Apocalypse Manufacturing Unveils Nirvana, A Rivian R1T Turned Electric Off-Road Beast
by AutoExpert | 27 September, 2023
Apocalypse Manufacturing and SoFlo Customs have pulled the wraps off their latest creation: the Apocalypse Nirvana. Based on the Rivian R1T, this one-of-a-kind electric off-roader takes customization to a stratospheric level. Apocalypse Manufacturing, known for their extreme pickup and SUV modifications, calls this their most complex project to date.
The initial inspiration for the project came from Joe Ghattas, the owner of Apocalypse Manufacturing. In his opinion, the Rivian R1T's exterior styling was its main drawback. "It looks like a Kia from the outside. But once you're in, it's lightning fast and offers a superb ride," Ghattas told The Drive. That's why he set out to give the Rivian a new visual identity.
The Nirvana received a complete body transformation, lifted to accommodate robust 38-inch tires. While the Rivian is already a capable off-roader, Apocalypse further armored the vehicle with a skid plate for the undercarriage. They even had to fabricate custom suspension components, a process that required meticulous engineering.
Customization extended to the vehicle's sophisticated air suspension system, which originally presented a significant challenge to the team due to its tight tolerances and complex sensor network. Despite some setbacks, like a full set of blown-up airbags, the final result was worth the effort, Ghattas said.
Moreover, the Nirvana is based on the high-performing Quad-Motor derivative of the R1T, boasting 835 horsepower and a zero to 60 mph time of just three seconds. If all goes as planned, this customized vehicle will hit the market at $150,000, significantly higher than a fully-loaded standard R1T.
In a final thought, Ghattas expressed his ambitions to become an official tuner for Rivian, much like Shelby is for Ford or Brabus is for Mercedes-Benz. "I'm highly impressed with Rivian's technology, and if I could turn this into an official partnership, it would be a dream come true," he concluded.
