New 4x4 to be built in Bridgend is revealed
IT’S one of the most eagerly awaited automotive reveals of the decade – the covers have finally come off the Ineos Grenadier.
The world has finally been given its first look at a vehicle, which it is hoped will be the spiritual successor of the old Land Rover Defender.
The company, which is building the vehicle in Bridgend, said revealing the exterior design of its “no-nonsense 4x4 vehicle” was another step on the road towards start of production.
Reports say the sturdy looking 4x4 is expected to cost from between £30,000 and £45,000.
Created from the ground up on an all-new platform, Ineos Automotive said it had been designed to be “a rugged, capable and comfortable goanywhere working vehicle.”
Head of design Toby Ecuyer said: “The brief was simple. We set out to design a modern, functional and highly capable 4x4 vehicle with utility at its core.
“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.”
The car is not set to go into production until next year, which left many surprised by the timing of the reveal.
However, just days ago, the company explained they would reveal the vehicle as early as July 1.
The timing of the reveal took many by surprise. With the vehicle not going into production until next year, a full reveal of the design would not normally have been expected until much later.
Ineos Automotive’s CEO Dirk Heilmann, 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.”
The vehicle’s performance has not yet been revealed but its features are expected to include a 3.5 tonne towing capacity, a one tonne payload and an interior than can be “hosed down”.
The Grenadier is now in the series development phase, supported by engineering partner Magna Steyr, with prototype testing under way.
It will go into production in late 2021.