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Anchorage, Alaska. March 4, 2024 – Just one year after its launch, the INEOS Grenadier celebrates its first rally win in the US and Canadian endurance Alcan 5000 Rally 2024. Piloted by Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal, from Portalnd, Oregon, and competing against 16 other vehicles in the Truck/SUV class, the factory spec Grenadier endured the 5000 mile, 10 day rally and came out on top.
The Alcan 5000 Rally is a time-speed-distance (TSD) endurance rally meaning being first to cross the finish line does not mean you’re a winner. Competitors must adhere to rally-designated speeds whils travelling along pre-determined routes on public roads and trails. Driven mindfully, the team that complete the distance closest to their “perfect on-time” wins their class – driver, navigator and vehicle all have to perform faultlessly if they want to stand the chance of a spot on the podium.
Starting from Kirkland, Washington State, the route crosses British Columbia and into the Arctic Circle before ending in Anchorage, Alaska. The rally is characterised by ice roads, ice slaloms, endurance tests and 14 hour drive days.
Andy Lilienthal, Journalist and Team Driver: “With temperatures as low as -32°F (-36°C), the INEOS Grenadieer was a solid performer in every condition we put it in. Its suspension easily soaked up hundreds of miles of frost heaves and potholes, the turbocharged ending had plenty of power to get by slow traffic, and the interior was comfortable and versatile. It was a champ in teh the deeper snows on the ice slalom competition too. The Grenadier was an exellent vehicle to have on this long and demanding rally. To have this new vehilce on the 40th year of the ALCAN 5000 and take top honors in our class was amazing.“
INEOS partnered with Magna on the development of the Grenadier station wagon and the Quartermaster pick-up derivative. Magna is one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers and independent contract manufacturers. An important component of the development process included rigorous testing programme on Austria’s Schöckl mountain, close to Magna’s complete vehicle assembly facility in Graz.
Lynn Calder – CEO, INEOS Automotive: “Mercedes and Andy are true trailblazers that really pushed our Grenadier to the limit and excelled. Watching their journey across 5000 miles was great fun, even brutal, competitive endurance tests in the ice and snow. Well done team!”
THE GRENADIER
Combining rugged British spirit and design with German engineering rigour, the INEOS Grenadier 4X4 is a tough, go-anywhere off-road vehicle with the modern comfort, refinement and quality standards expected by today’s drivers.
The backbone of the Grenadier is a full box-section ladder frame chassis, with heavy-duty solid beam axles, a two-speed transfer case and up to three locking differentials. It is powered by a BMW 3.0-litre turbo-charged inline six-cylinder gasoline engine, which has been specifically calibrated for this application. Practical features include a 70:30 split rear door, integrated roof bars, pre-wiring for auxiliary lamps and accessories, and a front bumper to sit on. An ‘open-source’ approach to accessories means owners can tailor the vehicle to their specific requirements.
The interior combines versatility and practicality with the latest technology and exceptional comfort. Its intuitive and functional layout features physical switches that are widely spaced for easy use on the move. A central infotainment touchscreen gives intuitive access to a range of information displays and settings menus. An overhead console provides controls and switches for off-road and auxiliary controls. Hose-out rubber flooring, Recaro leather seats and numerous stowage options mean the Grenadier is ready for anything work and life can throw at it.
