rebound. Each corner has a third valve that connects to the central valve body, which hydraulically connects the various corners to give roll control.
Cross-Connection
A Rivian chassis controller continuously monitors driver inputs, road conditions, the selected driving mode, and the many sensors that monitor wheel position, vehicle load, and more. It uses this data to determine the optimal degree of roll control or suspension articulation in real time and communicates this information to the central valve body. This gadget directs hydraulic pressure to the most effective location.
The pressure is generated mostly by jounce in the damper's upper chamber—for example, the outboard dampers during a cornering move. By redirecting this pressure to the rebound chambers on the opposing side (inboard during cornering), body roll is minimised. Notably, there is also a hydraulic pump that adjusts the overall system pressure to match the selected driving style, for example, raising it in Sport mode. This essentially provides front and rear roll control. We are unaware of another factory off-road vehicle equipped with a changeable or detachable rear anti-roll bar, but would appreciate your opinion on this point.
Allows for greatest articulation and the softest ride by fully opening these valves and placing the shock-mounted jounce/rebound valves to their most open configuration. Naturally, the numerous valves can be rapidly tightened to avoid float and to control body motion following a jolt or swell in the road.
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Passive in every way
The system is referred to as "semi-active." There are no cameras to detect impending bumps, and there is no way to manoeuvre a wheel into or out of a bump. However, millisecond response time enables lightning-fast damping and roll-control adjustment, allowing the suspension to maintain its optimal ride quality until driving or road conditions dictate firmness—all while adapting the damping rate to the spring rate under all circumstances.
In-House Design Using the Highest-Quality Components
Rivian is justifiably proud of the fact that its engineers designed, developed, and tuned this revolutionary suspension entirely on their own, with components purchased from top-tier vendors. For example, hlins of Sweden supplies the variable-orifice shock valves, whereas Tenneco offers a comparable unit to McLaren.
The Wheeling Is Proof of the Pudding
We put thousands of miles on an R1T on the TransAmerica Trail's most difficult terrain—rocks, mud, washboard roads, rutted gravel, and sand—and were blown away by the truck's poise and comfort. Off-road mode provides the most comfort when the terrain becomes rough, and it may also be the ideal mode for navigating the Midwest's weather-ravaged metropolitan roadways. We also had the opportunity to drive the truck without roll control, when a problem in one of the prototype vehicle's right-side corners disabled that functionality. It makes a significant difference. And the fact that specialists were able to replace the strut in a parking lot in a matter of hours indicates that Rivian may have the hardware and personnel necessary to compete in the world's most prestigious off-road race in Baja California, Mexico.
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