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Rivian R2 Launch Mode Makes It Faster Than the Tesla Model Y Performance

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The Rivian R2 Launch Mode is set to make the upcoming electric SUV even quicker, delivering performance that outpaces the Tesla Model Y Performance before customer deliveries even begin.

Rivian has confirmed that the R2 Performance will receive a dedicated Launch Mode through an upcoming over-the-air (OTA) software update. The new feature unlocks even quicker acceleration and reinforces the R2’s position as one of the most anticipated electric SUVs heading to the U.S. market.

The Rivian R2 Performance will receive Launch Mode through an upcoming OTA software update.

Launch Mode unlocks quicker acceleration

The announcement came from Rivian Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid, who shared a demonstration of the new Launch Mode on social media.

Drivers activate the feature through the infotainment system, triggering a custom animation before the SUV switches into maximum-performance mode.

According to Rivian’s demonstration, the Rivian R2 Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.45 seconds, beating the company’s original estimate of 3.6 seconds.

Launch Mode helps the Rivian R2 accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.45 seconds.

Rivian R2 beats the Tesla Model Y Performance

Beyond the impressive 0-60 mph sprint, the Rivian R2 also delivers stronger acceleration at higher speeds.

Performance figures shown by Rivian include:

  • 0-60 mph: 3.45 seconds
  • 0-100 mph: 6.99 seconds
  • Quarter-mile: 11.31 seconds
  • Top speed: 130 mph

Those numbers allow the Rivian R2 Launch Mode to outperform the Tesla Model Y Performance in the quarter-mile while nearly matching the acceleration of the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Software continues to be Rivian’s competitive advantage

Like other Rivian models, the R2 is designed to receive regular over-the-air software updates, allowing the company to improve performance and add new features without requiring dealership visits.

Launch Mode is another example of Rivian using software to enhance the ownership experience while keeping its vehicles competitive against rivals from Tesla and other EV manufacturers.

Rivian continues expanding the R2’s capabilities through over-the-air software updates.

A major competitor in the U.S. EV market

The Rivian R2 is expected to become one of the brand’s most important products, targeting buyers looking for a midsize electric SUV with strong performance, advanced technology and everyday practicality.

With Launch Mode arriving before deliveries begin, Rivian is adding another reason for shoppers to consider the R2 as a serious alternative to the Tesla Model Y Performance, one of the best-selling EVs in the United States.A major competitor in the U.S. EV market

The Rivian R2 is expected to become one of the brand’s most important products, targeting buyers looking for a midsize electric SUV with strong performance, advanced technology and everyday practicality.

With Launch Mode arriving before deliveries begin, Rivian is adding another reason for shoppers to consider the R2 as a serious alternative to the Tesla Model Y Performance, one of the best-selling EVs in the United States.

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Cadillac CELESTIQ Night Test Reveals Exclusive Dark Design

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Cadillac has unveiled the one-of-one CELESTIQ Night Test, a handcrafted commission inspired by the quiet hours when elite performance is refined behind the scenes.

Cadillac has introduced the CELESTIQ Night Test, a one-of-one commission designed around the idea that true performance is developed away from the spotlight.

The special model draws inspiration from the quiet hours of intense preparation. Cadillac compares its character to athletes, musicians, and other performers who spend countless hours refining their skills when no audience is present.

The result is an ultra-exclusive CELESTIQ with a darker appearance and a minimalist interior focused on precision.

A dark exterior inspired by after-hours performance

The CELESTIQ Night Test wears a Caspia Tricoat Metallic high-gloss exterior finish. Cadillac pairs the dark body color with distinctive Jade details around the front lighting.

The combination creates a stealth-inspired appearance without abandoning the elegant proportions of the flagship electric model.

The CELESTIQ Night Test features a Caspia Tricoat Metallic exterior with distinctive Jade lighting details.

The car also receives 23-inch reverse wheels with dark finishes and Jade accents. These elements reinforce the concept’s theme of controlled performance and understated speed.

Up front, the Jade-finish lighting bezel frames the headlights while maintaining the model’s clean and sophisticated appearance.

A precision-focused interior

The Night Test theme continues inside the cabin. Cadillac uses a high-contrast combination of Backen Black and Sheer Gray leather to create a more focused atmosphere.

Carbon-fiber accents and brushed-metal details add a technical character to the interior.

The cabin combines Backen Black and Sheer Gray leather with carbon fiber and brushed-metal details.

Rather than relying on excessive visual decoration, the interior emphasizes precision and simplicity.

That approach reflects the philosophy behind the commission. Cadillac wanted every material and finish to contribute to a disciplined, performance-inspired environment.

The result is a cabin that feels more like a carefully engineered instrument than a traditional luxury interior.

Hand-built as a one-of-one CELESTIQ

Like every CELESTIQ, the Night Test was hand-assembled at the Cadillac Artisan Center in Warren, Michigan.

Each vehicle is created from an individually curated selection of colors, materials, and finishes. In this case, Cadillac used that process to create a singular interpretation of the CELESTIQ.

The one-of-one CELESTIQ Night Test was hand-assembled at Cadillac’s Artisan Center in Warren, Michigan.

The special commission will make its public debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, during Monterey Car Week.

Cadillac describes the Night Test as an example of how its bespoke commissioning process can transform the CELESTIQ into a highly personal expression of luxury.

The model also highlights the broader philosophy behind the flagship EV. Rather than offering a fixed set of designs, Cadillac allows clients to create a vehicle around their own tastes and expectations.

The Cadillac CELESTIQ Night Test therefore serves as both a one-off design statement and a showcase of the brand’s growing focus on bespoke luxury. Its dark exterior, technical interior, and handcrafted construction create a distinctive interpretation of Cadillac’s flagship electric vehicle.

