It is called Fusilier, that is, infantry rifleman, and like the Grenadier and the Quartermaster it is inspired by the military world, as well as the (much more popular) world of British pubs and clubs.
It is the new 4x4 born from the mind and entrepreneurial strength of Jim Ratcliffe who, with this electrified SUV with a less 'extreme' look, expands the Ineos Automotive range according to the mobility transition.
Photo story Fusilier brings the Ineos concept into the world of electric SUVs - Photo - Ansa.it
During today's reveal - which not surprisingly took place with a web connection with the Grenadier pub in Belgrave Square in London - the British billionaire (the parent company Ineos is a global chemical company which includes 36 companies with 194 offices in 29 countries in worldwide) has in fact underlined the fact that when it arrives on the market, around 2026, Fusilier will be able to make a significant contribution to the reduction of CO2.
"The choice of two engines for Fusilier - said Jim Ratcliffe referring to the electric version and the one with range extender - will guarantee an effective reduction in CO2 emissions without compromising off-road qualities and on-road performance".
“We are excited to bring an electric 4X4 to market although we are starting to identify the clear limitations of a battery electric in some situations. We believe that adding a range-extended variant to our line-up will offer customers emissions-free driving very low without the range anxiety that electric vehicle drivers experience today."
Ineos Automotive did not release any technical details on the vehicle today, which will arrive together with the launch date next autumn, other than the fact that the Fusilier is slightly shorter and lower than the Grenadier.
And which will be built on a special electric 'skateboard platform combined' with a top hat structure, with a steel underbody and aluminum doors and closures.
Developed in collaboration with Magna - with whom Ineos Automotive has already collaborated on the Grenadier Wagon and the Quartermaster pick-up - the Fusilier will be produced at the Graz plant in Austria.
Part of the activity relating to the new 4x4 will include a rigorous testing program on Mount Schöckl, the track located near the Magna assembly plant in Graz, where the Mercedes G-Class off-road vehicles have also been developed.
Ratcliffe also detailed that , in addition to the all-electric powertrain, for Fusilier “is currently in development with a low-emissions variant of an extended-range electric powertrain that will better meet the changing needs of customers around the world and support decarbonization.”
The extended range option provides the new Ineos Automotive 4x4 with a small petrol engine that powers a generator to preserve the battery charge level when an external power source is not available.
“As we developed this vehicle,” Ratcliffe said, “we quickly came to the conclusion that to move towards electrification, but at the same time continue to make vehicles that customers want to drive, we need a mix of propulsion technologies.”
“100% electric models are perfect in some situations, for example for short journeys and delivery services in urban centres, but our industry and governments need to have realistic expectations about other technologies that can help accelerate the pace of change ".
"For this reason, for the Fusilier - reiterated the owner of Ineos Automotive - we have introduced an alternative engine which drastically reduces emissions but which guarantees the autonomy and charging capacity required in specific situations".
The look of the Fusilier, just as the Grenadier was inspired by the discontinued generation of the Defender, seems to take inspiration from the G-Class. The 'tough and pure' 4X4 design has been updated with a body that reduces aerodynamic drag without affecting functionality with sleeker lines soft and a more dynamic style.
Functional exterior features have also been integrated into the bodywork to give a more stylized look.
Everything is within reach when needed, but out of sight so as not to affect the aesthetics.
Announced is the presence of active grille shutters to manage airflow at the front of the vehicle based on cooling or range efficiency needs, which open and close automatically as needed.
Furthermore, the extensive use of flush windows and the integration of elements such as the side steps, the enlarged wheel arches and the protection plates create a modern and coherent appearance, which recalls the versatility and double soul of the model and optimizes its aerodynamics .
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA