Development of the Grenadier off-road vehicle by British brand Ineos Automotive continues to gain traction, as the prototype stage moves from the 2A to 2B models and moves in to its new production facility.
The Grenadier is a no-frills off-road vehicle that will come in five-door wagon and four-door pick-up variants, constructed in the same vein as the old Land Rover Defender.
It’s using and all-new ladder chassis with live axles, BMW powertrains with dual-range transfer case, optional locking differentials, and a bespoke boxy but functional body.
Ineos Automotive recently took the keys to a state-of-the-art vehicle manufacturing plant in Germany from Mercedes-Benz and is in the process of re-tooling to build the Grenadier 2B prototypes and eventually the production vehicles.
OPINION: Here’s why we need the Grenadier in Oz!
The plant also comes with existing staff and a contract to continue to build Smart Cars there, providing Ineos with a supplementary income stream while Grenadier ramps up.
The Grenadier 2B prototypes will be sent for testing at locations around the word, including Australia, and testing laboratories.
The Grenadier is being made for global markets and is planned to arrive in Australia in 2022, and it will provide a welcome addition to the traditional 4×4 off-road marketplace.
WINCH truck competitors are a special breed. They want to drive their 4x4s at tremendous speed, through insane obstacles, only to finish the course by running up a giant hill to see who can winch up it as fast as possible.
On paper it sounds sort of weird, but I can assure you it’s one of the most exciting forms of off-road motorsports out there.
The owner of this custom works-burger of an FJ45 LandCruiser, Scott Alison, is one of those special breeds, who would prefer to be knee-deep in mud on a weekend.
RESTO-JOB: 1966 FJ45 Troopy
As Scott is a vehicle body builder, he came up with a plan and was able to use his skills and those of mates in the industry, to create one extraordinary vehicle. One that’s as visually appealing as it is competitive, thanks to a long list of high-end components he’s grafted on to it.
Scott is no stranger to 4x4s, owning an FJ40, GQ and GU Patrol and a PX1 Ranger previously. We had to ask why go back to an FJ, though?
“They are my favourite 4×4,” Scott replies. “The years of thought I put into making this, means this vehicle is unique … it just looks cool.” We can’t disagree with him there; this is one mean comp truck that goes as good as it looks.
LS1 GM V8 ENGINE
THE factory engine offerings from Toyota were never going to be enough to be competitive in the winch competition scene. Rather than reinventing the wheel, Scott went down the path well-trodden and had a 5.7L LS1 GM V8 engine built to suit. While it’s nothing too crazy in the scheme of things, Scott tells us the motor produces a healthy 400 to 500 horsepower at the flywheel.
J&S Engines were given the nod to handle the build, which has been tickled up in the interest of reliability. The standard crankshaft remains, but H-Beam conrods, forged pistons, a Comp Cams camshaft and pushrods get the party started. Upgraded valve springs and LS7 lifters were also installed, with the stock LS1 engine management system left alone for now.
RESTORED: 1984 FJ45
A Bosch 044 fuel pump feeds the beast go-juice, with a twin 2.5 to 3-inch exhaust system fabricated to let you know Scott is coming. As this is a hard-working off-roader, Scott also had Patrol Doctor supply a four-inch snorkel mated to one of its high-flow air boxes.
If you look closely at the pictures, you might notice something a bit different at the top of the engine bay. Yep, there are two alternators bolted to the motor. This is due to the high demands of Scott’s Red Winch used in competitions. These winches need to work fast, and they suck plenty of power from the electrical system as a result. Scott has the option to run either 12 or 24V depending on requirements and how much he wants to win the race.
DIFFS
IT’S common knowledge that Nissan knows how to build a strong differential. Rather than throwing time and money at the factory Toyota diffs and axles from 1976, Scott decided to switch to Nissan Patrol units. The front end incorporates a H233 differential in a 4.3 ratio. RCV axles and CV joints have been installed as well, creating what is essentially a bulletproof combination.
The rear end sees what Nissan folk dub the big diff; parts interpreters call it the H260. Stock axles in the rear have been retained, because, well, they are bloody massive. Both diff centres have ARB Air Lockers installed, allowing Scott to select what diffs he wants locked, and when.