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Rivian R2 Autonomy+ Adds New Hands-Free Driving Features

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Rivian is expanding the R2’s Autonomy+ system with broader hands-free driving, on-demand lane changes, and a path toward point-to-point assisted driving.

Rivian is continuing to expand the R2’s Autonomy+ technology with new driver-assistance features and over-the-air updates. The system is designed to make daily driving easier while giving owners access to new capabilities as the software develops.

Every Gen 2 R1 and R2 currently supports Universal Hands-Free and Lane Change on Command on compatible roads. Rivian is also preparing a larger point-to-point assisted driving feature for the future.

Universal Hands-Free continues to expand

Universal Hands-Free is currently available on 3.5 million miles of roads in the United States and Canada. When lane markings are clearly visible and the system is available, drivers can activate it by double-pulling the right stalk.

The feature allows drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel while continuing to monitor the road.

Rivian’s Universal Hands-Free system lets R2 drivers use hands-free assistance on compatible roads.

Rivian also offers Co-Steer, which allows drivers to make small steering inputs without completely disengaging Universal Hands-Free.

This can be useful when avoiding potholes or giving additional space to large vehicles.

The system also includes Drive Styles, allowing drivers to adjust the character of the assisted driving experience from Mild to Spicy.

Lane Change on Command expands beyond highways

Rivian has also expanded Lane Change on Command. The feature previously focused on highway use, but the latest software update allows it to operate on any road where Universal Hands-Free is available.

Drivers simply check that the destination lane is clear, activate the turn signal, and allow the R2 to complete the maneuver.

Lane Change on Command can now operate on roads where Universal Hands-Free is available.

The latest software update also adds more visual information to the driver display. The Autonomy view can now show traffic lights, stop signs, and traffic cones.

These additions give drivers more information about what the vehicle’s systems are detecting while assisted driving is active.

Point-to-point driving is next

The next major step for Rivian is Point-to-Point assisted driving.

The feature is designed to let drivers enter an address and supervise while the vehicle follows the route from start to finish.

Rivian is preparing Point-to-Point assisted driving for a limited rollout later in 2026.

Point-to-Point is expected to handle city streets, highway interchanges, turns, lane changes, and intersections under continuous driver supervision.

Rivian says a limited rollout will begin later this year, with a broader customer rollout targeted for 2027.

The company believes the transition can happen quickly because much of the underlying technology is already being developed and tested across its fleet.

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Dodge Brings 2027 Charger Super Bee to Woodward Dream Cruise

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Dodge is bringing its latest performance models to the 2026 Woodward Dream Cruise, led by the 600-horsepower Charger Super Bee Launch Edition and a new Durango concept.

Dodge is taking its performance lineup back to Woodward Avenue following the latest Roadkill Nights event. For 2026, the automaker will showcase several new and customized models during the Woodward Dream Cruise in Michigan.

The centerpiece will be the 2027 Dodge Charger Super Bee Launch Edition, which delivers 600 horsepower and represents the latest expansion of the Charger performance lineup.

The Charger Super Bee leads Dodge’s Woodward display

The biggest attraction at Dodge’s display will be the new 600-horsepower Charger Super Bee Launch Edition.

The performance model uses the high-output 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane SIXPACK engine and combines modern technology with traditional muscle-car attitude.

The 2027 Dodge Charger Super Bee Launch Edition will headline Dodge’s Woodward Dream Cruise display.

Dodge will also give visitors their first public look at the new Charger Red Oxide exterior color.

The dark finish is designed to add a more aggressive appearance to the new Charger. Dodge is encouraging fans to photograph the vehicle and share their images during the event.

The display will take place at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bloomfield Township on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

A new Durango concept joins the Charger

The Super Bee will not be alone. Dodge is also bringing the Durango R/T 392 Smokescreen concept to Woodward.

The concept gives the Durango a more distinctive appearance and continues Dodge’s recent push toward additional personalization across its performance lineup.

The Durango R/T 392 Smokescreen concept will join the Super Bee during Dodge’s Woodward display.

Fans will also see several customized vehicles, including the Toxic Orange Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak and a Cha Ching Charger Scat Pack.

Dodge will further highlight its Tinted Dual Stripes graphic package, showing how customers can personalize the appearance of their performance vehicles without relying entirely on aftermarket modifications.

A 1,000-horsepower Charger returns to the spotlight

Another major attraction will be John O’Malley, winner of the Direct Connection Grudge Match at Roadkill Nights.

O’Malley will appear alongside his highly modified 1,000-horsepower Dodge Charger Scat Pack, giving visitors an opportunity to see one of the most extreme builds associated with the event.

John O’Malley will display his 1,000-horsepower modified Charger Scat Pack at the Dodge event.

The Grudge Match project started with a 550-horsepower Charger Scat Pack and challenged automotive builders to modify and tune the platform for competition.

The winning build now provides another example of what can be achieved with Dodge’s performance-focused hardware.

Dodge keeps its muscle-car strategy in focus

The Woodward display comes during an important period for Dodge. The brand is expanding the Charger family with several gasoline and electric performance models while continuing to offer high-output SUVs.

The current Charger lineup includes the 420-horsepower Charger R/T, the 550-horsepower Charger Scat Pack, and the 600-horsepower Super Bee. Dodge also offers the electric 670-horsepower Charger Daytona Scat Pack.

The 2027 Dodge Charger Super Bee is therefore part of a much broader strategy that gives buyers multiple ways to experience Dodge performance.

The brand will also continue to promote factory-backed customization through Direct Connection, including performance components developed specifically for its latest muscle cars and trucks.

With the Super Bee, the Smokescreen concept, custom-color builds, and a 1,000-horsepower Charger on display, Dodge is using the 2026 Woodward Dream Cruise to put its performance identity firmly back in the spotlight.

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