Brand for off-road challengers Ineos Automotive is considering a high-performance version of its Grenadier SUV to compete with the Mercedes-AMG G63.
Although not yet confirmed for production, a beefier, even more powerful version of the hardcore French-built Grenadier 4×4 is receiving strong support from key Ineos stakeholders, including local boss Justin Hocevar.
“We would like to see something like that come here,” Mr. Hocevar said Daily Sparkz at the launch of the MY26 Grenadier range.
“There was a lot of tinkering going on in the background to explore different possibilities and you saw some of that manifest when we went to Goodwood and demonstrated the V8 prototype that had been developed.
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“I think there is a lot of enthusiasm for this, both within the company and across our dealer networks, with distributors around the world and with customers alike.
“Unfortunately nothing is confirmed at this point. But I think it’s a matter of keeping an eye on this area and as we mature and get some of the fundamentals right, the greater the likelihood that other special projects will come to fruition.”
As Mr Hocevar mentioned, Ineos has previously unveiled a hot Grenadier in the form of the V8 prototype, which was on display at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The Station Wagon-based prototype was built as a one-off by a team of engineering apprentices from Magna, the company that builds the Grenadier for Ineos Automotive in France, swapping its 3.0-liter inline-six engine from BMW for a 6.2-liter V8 from General Motors.
The result? A performance increase of 117kW/175Nm over the standard six-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 210kW/450Nm. However, the installation of the LS series V8 required a revision of the Grenadier’s engine mounts, electronics, water and oil cooling, exhaust manifold and muffler, transmission mounts, heat shields and center console.
Given the significant investment required to introduce these changes on a larger scale, Mr Hocevar believes any future fast-speed flagship will be more likely to retain a BMW inline-six, albeit with some tweaking.
For comparison, the Grenadier is available with two engines – the twin-turbo diesel “B57” and the turbo petrol “B58” – the latter of which has also powered high-performance cars such as the A90 Toyota Supra and the BMW Z4.
“I personally think the fastest way for us would be to work with what we have right now,” Mr. Hocevar explained.
“We already know that there is enormous potential in our version of the B57 and B58 engines that has yet to be exploited. Obviously BMW and Toyota are relying on more powerful versions in some of their vehicles and we have already tested some solutions in the aftermarket.”
“So I think that’s the best way.”
The most powerful series model with B58 drive is the Toyota Supra Final Edition with 320 kW and 570 Nm. However, BMW’s six-cylinder turbo petrol engine is highly regarded for its tuning potential, with basic modifications increasing output to around 450kW.
For comparison, the current Mercedes-AMG G63 has 430kW and 850Nm from its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (with mild hybrid support), while the sold-out Land Rover Defender OCTA makes 467kW and 750Nm from its BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.
MORE: Explore the Ineos Grenadier showroom