Custom driveshafts from GJ Drivelines have been bolted in, built tough to handle the demands of a lively V8 and 37-inch tyres. To slow things down, which is important when racing, Scott decided on GU callipers from Road Runner Offroad, as well as rotors from DBA and RDA heavy-duty extreme brake pads.
WINCH OPTION
A STANDARD low-mount winch isn’t going to be up to the task of a winch challenge. Heck, even a decent stock high-mount isn’t going to be terribly competitive at lugging a few tonnes of 4×4 up a steep-arse hill quickly. Scott spared no expense when it came to winch selection, opting for a twin-motor unit, with +150 drum to house additional winch rope, from UK-based company Red Winches.
CRUSHED: Winch crushes Rodeo
One look at the fairlead on his custom bullbar, shows you this is a serious piece of kit. As mentioned before, it can be run on 24V and, in the heat of the moment, will pull the ’Cruiser to the top of a near-vertical gradient quick smart. Just what you want when the aim of the game is to get to the top first.
SHOCK SELECTION
TO be competitive in off-road racing, there’s no way the factory leaf springs would cut the mustard. While the grinder and welder were out for the diff swap, Scott pieced together a high-end suspension system designed to absorb the biggest of bumps. In the front, Kings 10-inch coil-overs have been adapted, with Superior Engineering 2.0-inch hydro bump stops. This provides decent wheel travel, while riding as nice as an FJ45 can.
The rear end sees similar treatment in the suspension design with Kings 10-inch dual bypass shocks and hydro bump stops. Rounding out the suspension package, speciality sway bars from Design Fab work off a torsion bar design and have massively reduced body roll on fast corners without limiting wheel travel when the going gets rough.
BODY WORK
AS mentioned, Scott is a vehicle body builder by trade. So, there’s no way this area would go unnoticed from his evil eye. The rear tray is all custom and has been designed to be as light as possible, while housing key essentials. We’re talking an ARB twin compressor, the radiator, some space cases for tools and parts as well as the spare 37-inch tyre.
You might also notice the body looks different to most LandCruiser utes. Scott has gone for a custom extra-cab design, which allows for more interior space, with an additional window on the side for extra visibility.
As safety is important when racing, Scott had High Country Off-Road build a custom roll cage to protect occupants in the event of a roll over. The team there designed and fitted the cage for Scott, and he’s stoked with the outcome. The team at High Country Off-Road also handled paint duties, splashing a few litres of 2K Pro Tech Blue on the previously tired FJ45 body.
For such a custom build, you’d have to think this would be a nightmare to piece together, but Scott is more upbeat about the process. “There were days where things did not go to plan, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed,” Scott tells us. “Overall, watching the progress each time I had time to work on it and seeing the finished result was extremely rewarding.”
After taking two years to build his LandCruiser, Scott reckons his only plans now are to keep racing and having fun. So far, he has already nabbed a second-place position in the Highmount Guy Ultimate 4×4 Challenge, so he is certainly a name to remember in the future of off-road winch challenges.
TYRES AND WHEELS
MAXXIS has gained a reputation as creating solid-performing tyres in the off-road competition scene. From rock crawling to high-speed endurance racing, it’s a fair chance you’re going to see a set of Maxxis tyres strapped to the vehicle on the podium.
Scott saw no reason to buck this trend and had a set of 37×12.5R17 Maxxis Razr mud terrain tyres shipped out. “Those tyres were the best option available for my requirement,” Scott tells us. “No regrets either, they have done everything I’ve asked of them so far.”
As this is a comp truck, there was no point mucking around in the wheel department. Scott chose the popular (and downright sexy) Walker Evans bead-locked alloy wheels. These suit the FJ45 perfectly, and are a perfect balance between low weight and high strength.
SPECIAL THANKS
WE all know it can take a small army of helpers to get a build like this done, and Scott’s ’Cruiser is no exception. Thanks must go to High Country Off-Road, Maxxis Tyres Australia, Yukon Enterprises, JTX Lighting, Road Runner Offroad, Swat Suspension, Red Winch, Grant Fowler Signs and NJV 4×4.
