INEOS Grenadier and Quartermaster V8 shaping up

INEOS Automotive has announced it will build a more powerful V8 version of the INEOS Grenadier Station Wagon and Quartermaster dual-cab pick-up – if the 4x4-maker judges there’s enough demand.

According to INEOS Automotive chief operating officer Hans-Peter Pessler, as few as 1000 deposits could twist the company’s arm to go ahead with the program.

INEOS Automotive debuted six tough new concept versions of the Grenadier at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, including a wagon powered by a 317kW/625Nm 6.2-litre V8 from General Motors.

However, Pessler said that even if work started on a V8 Grenadier production model today, vehicles would still be two years away from reaching dealers and they would be radically different from the working prototype revealed last week.

“We would speak to our engine partner BMW about using its twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8. The GM engine was only used for the conversion because it’s relatively simple on the electronics side,” Pessler told carsales at Goodwood.

“It’s proof a V8 fits and actually only weighs 50kg more than the BMW inline-six,” he said, adding that the greater challenge was creating new engine mounts, exhaust manifolds and adapting ancillaries like the cooling system.

BMW’s S63 biturbo V8 produces at least 390kW/750Nm and up to 460kW/750Nm in Competition form in the X5, X6, X7 and 8 Series.

The former Magna engineer added that if the V8 project goes ahead it would not compromise on any of the off-road capability of the Grenadier wagon or ute, which are currently available with turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol or diesel engines from BMW.

Providing her full backing for a V8 Grenadier and Quartermaster program is INEOS Automotive CEO Lyn Calder, who was hoping for a positive reception for the flagship Grenadier concept at Goodwood.

“If it’s [the V8] of big interest then we would look at series production opportunities,” said Calder, who joked that demand might not have to come from Grenadier customers or dealers.

“To be honest, I think I’m kind of making a decision for myself. The first time I drove it [the V8], I got out with this just massive grin on my face and was like, ‘I don't care how much it costs – we’re doing it!’.”

Calder told carsales that INEOS Automotive, which recently delayed the launch of its Fusilier electric SUV due to slowing EV sales, is not deterred by future emissions regulations or combustion vehicle bans because the Grenadier V8 will remain a low-volume model.

“There is a limited window, sure, but only in certain regions. We are in 45 countries and will be in 50 before the end of this year, and lots of those countries don’t have the same pressures on combustion engines,” she said.

“We think that a V8 has got longevity. We think our existing vehicle with the inline-six has got longevity. We’re not worried about it.”

Both Calder and Pessler said the backing of BMW and the German car-maker’s investment in emissions-reducing technology for its S63 twin-turbo V8 will reduce the risk for INEOS even in markets with the strictest emissions legislation – presumably including Australia, where the federal government will enforce its landmark New Vehicle Efficiency Standard from 2025.

Neither Pessler nor Calder would disclose how much power the new Grenadier V8 will pack, but it could match the wild new Land Rover Defender OCTA, the 4.4-litre BMW V8 in which produces 467kW and 750Nm.

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