It appears that when Ineos Automotive was
talking about offering a back-to-basics off-roader that evoked the spirit of
the original Land Rover Defender, they weren’t joking. This is our first look
at the upcoming Ineos Grenadier, which was caught during a development drive at
a UK test facility. Despite the full-body camo wrap, the upcoming Grenadier
can’t really hide the heavy influence of the original Defender, particularly at
the front end where the model employs a similar set of round headlights and
grille.
The square aluminum bodywork of the
upcoming rugged off-roader even adopts the iconic front fender shape, flat
sides, and an almost vertical windscreen for that unmistakeable Defender feel.
Ineos Automotive is collaborating with Magna Steyr – the same company that
produces the Mercedes G-Class, the BMW Z4, and the Toyota Supra in its factory
in Austria – for the development of the Grenadier’s steel ladder-frame chassis
and suspension.
In addition, the company has already
confirmed that the Grenadier will be using BMW-sourced turbocharged
six-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrains. Production of the upcoming
off-roader is set to take place in a new factory located in Wales, UK, with
Ineos targeting a market launch in early 2021, with the Grenadier expected to
be revealed in the coming months. The company will focus on regions like
Europe, North America, Africa, and Australasia.
