First Grenadier Quartermaster double cab pickups roll off line
INEOS Automotive has started series production of its Grenadier Quartermaster double cab pickup at its plant in Hambach, France.
Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, it’s the second model from the firm and builds on the Grenadier Station Wagon with greater load-lugging versatility.
Named after the senior military officer responsible for the supply and distribution of provisions, the five-seat double cab Quartermaster was developed in tandem with the Grenadier Station Wagon.
It shares the Station Wagon’s full box-section ladder frame chassis, heavy-duty solid beam axles, two-speed transfer case, and up to three locking differentials.
The Grenadier Quartermaster is said to deliver world-class offroad capability, with 264mm of ground clearance, an 800mm wading depth and claimed best-in-class approach, breakover and departure angles for a pickup.
Power comes from a choice of BMW 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, driving all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF.
Its extended 3,227mm wheelbase – which is 305mm longer than the Station Wagon – enables a large loadbay, with a payload of up to 760kg and able to easily accommodate a standard 1200mm x 800mm Euro pallet.
A chassis cab model, using the same frame as the Quartermaster pickup, will enter production in 2024, and will be specifically aimed at conversion specialists and commercial body builders.
“The start of production for our second model line is another extremely exciting and important milestone for INEOS Automotive,” said Lynn Calder, CEO. “As part of the final sign-off process I drove a late prototype in both Spain and the African bush and it’s unbeatable off-road, combining the rugged capability and refined performance of the Station Wagon with the enormous loadbay that can carry a huge amount of kit and cargo. It’s a great addition to our model line-up.”
Customer deliveries in Europe are due to start in December 2023, with shipments to Asia Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East following soon after. North American sales of the Quartermaster are scheduled to begin in early 2024.