Today INEOS Automotive revealed the exterior design of the Grenadier, it’s forthcoming 4×4, as it moves one step closer to production.
Jim Ratcliffe, the chairman and CEO of the INEOS chemicals group (which he founded in 1998) identified a gap in the market for a stripped-back, no-nonsense, utilitarian 4×4 over a pint at the Grenadier pub in London (hence the name of the first model).
The Grenadier has been designed in an engineering-led process focused on a delivering a vehicle to do a job; it is very much a case of “form follows function”. The Grenadier will be a capable, durable and reliable 4×4 designed to handle the world’s harshest environments.
In March 2019 INEOS Automotive chose BMW Group as its powertrain partner. An uncompromising 4×4, like the Grenadier, will need an engine that can deliver low-end torque when it is needed most. BMW’s latest generation TwinPower turbocharged straight six petrol and diesel engines have been chosen as they will deliver reliability, performance and durability in even the most harsh environments.
“The brief was simple. We set out to design a modern, functional and highly capable 4×4 vehicle with utility at its core”, said Toby Ecuyer, Head of Design. “A design that is ‘easy-to-read’, with no ambiguity about the Grenadier’s role in life. There to do everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Nothing is for show. Modern engineering and production techniques ensure the Grenadier is highly capable, but we have been able to stay true to the essence of creating a utilitarian vehicle that will stand the test of time”.
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 us 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 sight’ without the need for camouflage wrapping, foam blocks or fake panels is an added benefit.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, said: “The Grenadier project started by identifying a gap in the market, abandoned by a number of manufacturers, for a utilitarian off-road vehicle. This gave us our engineering blueprint for a capable, durable and reliable 4×4 built to handle the world’s harshest environments. But it had to look the part as well. As you will see today, Toby and his team have done a great job in delivering a design that is both distinctive and purposeful.”
Head over to the INEOS Automotive website to find out more.
