This visit actually took place back in July 2024, right when the Gen 2 R1S was fresh on the scene. At the time, I still had my Gen 1 R1T “Tomater” and our Model X Plaid. Looking back at this footage now is pretty funny because, as most of you know, our garage looks very different today. But this trip was actually the first time I got to pay real attention to the Gen 2 platform that I eventually ended up owning.
We’re here because Abby is attending a conference, and while she’s busy, I’ve decided to take an Uber Share—riding in a Polestar 2 for the first time—to check out the Chicago Rivian Space.
First Impressions: Rivian R1S Gen 2
The Chicago Space is a great setup, and they had a stunning Glacier White Gen 2 R1S on display with the Ocean Coast interior.
- The Frunk Dividers: One of the first things I noticed was the updated frunk. It now includes these smart dividers that I was immediately jealous of. When I asked the staff about retrofitting them to my R1T, they reminded me that the truck already has that kind of utility built into the gear tunnel doors—a fair point!
- The Light Bar: The new dynamic light bar across the front is a massive technical and aesthetic upgrade. Seeing the charge levels pulse across the bar in person really highlights the level of detail Rivian is putting into their “Gen 2” refinements.
- Interior Refinement: The seats and trim materials felt more premium than the early Gen 1 builds. It was during this tour that I started thinking, “Man, if the Model X doesn’t work out, this might be the one.” Little did I know how prophetic that thought would be.
Deep Dish vs. New York Style: The Chicago Debate
I used to live in Chicago, and my brother was born there, so I have a massive soft spot for this city. You can’t talk about Chicago without mentioning the food. I’m going to go on the record here: I prefer New York style pizza over Deep Dish. Deep dish is an experience, and it’s delicious, but for ease of eating and that classic fold, New York wins for me. Let the debate rage in the comments!
The Mission: Centralizing Smartin Up Creations
Beyond the cars, I wanted to share some big news regarding the channel and the brand. Looking at my analytics, it’s clear that many of you are missing out on content because of how YouTube handles notifications.
- The Subscriber Gap: 88% of my viewers in February were not subscribed.
- The Notification Problem: Many of you have reached out saying you missed several videos in a row. I get it—I subscribe to so many people that my own notification bell gets buried.
To solve this, I am officially launching the SherwinM Newsletter.
Why Sign Up?
- Direct Access: No more relying on the YouTube algorithm. The latest videos and technical hardware reviews will land straight in your inbox.
- Centralized Hub: My website, sherwinm.com, will serve as the central point for everything I do across Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and YouTube.
- Coupon Codes & Gear: I constantly get asked for coupon codes for various EV accessories. I’m building a dedicated section on the site where all these codes and gear links will be organized and searchable.
- Blog Posts: I’m currently converting my video library into blog posts. This makes it easier for you to search for specific technical specs or installation guides without having to scrub through an entire video.
I’m currently about a year behind on the blog conversions, but the work is happening right now. Signing up for the newsletter is free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. It’s just my way of making sure the Smartin Up Creations community stays connected, regardless of which social media platform is trending.
