Chemical company Ineos has unveiled Projekt Grenadier, which is a plan to bring a spiritual replacement for the Land Rover Defender to market.
The brand has launched the £600 million project by unveiling its website and social media channels, with the plan to build the “most uncompromising 4x4”.
At the launch event at London’s Grenadier pub, Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe said: "Projekt Grenadier is starting to capture the public's imagination and this new website is the next milestone on the road.
"Our decision to build a brand new world-class 4x4 is an adventure story and we want everyone to share it."
The Grenadier pub is significant as this is where Ratcliffe first came up with the idea to replace the Defender, which was discontinued in 2016. Ineos says that the new 4x4 “will appeal to explorers, farmers and off-road enthusiasts as well as city dwellers seeking adventure.”
It was also announced that the company are looking at petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains to power this new model, with multiple wheelbase options also being slated for release.
Ratcliffe added: “The building of our new 4×4 is an adventure story in itself. We are used to taking on big, innovative projects and delivering them safely on time and on budget.
“We have vast amounts of manufacturing and engineering expertise and a proven track record of success and look forward to applying this to create a world class 4×4.”
Ineos has also asked the general public to offer their input to the project by giving them a chance to name the new vehicle. The new model is due to be released in 2020.
