Rivian Electric Joyride
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.
At the heart of downtown Austin during SXSW 2025, Gordinier Group partnered with Rivian to bring the Electric Joyride experience to life as part of the Rivian Electric Roadhouse activation. Tasked with designing, building, and maintaining a compact yet dynamic off-road course, the Gordinier team transformed an urban lot into a fully functional test track that highlighted the all-terrain capability of Rivian’s electric vehicles.
The course was constructed using recycled asphalt grindings, aligning with Rivian’s sustainability mission. These materials were not only ideal for building a versatile off-road experience, but were also repurposed after the event, minimizing waste and environmental impact. Despite the limited footprint, the track featured a mix of articulation obstacles, climbing elements, and traction challenges—offering guests a genuine taste of what Rivian vehicles can do beyond city streets.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of SXSW, the Electric Joyride drew crowds and created a buzz, proving that even in the middle of a bustling city, the thrill of electric adventure is very much alive.