Electric car start-up Rivian Automotive is inching ever closer to a public debut of its R1T and R1S EV off-roaders, with the Detroit-based company luring punters with videos of its electric rigs doing cool things.
Posted to Twitter by Rivian’s founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe, two new videos show the all-electric R1T pick-up variant successfully ascending and descending steep, rocky trails normally reserved for the more hardcore enthusiasts.
Another video released early in 2020 via Rivian’s official Instagram page showed the dual-cab R1T ute performing a tank turn.
If you’re not familiar with the term ‘tank turn’, it’s a manoeuvre that involves pivoting a vehicle – typically a tank – on an axis so that it can change direction in very tight confines.
The feature is available on the R1T and R1S models.
While it might seem like a cool party trick for an off-road vehicle, the tank turn actually has genuine off-road benefit. For example, when you can’t back up, you’re stuck on a narrow track and you lack the space required for a three-point turn.
Rivian first unveiled the R1T and R1S (the seven-seat SUV derivative) at the 2018 LA Auto Show, with the all-electric vehicles featuring a quad-motor system delivering 147kW to each wheel – hence the capacity to complete a tank turn.
At the time of the vehicle’s debut, the company’s Executive Director of Engineering and Programs, Mark Vinnels, said: “The beauty and elegance of our quad-motor setup isn’t just about brute power; this architecture provides instantaneous torque with extremely precise control at each wheel, which is completely game-changing from a dynamics perspective, both on- and off-road.”
Three battery sizes are planned to power the electrified 4x4s: 105kWh (400+km range), 135kWh (480+km range) and 180kWh (640+km range).
American deliveries are expected to begin later in 2020.
For a full list of specs check it out here.
IT HAS been almost 18 months since we drove American Expedition Vehicles’ (AEV) Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison in the USA.
In that time the Holden brand has been retired, taking away any access to a Colorado ute in Australia.
While we can’t see a viable business case for the recently established GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) to import, convert and sell a regular variety Chevrolet Colorado here, we do reckon there’s be a market for the hopped-up ZR2 Bison from AEV.
GMSV currently imports and converts Chevrolet Silverado trucks in Australia and will soon be the distributor of the Chevrolet Corvette here, so the ZR2 Bison could be the perfect addition to its fleet of specialised vehicles.
Fitted with the optional 35-inch tyres, front and rear locking diffs, Chevrolet Performance’s excellent DSSV dampeners and all the stylish ZR2 body add-ons, the Bison could be a true Ford Ranger Raptor challenger here in Australia.
Watch the above video to see what we thought of it after a day in the Nevada desert.
JEEP Australia has released a more affordable way to get in to its Gladiator pick-up, with the introduction of the Gladiator Sport S.
Starting from $65,450, the Sport S sits below the existing Gladiator Overland ($75,450) and Rubicon ($76,450) models already sold in Australia.
“The Jeep Gladiator Sport S creates a new entry-level price point into the Jeep Gladiator range, without compromising on safety, technology and Jeep’s renowned off-road prowess,” said Guillaume Drelon, Jeep Australia Director, Brand & Product Strategy.
Powered by the same 3.6-litre petrol V6 engine and eight-speed automatic driveline as the other Gladiator variants, the Sport S comes standard with a smaller seven-inch U-Connect screen; dual-zone climate control; 17-inch alloy wheels; three-piece removable hardtop; LED lights; and the Selec-Trac 4×4 system offering 2WD, underbody skid plates, on demand 4×4, full-time 4×4 and locked 4×4 in high and low range.
The full suite of Jeep safety equipment comes standard on the Sport S including Forward Collision Warning Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Path Detection. The pick-up still has the three-star safety rating of all the Gladiator and Wrangler models.
An option to spruce up your Gladiator Sport S is the $2950 Lifestyle and Adventure package, which adds a roll-up tonneau cover, cargo management with Trail Rail system, lockable rear under-seat storage bin, spray-in bedliner, wireless Bluetooth speaker, auxiliary switch bank (four programmable switches), 240amp alternator, and a 700amp maintenance-free battery.
