Electric Vehicles
At SXSW 2026, Rivian transformed downtown Austin into an immersive proving ground for its highly anticipated R2, anchored by the Electric Joyride, a public ride experience built on a custom off-road course in the heart of the city.
Gordinier Group was responsible for bringing that course to life. Working within the constraints of an urban environment, our team designed and constructed a purpose-built off-road track that balanced technical capability with guest experience. The course featured a series of climbs, turns, and uneven terrain specifically engineered to showcase the R2’s performance in a controlled, high-visibility setting.
The Electric Joyride became a centerpiece of Rivian’s SXSW presence, offering one of the first large-scale public opportunities to experience the R2 in motion ahead of its launch. Every element of the course was built to support that moment, ensuring the vehicle’s capability could be demonstrated clearly, safely, and consistently throughout the run of show. By combining thoughtful design, precise execution, and a deep understanding of experiential environments, Gordinier Group delivered the physical foundation that enabled Rivian to showcase its newest vehicle in a meaningful and memorable way.
Photos by Brandon de la Cruz showcase the off-road experience in the big city!
Rivian’s Electric Joyride experience brought off-road excitement to downtown Chicago, and Gordinier Group took center stage in making it happen. Tasked with designing and constructing an authentic off-road environment in the middle of the city, the Gordinier team transformed Pioneer Court into a dramatic, full-scale driving course.
Built from roughly 2,400 cubic yards of recycled asphalt, the custom course featured five distinct obstacles that challenged both vehicle and driver. From steep climbs and banked turns to an 18-foot hill that towered over the plaza, every element was engineered to highlight Rivian’s capability and control.
Gordinier Group’s precision build delivered not just function, but spectacle—turning a busy urban setting into an electric adventure zone that captivated onlookers and participants alike. The seamless design, expert execution, and safety-focused operation allowed Rivian to showcase its vehicles’ power, traction, and innovation in a setting few could imagine.
The result was a high-impact activation that proved electric can be both capable and thrilling, and once again demonstrated Gordinier Group’s ability to build world-class off-road courses in any environment.
Stellantis recently hosted a dynamic Fleet Buyer event at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, bringing together key commercial and government buyers from across the country. The exclusive experience provided attendees with valuable insights into Stellantis’ forward-looking business strategies, along with an up-close look at the full lineup of vehicles from iconic brands including Jeep, RAM, Dodge, Chrysler, and more.
Gordinier Group was proud to support the event by supplying a team of professional drivers and product specialists to help deliver engaging, hands-on vehicle demonstrations. Attendees rotated through a variety of immersive drive experiences designed to highlight the performance, capability, and innovation of Stellantis vehicles. Highlights included Camp Jeep’s off-road course, a towing demonstration featuring heavy agricultural equipment, an on-road “street drive” feature, high-speed laps on the M1 track, and a high-adrenaline thrill ride with the all-electric Dodge Charger.
The event successfully combined informative product education with unforgettable driving experiences, reinforcing Stellantis’ commitment to fleet buyers while showcasing the strength and versatility of its vehicle portfolio.
For the 2024 LA Auto Show, Gordinier Group partnered with our friends at RAM Professional during the Automobility Media Day to allow journalists and industry insiders to test drive a selection of RAM ProMaster vans, including the highly anticipated new RAM ProMaster EV.
This hands-on experience provided a valuable opportunity for our guests to get behind the wheel of RAM’s latest models in a real-world setting, allowing them to evaluate performance, technology, and platform flexibility firsthand. As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification, the inclusion of the RAM ProMaster EV was a highlight, showcasing RAM’s commitment to innovation and sustainable fleet solutions.
Throughout the event, our team of expert product specialists rode along with the journalists to provide in-depth insights and answer any questions about the vehicles. Whether it was discussing the ProMaster’s impressive cargo capacity, handling dynamics, or the innovative features of the ProMaster EV, our team ensured that each participant had the information they needed to fully experience the capabilities of these vehicles.
Overall, the test drive event was a success, offering the media a comprehensive look at the RAM ProMaster family while fostering engaging discussions about the future of work vans and electric mobility.
