Finally! Something we could all believe to win and keep the attention of modern SUV critics. Very few modern SUVs give that small group of traditional 4WD fanatics something to not nag about. Come to think of it. A lot of traditional off-road enthusiasts despise anything new and technological with suspicion. Sometimes, even after the technology has proved itself.
In 2010, most of these folks crucified the Nissan Patrol. This SUV came with lots of ground clearance, big tires, and a petrol V8, but to its owners' dismay, it was despised and later turned into a catastrophe.
These guys are serious in their beliefs. However, there seems to be a disruptor amongst the ranks, which haters will most probably love due to its excellent off-road capabilities and other thrilling features. The Ineos Grenadier is an uncompromising off-roader that works for the world. Capable, rugged, and durable. It’s a working tool you can rely on.
So, what makes the Ineos Grenadier a serious off-roader? Let’s find out!
The Ineos Grenadier has a reliable power source
It has a 3-liter straight-six engine built by BMW with tried and tested reliability. Even though this engine seems large in a small engine era, George Fuchs of Magna Steyr Company, one that helped with the development of the transmission and engine, said that an engine of such size produces power and torque that’s needed for the working life for which the Grenadier is engineered, and with considerable flexibility.
Anyone who’s been off-road during the wet season will know how important it is for an off-roader to have high torque at low revolutions per minute (rpm), something that becomes more important if you are dealing with challenging terrain or if you’re towing.
By the time the Grenadier is made available to use, it will have undergone a three-year program of calibration and testing in a wide array of challenging environments, paying attention to everything from cooling and temperature to the exhaust system and the fuel supply. By the time the Grenadier has completely undergone testing, it will have done around a 1.8million test kilometers.
The Grenadier has excellent power and torque converter
The Grenadier is said to have an automatic gearbox, which offers the utmost functionality for less experienced and experienced off-road users. Its eight-speed gearbox contains a torque converter, which helps to produce more torque and prevent stalls. It will have a manual mode to enable its users to choose and retain a gear.
According to Job Zwollo, INEOS' Engineering Project Manager, one of the essential parts of the Grenadier project has been generating the transfer case, a component of the drivetrain that transmits power from the transmission to the rear and front axles for better off-road performance. Its transfer case will provide permanent 4WD and enable users to select between a low or high range manually.
The Grenadier has a set of good all-terrain wheel and tires
The Grenadier's tires are set up for the toughest challenges. The standard setup is designed to do the job on road, mud, and snow. Its rugged 4×4 comes with Bridgestone all-terrain tires and 17-inch steel wheels. There’s also another choice of 18-inch steel wheels with the same tires. You could also opt for 18 or 17-inch alloys or add BF Goodrich AT tires for pure off-roading.
The Grenadier has a super-strong frame and axles
Ineos is creating a ladder frame in conjunction with a high-experienced manufacturing company with a proven history of producing ladder frames meant to tackle the harshest environments. Like the Mercedes G-Wagon and the Defender, the Grenadier is underpinned with robust rear and solid front axles resulting from a partnership with Carraro. This company has a long history of making rugged 4×4 vehicles.
Being the blueprint for most off-roaders, the ladder frame and solid axle combination are increasingly rare nowadays, offered only on extreme 4×4 like the Suzuki Jimny, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota LandCruiser 70 series.
A proper off-roader made to tackle the most challenging terrain should have a box-section frame. Hence the reason to settle for a simple, stable, rugged, and super strong frame.
Usually, Beam axles are installed on the Grenadier for various reasons. Since the appearance of the first 4×4s, beam axles have proven to provide better load carrying capability, better articulation, and ground clearance than independent suspensions. They are easier and simpler to fix with all-around off-road ability and utmost strength.