Rivian Built Real Ecto-R1s, Then Gave Every Owner Ghostbusters Mode

Rivian normally treats Halloween as an excuse to have fun with software. This year, it called the Ghostbusters.

The company has built full-size Ecto-R1 vehicles, brought Bill Murray back as Dr. Peter Venkman and released a limited-time Ghostbusters mode for every Rivian. The physical cars grab the attention, but the clever part is that owners do not need to buy a special edition to join in.

It sits in the same broad pop-culture territory as the OMEGA James Bond x Spectre collection. Rivian takes the idea further by changing vehicles that are already sitting in customers’ driveways.

The Ecto-R1 Is More Than A White Wrap

Rivian based the Ecto-R1 on the R1S, then reworked it around the unmistakable shape and equipment of the original Ghostbusters car.

The 22-inch Aero wheel covers are painted white, while the wheels receive a brighter silver finish inspired by the chrome hubcaps of the 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor used in the 1984 film. A red graphic runs along the body, with the No-Ghost logo placed on the hood and front doors.

The roof carries the details that make the conversion feel convincing. Sirens, spotlights, a radar dish and side tanks mirror equipment on the film car, while Rivian’s own rack keeps the company’s stadium-shaped design language. Restored vintage emergency lights sit alongside a custom frame and accessory housings fabricated by Rivian’s Special Projects team.

There is even a compass graphic that only becomes visible from above.

Rivian used the Ecto-R1 in a new campaign starring Bill Murray, who returns as Peter Venkman. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire director Gil Kenan helped shape the film, which also features Slimer causing trouble inside a suburban home before the new electric ghost-hunting vehicle arrives.

Every Rivian Gets Its Own Ghostbusters Controls

The seasonal update adds a dedicated Ghostbusters app to Rivian vehicles. When the car is parked, the driver display turns into a paranormal control panel centred around a large red switch that synchronises interior lighting, audio and exterior effects.

Trick or Treat Mode takes over the driver and rear displays, starts the Ghostbusters theme and coordinates the vehicle’s lights and sound effects. Owners can choose presets based on Ecto-1, the Proton Pack, Slimer, the Ghost Trap or Peter Venkman.

Motion Mode can trigger an exterior light and sound sequence when someone walks past. There are also themed lock sounds, a scavenger hunt hidden across familiar vehicle menus and a parked arcade game called ‘Mallow Mash, where players pop Mini-Puft marshmallow men against the clock.

Some of the deeper experience is intentionally restricted while driving. Rivian says key visual cues can remain active on the road, but the complete set of controls and games is available in Park.

The Update Disappears After Halloween

Rivian says R1 models need software version 2026.36.0, while the R2 uses version 2026.36.40. Owners also need the latest version of the Rivian mobile app, which can control Trick or Treat Mode, music and the exterior effects.

Ghostbusters mode is available from October 9 through November 2, 2026.

The physical Ecto-R1 builds are not production models. Rivian is displaying them at selected retail spaces in Laguna Beach, Austin, Venice, Miami Brickell, San Francisco and New York City, alongside seasonal events and limited-edition merchandise.

That might be the smartest part of the campaign. Rivian gets an eye-catching car with Bill Murray behind it, while owners get something they can actually use without replacing their vehicle.

Images courtesy of Rivian / Sony Pictures