Rivian to race the new 1,025hp Ascend Quad Max R1T at Pike’s Peak this week

Rivian is gearing up for an exhilarating challenge as its high-powered Ascend Quad Max R1T variant prepares to tackle the iconic Pike's Peak International Hill Climb this weekend. This legendary race, which has been held 102 times since its inception in 1916, is renowned for its grueling nature and stands as one of the most difficult and longest-running races in the world.

The Pike's Peak International Hill Climb is a true test of endurance, starting at an already lofty elevation of 9,390 feet (2,862 meters) and culminating at a staggering 14,110 feet (4,300 meters), with an average vertical grade of 7.2 per cent. Until 2011, the track was primarily unpaved, comprising dirt or gravel roads, adding an extra layer of challenge. It's not uncommon for cars to veer off the track, crashing into the woods or, even worse, tumbling down the treacherous mountain slopes. The race is also known to be frequently interrupted by inclement weather conditions, including rain, snow, and fog, typical of high-altitude environments.

The high-altitude nature of the race, which earned it the nickname "Race to the Clouds," has historically posed significant challenges for gas-powered vehicles. At such elevations, the lower oxygen levels hinder complete fuel combustion, necessitating the use of oversized engines to achieve optimal performance. However, this obstacle does not apply to electric vehicles (EVs), as they do not rely on oxygen for combustion, allowing them to outperform their gas-powered counterparts in this race.

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Currently, the all-time record for the 12.42-mile hill climb stands at an impressive 7:57.148, set by the Volkswagen ID.R in 2018. This year's event will witness several notable EV entries, including the Acura ZDX serving as the pace car for the first time, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5N vying for a record among EV crossovers.

The race has also seen its fair share of wild concept vehicles, such as Ford's SuperVan made from an E-Transit last year, and this year's 1,400-horsepower SuperTruck based on an F-150 Lightning. The massive wings featured on these vehicles are a testament to the race's high altitude, where thinner air makes it more challenging to generate downforce from aerodynamic elements.

Rivian's entry, while less outlandish than some of the concepts, is nonetheless formidable. It consists of a seemingly stock R1T equipped with Rivian's new upgraded "Ascend Quad Max" trim, which Fred tested earlier this month. This trim level boosts the torque and horsepower to an impressive 1,198 lb-ft and 1,025 horsepower, respectively, a significant increase from the previous top-spec's 835 horsepower. While not quite matching the SuperTruck's 1,400 horsepower, the R1T is a stock vehicle, while the SuperTruck is heavily modified, putting them in different performance categories.

Last year, Rivian clocked an impressive 11:23.983 in the R1T, setting the record for any production truck, gas or electric, and outperforming previous runs by the likes of Faraday Future and a Tesla P90D. However, the R1T's time still lags behind the current electric exhibition class record of 11:02.802 set by a Tesla Model 3 Performance, which weighs about half as much as the R1T's substantial 7,000+ pound heft.

With the increased power of the R1T Quad Max Ascend – nearly a 200-horsepower increase over the 835-horsepower 2022 model – Rivian hopes to improve upon last year's time. While breaking the 11-minute barrier may be a stretch, the team is undoubtedly aiming to come as close as possible.

In preparation for the race, Rivian has been spotted in a parking lot, setting up their outfit with colorful livery and new "Rivian Adventure Department" branding on their vehicles. Interestingly, Rivian is even utilising one of its RCV commercial vans as a team van.

The Pike's Peak International Hill Climb event takes place this weekend in Colorado. Practice runs commence today and continue through Friday, with race day scheduled for Sunday, June 23.