OFF-ROAD TEST: Gladiator Overland
The $2450 Comfort and Technology Group package includes the bigger 8.4-inch U-Connect screen of the upper model grades, deep-tint sunscreen windows, hard top headliner, security alarm and remote start system.
While the Gladiator Rubicon remains the off-road champion of the range thanks to its Roc-Trac 4×4 system with low gears, locking diffs, disconnecting front swaybar, Fox shocks, and rock rails, the Sport S gives buyers a more affordable entry point to Jeep’s lifestyle pick-up model.
The Gladiator Sport S arrives in Jeep showrooms in February.
REVIEW: Gladiator Rubicon is a real 4×4!
IMPROVE your campsite set-up with these Companion camping solutions.
COMPANION AQUAHEAT LITHIUM GAS SHOWER
Get instant hot water at your campsite with the all-new AquaHeat shower. Not only is the unit the perfect companion for a quick hot shower after a hard day’s slog behind the wheel, the portable outdoor gas hot-water system also makes washing up easier. The system features a slimline design so it can be packed away neatly in the back of a 4×4. An integrated, rechargeable lithium battery can run for up to 120 minutes on a full charge; but if flat, the shower can operate directly from a DC power source. Other features include a digital display control panel, quick connect fittings, a brushless pump and a built-in gas regulator with BOM connection.
RRP: $499.99
COMPANION TWO-BURNER STOVE
The high-output two-burner stove is a great addition to your campsite kitchen setup, featuring a large cooking area capable of fitting two large pots simultaneously. Two 25,000 BTU output burners provide optimum heat, and the stove also features Piezo injection, a stainless-steel drip tray and a chrome-plated pot trivet. The package includes a 1000mm gas hose and regulator, for direct connection to 3/8-inch BSP LH gas cylinders.
RRP: $229.99
COMPANION ROVER LITHIUM POWER STATION
The new Rover Lithium 70amp/h Power Station is a great tool to remotely run larger electronic devices. In fact, it is said to run a 45-litre fridge for up to 72 hours – that’s a long weekend trip sorted. The unit is lightweight (just 6.8kg) and compact, so it can be easily stored during transit. It also features direct solar charging via a built-in MPPT controller; multiple output charging options (12V Socket, USB/USBC, and 2-pin output); a battery protection management system; LCD display; and three-way charging options (AC, DC and solar).
RRP: $1349.99
COMPANION RING BURNERS
Master the campsite cook with a set of Companion ring burners, which are sure to provide safe, clean and efficient heating for all types of cooking. Comprising a heavy-duty cast iron double-ring burner fitted with brass valves, the system also includes a 1000mm gas hose and regulator for direct connection to POL cylinders. It’s available in three sizes: Double, Triple and Quadruple.
RRP: $79.99 to $199.99
Website: www.companionoutdoor.com
I DON’T know about you lot, but there isn’t much I like more than scouring the classifieds.
I’m sure I’m not alone in affectionately remembering grabbing the Trading Post from the local newsagency to browse through the automotive listings. Obviously the paper version is long gone; replaced with a website that features myriad different resources where you can squander your time dreaming, researching, sharing and just staying in touch with what’s on the market.
One thing I’ve noticed lately is a dramatic increase in valuations across anything automotive. COVID-19 seems to have affected the cost of everything from pets to caravans to Suzuki Sierras – the latter the most relevant, as I’ve always wanted to do a build on one.
SKY HIGH: Pandemic purchasing sees record-high prices
I recently caught up with a mate who trades unique and collectable vehicles, and he noted a significant reduction in supply over the last few months. A record number of people are renewing leases rather than restarting with a new vehicle, and, generally, people are hanging on to cars they’d otherwise move on; presumably out of financial uncertainty. He went on to note that the total number of listings on some of the largest car classified websites is down by up to 50 per cent – a massive number that justifies his statement regarding supply.
