Production Rivian R1T Quad Takes Third at Corkscrew Hillclimb

A Truck With a Race Car’s Pace

The Rivian R1T Quad is not an ordinary truck. Built with four independent motors, it delivers performance usually associated with sports cars rather than a mid-size pickup. Its staggered wheel package paired with ultra-high-performance Michelin tires gives it grip that feels at odds with its size and weight, while the longer wheelbase brings stability through challenging turns. 

On paper, the R1T Quad is designed as a versatile adventure vehicle, but in practice, it has shown itself to be capable of much more.

That capability was on display when Rivian brought the latest Quad R1T to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the Fourth Annual Corkscrew Hillclimb. The course is known for one of the most technical and intimidating corners in racing, with a steep, twisting drop that reaches a 16 percent grade. 

With Rivian performance test engineer Gardner Nichols at the wheel, the Quad R1T secured third place overall. Notably, it achieved that result against purpose-built race cars, making the finish all the more remarkable for a production truck. Which raises the question—what is its secret?

A Hidden Software Advantage

The answer lies in something Rivian calls the RAD Tuner. Short for Rivian Adventure Department, it is a consumer-facing version of the software Rivian’s performance team uses to build special drive modes for competitive events such as the Rebelle Rally and Pikes Peak Hillclimb. RAD Tuner allows drivers of quad-motor R1 vehicles to go beyond standard presets and create custom drive modes tailored to their environment.

From the drive modes screen, users can open RAD Tuner and adjust ten individual parameters. These range from accelerator pedal sensitivity and regenerative braking strength to suspension damping, stability control, and torque balance between front and rear. Unlike the factory-programmed modes, which adapt dynamically to inputs and conditions, custom modes are fixed to the user’s chosen settings. The system provides a graph for reference, showing how your selections compare to Rivian’s default Comfort or Sport profiles, and lets you push settings beyond the typical factory limits.

While most drivers will find Rivian’s programmed modes sufficient, RAD Tuner is designed for those who want to calibrate a truck as if they were part of the engineering team.

Coming To R1T Quad Owners This September

The Quad R1T itself is already a capable platform. Its four motors allow precise control of torque at each wheel, while the longer wheelbase enhances composure on both road and trail. Combined with stickier tires and a suspension tuned for both utility and fun, it provides a stable base for performance driving. With the addition of RAD Tuner, drivers can refine this foundation to match their preferences or the demands of a specific track or trail.

For owners of the 2026 R1T Quad, the RAD Tuner will arrive as an over-the-air update later this year. What helped Rivian secure a podium at Laguna Seca will soon be in the hands of every Quad owner.