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

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Rivian has revealed the Ecto-R1, an R1S customized as a Ghostbusters Ecto-1 in partnership with Sony Pictures. The company also announced a Halloween software update with Ghostbusters-themed displays, lights, sounds and a parked-vehicle arcade game, scheduled to run from Oct. 9 to Nov. 2.

Rivian has turned an R1S electric SUV into the Ecto-R1, a Ghostbusters Ecto-1 homage created with Sony Pictures, and announced a companion Halloween experience for its vehicles. The limited-time software features are scheduled to launch Oct. 9 and remain available through Nov. 2, according to the company.

The custom vehicle wears the familiar red Ecto-1 graphics, a No-Ghost logo on its hood and front doors, and brightened 22-inch Aero wheels with white covers. Rivian says the roof equipment is functional, including sirens, spotlights, a radar dish and side tanks. The company also said it sourced and restored vintage emergency lights for the build. A compass detail is visible from above.

Rivian’s Ghostbusters app will be part of its Halloween Mode. The in-vehicle app can be used while parked to change the displays, and Rivian says the mode can remain active after the vehicle is put in Drive. A separate Trick or Treat Mode will alter the driver and rear displays and pair the Ghostbusters theme music with exterior lights and sound effects.

Owners will be able to control the experience through the vehicle or Rivian’s smartphone app. The light-and-sound options include Ecto-1, Proton Pack, Slimer, Ghost Trap, Peter Venkman and Random, each matched with a custom LED sequence. Rivian also says lock sounds will vary by vehicle generation: Ecto-1 sounds are available for Gen 1 R1 models, while Gen 2 R1 vehicles and the R2 can use Proton Pack or Chant sounds.

A new Mallow Mash arcade game will let drivers pop Mini-Puft characters while the vehicle is parked, including during charging. The company has not provided further details in the supplied announcement about which software versions or vehicle configurations are needed for each feature.

A Halloween Update Beyond the Show Car

The announcement pairs a highly visible one-off-style custom build with software features available to customers, giving Rivian’s Halloween promotion a practical owner-facing component. The app uses displays, lighting and sound to extend the theme beyond the vehicle’s exterior, while the parked-only arcade game offers another activity during charging.

For owners, the main news is the temporary in-vehicle experience rather than access to the Ecto-R1 itself. Rivian’s stated dates put a firm limit on the themed features: the Halloween app and associated modes are planned for Oct. 9 to Nov. 2. The announcement does not say that the customized SUV will be offered for sale.

Where Fans Can See the Ecto-R1

Rivian says fans can view Ecto-R1 builds at company spaces in Laguna Beach, Austin, Venice, Miami Brickell, San Francisco and New York’s Meatpacking District. The New York location is also expected to have limited-edition merchandise. The announcement does not give display dates for each location, so visitors may want to check with Rivian before making a trip.

The vehicle takes visual cues from the Ghostbusters Ecto-1, but Rivian and Sony Pictures worked together on the project, according to The Drive’s report. That partnership is relevant because it frames the vehicle as an authorized collaboration rather than an unofficial replica. The available source does not detail the project’s production schedule or whether additional examples will be built.

Feature Access and Display Dates

The announcement, as reported by The Drive, does not specify whether every Halloween feature will be available on every Rivian model or which software release is required. It identifies lock-sound options for Gen 1 R1 vehicles, Gen 2 R1 vehicles and R2, but does not provide a full compatibility list for the displays, light sequences or Mallow Mash game. The exact dates the Ecto-R1 will appear at each Rivian location are also not stated. No retail price or planned production quantity for the custom vehicle is given.

The October Software Rollout

Rivian’s announced next step is to launch the Halloween update on Oct. 9, with the Ghostbusters experience scheduled to end on Nov. 2. Owners will be able to check the Rivian app and vehicle software for availability as the rollout begins. Fans hoping to see the Ecto-R1 can visit one of the listed Rivian spaces, though the company has not published a location-by-location display schedule in the source report.

Key Questions

What is Rivian’s Ecto-R1?

It is an R1S customized to resemble the Ghostbusters Ecto-1, with red graphics, No-Ghost logos and roof accessories including a radar dish, sirens and spotlights. Rivian developed it with Sony Pictures, according to The Drive.

When will the Ghostbusters app be available?

Rivian’s Halloween update is scheduled to launch Oct. 9 and remain available through Nov. 2, according to the report.

What can Rivian owners do with the Halloween features?

The features include Ghostbusters-themed displays, custom exterior light and sound sequences, selected vehicle lock sounds and the Mallow Mash arcade game, which is intended for use while parked.

Where can people see the Ecto-R1?

Rivian lists locations in Laguna Beach, Austin, Venice, Miami Brickell, San Francisco and New York’s Meatpacking District. The source does not give exact dates for each display.

Will Rivian sell the Ecto-R1?

The available report does not say that the custom R1S will be sold or provide a price. It describes the vehicle as a themed build and lists locations where fans can see it.

Source: rss