The upcoming Projekt Grenadier ‘back-to-basics’ 4×4 inspired by the original Series 1 Land Rover will use BMW turbo petrol and diesel engines, parent company Ineos Automotive has confirmed.
A division of chemical giant Ineos, the new car company is promising “no-frills utilitarianism, compete purity of purpose, unquestionable authenticity and ultimate engineering integrity”.
But one part that won’t be back-to-basics is its engines; BMW’s TwinPower Turbo range of motors, as seen in cars such as the 3 Series and new Z4, are to be used.
“This technology partnership is a very significant milestone for Projekt Grenadier,” said Ineos Automotive CEO Dirk Heilmann.
“We are delighted BMW Group will supply engines for our new off-roader. Its reputation of a maker of extremely reliable, high performance engines that offer total durability, efficiency and quality is second to one.
“Simply put, it builds the best engines in the world.”
Described as new from the ground up and built on an all-new architecture, the Ineos Projekt Grenadier is currently being engineered in Germany by tech partner MBtech. A supplementary division in London has grown to 50 people, including commercial, finance, supply chain, HR and IT staff.
The firm plans to sell it around the world, with Africa and Australasia joining Europe and the U.S., and the working 4×4 supporting “a varied mix of customers”. Other inspirations for the project include the Willys Jeep and J40 Toyota Land Cruiser.
Ineos is owned by Britain’s richest man, Jim Ratcliffe. The car is expected to be revealed later in 2020 before production commences in 2021. Ineos Automotive is currently crowdsourcing a name for the new 4×4.
It is hoped the new model may be built in the UK; previously, Ratcliffe had considered Ford’s Bridgend engine plant, and there has also been speculation the firm could take over Honda’s Swindon facility.
Ratcliffe is described as an “admirer” of the original Land Rover Defender. Projekt Grenadier was born out of a desire to develop a spiritual replacement for it when production of the Defender ceased in 2016.
