Ineos Unveils Portal-Axled Version of Grenadier 4×4
Ineos has announced the release of the extreme portal-axled version of the Grenadier 4×4, showcased at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new model, known as the Grenadier Trialmaster X Letech, will be available as both an SUV and a pick-up, featuring BMW-supplied 3.0-litre straight six engines in petrol or diesel variants.
Manufactured by German company Letech, the Grenadier Trialmaster X Letech replaces the standard coil suspension with a cutting-edge portal-axle design. This innovative setup includes five reinforced links at the front and rear ends, along with offset wheel hubs. Paired with 18-inch Hutchinson Industries beadlock wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich tires, this configuration raises the vehicle’s ground clearance to 450mm and enhances its wading depth to 1050mm.
The new axles not only enhance wheel articulation but also improve weight distribution, significantly boosting the off-road capabilities of the Grenadier. Additional features include flared wheel arches, a jerry can mount on a ladder, spotlights, a spare wheel carrier, and a front winch capable of hauling 4.5 tonnes.
This conversion will initially be available in European Union and European Economic Area markets, with potential expansion to other regions in the future. Ineos has received over 1000 expressions of interest from customers, including rescue services.
The decision to introduce the portal-axle conversion aligns with Ineos’s strategy to offer special editions that cater to niche markets and maximize revenue. George Ratcliffe, former commercial director of Ineos, emphasized the importance of pricing the Grenadier appropriately to reflect its value, citing feedback from dealers who suggested the need for a higher price point.
