Ineos officially unveils new Quartermaster pickup
Second model from Ineos is a double cab truck with 'world-class off-road ability'
Ineos has pulled the covers off the new Grenadier Quartermaster at Goodwood. The double cab pick-up is the manufacturer’s second model, and, as expected, is intended to complement the existing Station Wagon by giving buyers the option of improved load-lugging capacity. The Quartermaster was developed alongside its stablemate and is said to offer the same rugged off-road capabilities - claimed by Ineos to be ‘unrivalled’ by any other series production pick-up.
The core difference - beyond the usual functional advantages of buying a pick-up over an SUV - is that the Quartermaster’s ladder frame chassis features a 305mm longer wheelbase than the Station Wagon. While this doesn’t do wonders for the new model’s proportions, it does result in a comparatively large load bay. At 1,564mm long and 1,619mm wide, it is easily big enough to swallow a 1,200mm by 800mm pallet (traditionally considered a prerequisite for any credible pick-up).
If the size of the bed compares favourably with the competition, the Quartermaster’s 760kg payload could be said to lag behind (it isn’t unusual for a purpose-built pickup to manage beyond 1,000kg) but it retains the Station Wagon’s 3,500kg towing capacity, and Ineos will doubtless point to the 264mm ground clearance and 800mm wading depth as the model’s true point of difference.
As expected, the new pick-up is powered by the same BMW-supplied 3.0-litre straight-six as its sibling, and is available as both a petrol or diesel variant. The eight-speed ZF transmission, a centre locking diff and two-speed transfer case are also among the standard kit (with front and rear diff locks optional). Like the Station Wagon, you also get heavy-duty five-link suspension front and back, Brembo brakes and a recirculating ball steering system.
In terms of trim grades, the Quartermaster will mirror the established choice of standard, Trialmaster and Fieldmaster, all carrying the N1 commercial vehicle classification. Additionally, buyers can customise the Quartermaster with a range of accessories, including a frame and waterproof canopy for the load bay and a lockable roller tonneau cover. Prices weren’t confirmed ahead of the unveiling, but Ineos said the new model would be available for ordering from today.
Elsewhere on the Ineos stand, the firm showed its new hydrogen-powered demonstrator, which adds BMW’s latest fuel cell tech. You can hardly miss the addition - the height of the fuel cell has dictated a noticeable bulge in the Grenadier’s bonnet (something it insists will be smoothed flat in time). The prototype was developed in partnership with Austrian firm, AVL, and features a modified ladder frame and back axle to incorporate a brace of electric motors that drive each rear wheel.
Lynn Calder, Ineos Automotive’s CEO, reckons: “The hydrogen powered Grenadier Demonstrator along with our all-electric model due in 2026, shows INEOS commitment to net zero. BEVs are perfect for certain uses, shorter trips, most private car journeys and urban deliveries, whilst Hydrogen FCEVs are more suited for longer trips, heavy duty cycles where batteries impact too much on payload and where long range between stops is necessary.
“INEOS also produces 400,000 tonnes of hydrogen per annum and is committed to hydrogen as a key fuel of the future. Our demonstrator proves that the technology is capable, but what we need now is support from policy makers to help provide the infrastructure for the next generation of hydrogen vehicles.”
It's also going to be the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Fieldmaster or Trialmaster which is right up there with 80's JDM cars and vans for the most ridiculous name award.
The Toyota Hilux has a good reputation for solidity and accomplishes the payload as well, but it is worth noting that often engineering projects by companies with little history in a field go overweight from aircraft to boats, experience teaches where you can shave it off in future products.
I do applaud giving the bed extra size with a wheelbase extension, i'm always surprised ho small some beds are and have always been surprised there wasn't more demand for extended cab variants to deliver more load area.
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