OFf Road Course Design
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.
Each summer, Gordinier Group and our Dirt Designs team return to Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, CO. We started by building an off-road driving course intended to thoroughly showcase the capabilities of RAM Trucks. Once complete, our guests had the opportunity to navigate the challenging course designed to test both driver skill and vehicle performance against the expansive backdrop that is Overland Expo.
The adventure began with a brief introduction to the RAM vehicle by our right-seat product specialists/driving coaches, highlighting their off-road features, powertrain, and rugged design. As we entered the course, the first obstacle was a series of articulation bumps that required careful maneuvering. The trucks handled the undulating terrain with ease, showcasing the suspension system’s ability to articulate to maintain consistent traction.
Next came the rocky section, where we tackled a large boulder field. The truck’s four-wheel drive system and the off-road tuned suspension provided a comfortable ride over such rough terrain. Following the rocks, we faced a series of logs that demanded precision and control. The vehicles expertly navigated this obstacle, demonstrating their robust undercarriage and ground clearance.
The most exhilarating challenge was the off-camber wedges, which tested the driver’s nerve as we balanced on steep angles. It was a heart-pounding moment, but the RAM trucks remained stable, instilling confidence in their handling capabilities.
Overall, the RAM drive experience at Overland Expo was not just about showcasing power; it emphasized the finesse and technology behind these trucks. As we completed the course, it was clear that RAM Trucks are built for adventure, capable of tackling the toughest terrains with ease. The excitement of the day left participants eager for their next overland journey, preferably in their brand-new RAM truck.
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Gordinier Group teamed up with longtime partner George P. Johnson to deliver a 7-week program at TAC – the birthplace of the modern Jeep Wrangler.
In an effort to boost morale at the plant, the Jeep Immersion at TAC was designed to give employees an opportunity to grow their enthusiasm for the brand. Employees from each department in the plant spent a full day learning about Jeep history, participating in team-building activities and ultimately driving the vehicles that they build on a challenging off-road course.
Gordinier Group was charged with designing and constructing the off-road courses and providing drivers and safety spotters to operate them. We developed two courses – an extreme ‘Rubicon Only’ course that our drivers took passengers on as well as a ‘Trail Rated’ course that was driven by the employees with our spotters on hand to help them to navigate the course.
We came into this event with the experience earned last summer at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) Jeep Immersion under our belt. The timing and logistics of getting over 100 employees safely through both courses each day had been dialed in, and guests LOVED the experience. Participants used off-road driving lessons given by GG drivers on the Rubicon course to pilot their Wranglers through the Trail Rated course without incident.
Activating an event in Toledo at the home of the Wrangler was a special opportunity for our drivers, who are all die-hard Wrangler fans. It didn’t go unnoticed that just a few feet away, 2018 Wrangler JLs were rolling off of the line… Exciting times for Jeep fans!
Below you will dfin a couple of clips that appeared on local Toledo media sites:
Toledo Blade article and videos