On the demand side, with the associated COVID-related border closures, those who are lucky enough to have disposable income have significant sums of money to throw into new toys. This supply-and-demand cycle is also causing speculative trading, which has resulted in even more artificial inflation.
Aside from all this, I think we are in a really interesting space with 4x4s where we are seeing a range of vehicles bucking the traditional valuation trend. I will regularly get certain vehicle types come across my desk and I will conduct a bespoke valuation based on a showcase of the vehicle and some online research.
Think all manner of Defenders, 1HDFTE Cruisers and TD42 Patrols, along with older units like 60s and the like that are now approaching historic status and becoming eligible for special registration schemes. I am seeing more and more people restore and preserve these old girls in the same way someone would do to an old Torana or MGB. The difference, though, is that many of these owners will still use these units off-road, which is really nice to see.
It’s hard to tell when or if this bubble will end. If you’re not like me and don’t get emotionally attached to vehicles, it may be a good time to sell up and make a quid! At the very least, make sure you know what it’ll cost to replace if the worst were to happen – you may be in for a surprise!
*Kalen Ziflian is GM of Club 4×4 Insurance
IT SEEMS incredible that a bushfire that escaped from an unattended campfire can have such an incredible impact not only on nature but also travellers, locals and tour operators.
By all accounts an illegal campfire in the Duling Camp Zone north of Waddy Head on the east coast of Fraser Island was to blame and while the campfire was found covered with sand it was still warm and the nearby vegetation was on fire.
I’m not a great lover of dumping sand on a campfire ever since I saw a young kid walk on the sand of a hidden campfire only to burn his feet rather badly. While the sand or soil will smother the flames, the fire will keep smouldering underneath much like an oven used to make charcoal; it does little to put the bloody thing completely out.
Water is by far the best way to extinguish a fire and should be used, where possible, in every circumstance.
And the number of times we’ve come across an abandoned campfire where bugger all was done to put it out when the people were leaving, numbers in the dozens. Even if the fire seems to be out, coals or embers buried under the top layer of ash can easily flicker into life again, with just a light breeze fanning the flame. Then an attending spark, driven by the wind, can easily light up the nearby scrub.
I’m guessing that’s what happened up on Fraser. Four young men have been charged – other campers filmed and took notice of their vehicle rego, so rangers and police were able to track them down – and they will face court later in January.
ADVICE: Tips from a station owner
Police said that the four where ‘shocked and devastated’ as they never intended anything like the inferno to happen. But no matter what the excuse, they are to blame as Fraser Island has a very strict ‘No Campfires’ regime with only two camping areas – those at Dundubara and Waddy Point campgrounds – allowing campfires in fire-rings only.
Given the devastation that occurred from this campfire escape, maybe that will even change in the future!
So, always make sure you douse your campfire with water, and that the coals and embers are cool to the touch before you leave – whether that’s for just a few hours, or for good.
In all the Fraser Island bushfire burnt around 87,000ha of the island’s 180,000ha, exacting a terrible toll on the region’s wildlife and flora, while also threatening homes and a number of small villages-come resorts on the island.
ADVICE: Do you know how to survive a bushfire?
At one stage Happy Valley residents were looking down the barrel of a holocaust taking out their small hamlet but luckily hazard reduction burns around the town earlier in the year was a ‘massive factor’ in stopping the flames with the local fire boss reportedly saying, ‘It’s amazing to see the fire racing towards the valley hit that block and stop.’
Now locals and tour operators are calling on a change in the management of the island and any subsequent fires and a report has been ordered by the Qld premier. Hopefully it’ll turn up something useful and not be another whitewash finding that blames climate change resulting in a not-our-fault situation where little is done regarding more hazard reduction burning and the like.
In the meantime campers everywhere – not just on Fraser – need to obey the rules and if they have a campfire making sure it is out before they leave. The consequences can be devastating!
IMPROVE your 4×4 recovery arsenal with these select items from EFS and TRED.
