4×4 enthusiasts, and Overlanders in particular, like to think they know their vehicles from the inside out. A learning process which generally takes place at home, after purchase and before venturing into remote regions of the wilderness.
Brand new vehicles? Well, we’ve seen the great classics come and go as their replacements enter the market filled with promise of performance, technological prowess, and comfort complete with luxurious interiors adorned with gizmos and bling. Features far more adept to a suburban lifestyle and less in tune with mud, grime and work challenges in the field. We can’t even blame the engineers: they are driven by marketing departments, competitor products, trends, brand image, and bottom line results—but probably not in that order.
But it is rare, if not unheard of, for a manufacturer to display what makes the heart and soul of a new vehicle prior to its launch.
THINKING DIFFERENTLY
If Sir Jim Ratcliffe had merely followed what others had done before him, he wouldn’t have built the remarkable INEOS empire we know today. So, when he identified a void in the automotive market, why should he suddenly consider a different approach?
Looking away from what might be deemed popular, Sir Ratcliffe built a team with some of the best minds in the automobile industry and gave them a clear remit: to create an affordable, uncompromising 4×4 and build it from the ground up.
Criteria were to include permanent four-wheel drive, a ladder-frame chassis, versatile body configurations, robust materials, spacious hose-down interior, off-road capability, ability to service in the field, and amenities, safety and comfort to satisfy 21st century customers and international legislation—more or less in that order. A vehicle built on purpose.
PIECES OF A PUZZLE
If you have been following developments on the INEOS Grenadier website, then you will have seen a series of snippets clearly showing what lies beneath the bodywork as they were revealed piece by piece. No bling, no frills. Just blatant facts.
Components developed in cooperation with pioneers and market leaders that create a list of the who’s who in the automotive industry:
MAGNA STEYR—the company behind Pinzgauer and the G Wagon, enlisted as the development partner
BMW—for their strong and reliable six-cylinder engines
GESTAMP—responsible for the sturdy ladder-frame chassis
CARRARO—for the strongest axles we have seen so far
ZF—for the eight-speed automatic gearbox
MAGNA—for the suspension
THE BEST 4×4 IN PLAIN SIGHT
Call me biased, but the INEOS Grenadier’s appearance and partial semblance with the G and original Defender exudes ruggedness, purpose and capability.
Straight sides, vertical rear, overhangs for good entry and exit angles, wheelbase for practical ramp clearance, short bonnet and flat wings all point toward a true utility vehicle.
The body construction is steel with hinged and bolt-on panels made of aluminium.
The rear doors are eccentrically proportioned: open the small one for quickly grabbing items and open the second to make room for the loading area to accept a euro pallet.
You can load one ton inside and tow 3,500 kg.
But let me highlight a few details starting from the top:
The Strong Roof has built-in rubber rails so that you can securely load items without a roof rack. Securing those items is facilitated by lashing bars which are disguised as safari windows along the sides. Above the driver and passenger seats are two removable panels which, alongside providing light and ventilation, can be used for observation when fording rivers or as an access point to climb on to the roof itself.
The Small Rear Door provides mounting points for a ladder and the externally sculpted design indicates extra storage space within its lining for smaller items.
Behind The Rear Wheel Arch is an externally accessible storage box for wet, dirty and smelly items.
Between The Waistline And Rear Window, airline style securing rails combine with the lashing bars in the roof and allow you to secure items such as fuel canisters or sand ladders along the vehicle’s sides.
Lighting Round lights front and rear may indicate a nod to the past, but are in fact designed for life in the real world today. Their simple shape means you can use them on either the left or the right side of the vehicle thereby reducing the number of spare parts and increasing practicality. The additional driving lamps in the grill are standard equipment.
Grenadier’s engineers have turned many features and solutions we often have to realise on our own into standard production line details.
DESIGNED TO BE CUSTOMISED
The Grenadier will come with a list of factory options for future owners to make their new family member better suited to the tasks ahead. However, the basic concept of the vehicle deliberately lends itself to using third-party accessories. Simply put, if you have a roof rack in your garage that fits a rain channel, then put it on your Grenadier.
TESTING TESTING AND MORE TESTING
Dirk Heilmann, INEOS Automotive’s CEO said: “We are delighted to be able to share the design of the Grenadier so early in the process. Most manufacturers would hold back, but we are a new business, building a new brand, and we want to take people with us on this exciting journey. Showing the design now allows to focus on the critical next phase of the vehicle’s development, testing its capability and durability.
We have a very challenging programme ahead, as we put prototypes through their paces in all conditions, on the way to accumulating some 1.8 million test kilometres over the coming year.
From today, the covers are off. Testing in plain site without the need for camouflage, foam blocks or fake panels is an added benefit.”
A GAME CHANGER WITHIN GRASPING DISTANCE
The expected launch in 2021 will initially see two four-door body configurations: family + dogs size and a pick up with a removable tub. These are already set to satisfy the needs of farmers, NGOs, industrial partners, utility services and many applications.
It is not difficult to imagine this boxy 4×4 kitted for overlanding. Given the engineering expertise of the companies behind the engine, drivetrain, chassis and suspension, it is even less difficult to plan venturing into harsh terrain and exploring remote locations.
And if your as enthusiastic as I am, the pre-launch order book is now open.
Watch the full exterior design reveal video here:
