Rivian Turned An R1S Into A Ghostbusters Ecto-1—Sirens, Radar Dish, And All. It Rules

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Rivian has created the Ecto-R1, an R1S styled as the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 in collaboration with Sony Pictures. The company is also adding a Ghostbusters app to its Halloween Mode, with in-vehicle displays, themed lights and sounds, and a parked arcade game; the update is scheduled for October 9 through November 2.

Rivian has turned an R1S electric SUV into the Ecto-R1, a Ghostbusters Ecto-1 tribute, and announced a matching seasonal app for owners. Developed with Sony Pictures, the vehicle has a red-and-white exterior and roof-mounted accessories that Rivian says are functional; the app is due to launch October 9 as part of the automaker’s Halloween Mode.

The Ecto-R1 uses the R1S’s 22-inch Aero wheels, brightened with painted white covers, alongside the familiar red body graphics and No-Ghost logos on the hood and front doors. Its roof rack carries sirens, spotlights, a radar dish and side tanks. Rivian says each of those accessories works, and that the emergency lights are vintage units the company sourced and restored. A compass is also visible from directly above the vehicle.

Rivian’s Ghostbusters app will be available to owners through this year’s Halloween Mode. The in-vehicle app can be used while parked to change the vehicle’s displays to a Ghostbusters theme; according to Rivian, the display effect remains active after the vehicle is shifted into Drive. A separate Trick or Treat Mode takes over the driver and rear displays, plays the Ghostbusters theme song and coordinates exterior lights and sound effects.

Owners can control the show through the Rivian smartphone app. Rivian lists sound-and-light themes for Ecto-1, Proton Pack, Slimer, Ghost Trap, Peter Venkman and a random selection, each with a corresponding LED sequence. Lock sounds also vary by vehicle generation: the report says Gen 1 R1 models can use Ecto-1 mode, while Gen 2 R1 vehicles and the R2 can use Proton Pack or Chant. A new Mallow Mash arcade game, available while parked, lets players pop Mini-Pufts.

A Seasonal Feature for Rivian Owners

The announcement pairs a physical concept-style tribute with software features that reach beyond the displayed SUV. Owners who do not see the Ecto-R1 in person can still access themed displays, sounds and lighting through the Halloween update, subject to the vehicle and generation-specific features Rivian describes. That makes the announcement both a promotional showcase and a limited-time vehicle software release.

The feature has practical limits: the app is intended for use while parked, and the lights and sound effects are entertainment rather than emergency equipment. Rivian says the display remains active once the vehicle is put into Drive, but the supplied report does not explain exactly which elements continue while driving. Drivers should follow the vehicle’s instructions and avoid interacting with entertainment features while moving.

Where to See the Ecto-R1

Rivian created the build in partnership with Sony Pictures, tying the SUV’s design to the Ghostbusters franchise. The Drive reports that the vehicle borrows the Ecto-1’s recognizable markings and roof equipment while using Rivian’s R1S as its base. The source identifies it as a tribute build; it does not describe the Ecto-R1 as a production model for sale.

Rivian plans to display Ecto-R1 builds at company spaces in Laguna Beach, Austin, Venice, Miami Brickell, San Francisco and New York City’s Meatpacking District. The New York location is also set to have limited-edition merchandise, according to the report. The Halloween software release is a separate part of the announcement and is scheduled for a defined seasonal window.

“Every accessory on top of the Ecto-R1 is functional.”

— Rivian, as quoted by The Drive

Feature Limits and Availability

The supplied report does not specify which Rivian models, software versions or regions will support every app feature, beyond its references to Gen 1 R1, Gen 2 R1 and R2 lock sounds. It also gives no details on whether the Ecto-R1 itself will tour beyond the listed Rivian spaces, how many builds exist, or whether the limited-edition merchandise will be available at every location.

Rivian says the themed display can remain active after the vehicle is shifted into Drive, but the report does not clarify whether all lighting, audio or interactive components operate while moving. The exact controls, safety restrictions and availability of individual modes have not been specified in the supplied material.

October Launch and Public Displays

Rivian’s Ghostbusters app and Halloween Mode update are scheduled to launch October 9 and remain available through November 2. Owners can check Rivian’s app or vehicle software for availability and instructions when the release arrives.

The Ecto-R1 is expected to appear at the six listed Rivian locations, with limited-edition merchandise planned for the Meatpacking District site in New York. Rivian has not provided a more detailed display schedule in the source report, so visitors may need to check with individual spaces before making a trip.

Key Questions

What is the Rivian Ecto-R1?

It is an R1S electric SUV styled as a tribute to the Ghostbusters Ecto-1, created by Rivian in collaboration with Sony Pictures. Its design includes red graphics, No-Ghost logos and roof-mounted equipment.

When does the Ghostbusters app become available?

The seasonal update is scheduled to launch October 9 and remain available until November 2, according to The Drive’s report.

What can the Rivian Halloween features do?

The app offers themed in-vehicle displays, coordinated lighting and sound effects, and themed lock sounds on specified vehicle generations. Rivian also plans a Mallow Mash arcade game for use while parked.

Where can people see the Ecto-R1?

Rivian lists spaces in Laguna Beach, Austin, Venice, Miami Brickell, San Francisco and New York City’s Meatpacking District. The report says limited-edition merchandise will also be available at the New York location.

Is the Ecto-R1 a production model?

The supplied report describes it as a Ghostbusters tribute build based on the R1S. It does not say Rivian plans to sell the Ecto-R1 as a production vehicle.

Source: rss