TRED HD
The Australian-made TRED HD is constructed from a high-quality custom Nylon, providing the unit with a high level of flex while remaining strong and durable. “TRED HD will maintain a high level of pressure on your tyre to provide ultimate traction, whilst still being able to take the flex from the vehicle’s weight on unstable and uneven ground,” TRED says. The TRED HD has also been designed with a lower profile and tighter nesting, which means it’ll stack better and save valuable storage space. The TRED HD has been manufactured to operate in temperatures from -15°C to 70°C. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
RRP: $279 Website: Tred4x4.com.au
EFS KINETIC ROPE
If you ever find yourself in need of a 4×4 recovery, you’re going to need equipment you can rely on. An all-new EFS Kinetic Rope is “designed to give you a smoother recovery from sand, mud, snow, and whatever other situations you require recovering from”. The rope is nine metres long, has a 30 per cent stretch and rated to 13,000kg. The rope is manufactured from a nylon 66 material, which is coated in a PU that protects it from mud, dirt, UV, sand, etc. The eye also has a thick PU coating. The EFS Recon Kinetic rope comes in a breathable carry bag and complies to Australian standards.
RRP: $179.99 Website: www.efs4wd.com.au
EFS X3 LED TORCH
Grab an EFS X3 LED torch and you’ll never get lost on your way to the campsite dunny again. The torch has three quick-push interchangeable light attachments and features an adjustable lens zoom, two levels of brightness, a high-power CREE LED chip, a magnetic base, and a tough aluminium casing. The torch takes five hours to fully charge via an included USB charge cable, and comes with a hardened plastic storage carry case and a one-year warranty.
RRP: $104.99 Website: www.efs4wd.com.au
ICONIC UK company Land Rover Classic Works has announced it is producing 25 V8 Defenders this year, and they want lucky punters to compete in the Land Rover Trophy at the equally iconic Eastnor Castle; the venue which many call the spiritual home of Land Rover.
If you have ever dreamed about entering the historic Camel Trophy event that ran through the 1980s, in a V8-powered Defender, this is the story for you.
These exciting vehicles will be based on re-engineered 2012-2016 Defender Works V8 models, which will feature a 5.0L V8 Engine and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The motor is claimed to put out a healthy 298kW and 515Nm, so these are certainly a very long way ahead of the tractor-like diesels commonly found in the old Defender.
Interiors have been freshly decked out, too, with modern features such as Recaro sports seats with yellow stitching detail, full black Windsor leather trim and a rather interesting Land Rover Trophy clock face by English watchmaker Elliot Brown.
There will be both 90 and 110 wagon models built in the program, all to be painted in any colour you like, as long as it’s Eastnor Yellow with contrasting black paint on wheel arches, bonnet and rear door.
No serious off-roader would be seen competing in a stock vehicle, which is why there’s an additional All Terrain kit, which includes off-road essential such as a raised air intake, LED lighting, mud terrain tyres and a multi-point expedition cage with roof rack.
All of those lucky enough to snap up one of the 25 vehicles produced will then be invited to compete in the uber-exclusive event, which runs over three days at Eastnor Castle based in Herefordshire.
To make things even more interesting, this will be the first time the owners will be allowed to drive their V8 Defenders. Thankfully, expert tuition is included as part of this exciting adventure, with one-on-one training available allowing owners to push their vehicles and skills to the limits. This is a competition, so there are a range of prizes on offer including a grand prize for the overall winner.
“The Land Rover Defender has always been more than just a vehicle, its engineering capability and suitability for overland expedition and all-terrain competition means it’s renowned with getting away from it all. The new Land Rover Trophy will bring this to life for a new generation of adventurers,” said Dan Pink, Director of Land Rover Classic.
“Experiences are a key part of Land Rover Classic’s DNA and this whole concept comes directly from feedback we’ve received. Our customers want to create their own stories, battle scars and patina with their Works V8 Trophy vehicles from day one, fuelling campfire chats with like-minded enthusiasts.”
In a nod to heritage (something Land Rover has always done well), on arrival teams participating are invited to make their own touches to the vehicle. Things like adding their names and flags from respective countries.
This won’t be a cheap holiday, though, with prices looking to come in at well over $300,000. Who says money can’t buy you happiness?
For more information, visit: www.landrover.com/classic