Off-road challenger brand Ineos Automotive is considering on a high-performance version of its Grenadier SUV to rival the Mercedes-AMG G63.
While not yet confirmed for production, a brawnier, even more capable version of the hardcore, French-built Grenadier 4×4 has strong support from key Ineos stakeholders, including local boss Justin Hocevar.
“We’d like to see something like that come here,” Mr Hocevar told CarExpert at the launch of the MY26 Grenadier range.
“There’s been lots of tinkering in the background exploring different possibilities, and you’ve seen some of that stuff manifest when we went to Goodwood and showed off the V8 prototype vehicle that had been developed.
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“I think there’s a lot of enthusiasm for it, both within the company, in our dealer networks, distributors around the world, and customers alike.
“At this point, nothing is confirmed unfortunately. But I think it’s a ‘watch this space’, and as we mature and get some of the fundamentals right, the likelihood of other special projects getting a run is better.”
As Mr Hocevar mentioned, Ineos has previously teased a hot Grenadier in the form of the V8 Prototype, which was displayed at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Built as a one-off by a team of engineering apprentices from Magna, the firm which builds the Grenadier for Ineos Automotive in France, the Station Wagon-based prototype traded its 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder BMW engine for a 6.2-litre V8 from General Motors.
The result? A 117kW/175Nm bump in outputs over the standard 210kW/450Nm turbo-petrol six. However, fitment of the LS-series V8 required the Grenadier’s engine mounts, electronics, water and oil cooling, exhaust manifold and rear silencer, transmission bearings, heat shields and centre console to be re-engineered.
Given the significant investment required to introduce those changes on a larger scale, Mr Hocevar believes any future go-fast flagship is more likely to retain a BMW straight six, albeit with some fettling.
For context, the Grenadier is available with a choice of two engines – the twin-turbo diesel ‘B57’ and turbo-petrol ‘B58’ – the latter of which has also powered performance cars including the A90 Toyota Supra and BMW Z4.
“I personally think that the quickest route for us to explore would be working with what we have right now,” explained Mr Hocevar.
“We already know there’s huge potential that’s yet to be tapped in our version of the B57 and B58 engines. Obviously BMW and Toyota run higher output versions in some of their vehicles, and we’ve seen some solutions tested in the aftermarket already.
“So, I think that that’s the best way to go.”
The most powerful production model powered by the B58 is the Toyota Supra Final Edition, which produces 320kW and 570Nm. However, BMW’s turbo-petrol six is highly regarded for its tuning potential, with basic bolt-on modifications lifting outputs to around 450kW.
By comparison, the current Mercedes-AMG G63 boasts 430kW and 850Nm from its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 (with mild-hybrid assistance), while the sold-out Land Rover Defender OCTA slams down 467kW and 750Nm from its BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.