Ineos to unveil Quartermaster ute at FoS

INEOS is set to unveil its hotly anticipated Quartermaster dual-cab utility at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The Quartermaster will debut alongside Ineos’ first hydrogen fuel cell-powered Grenadier, the prototype model fulfilling the wishes of creator, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who said last June that the Grenadier “is perfect for a hydrogen engine”.

Inoes has been working on a utility version of the Grenadier from the outset, Sir Ratcliffe saying a “small cutaway pick-up” was always planned to accompany short- and long-wheelbase wagon models.

Now, the Quartermaster will star not only in the First Glance Paddock at the Goodwood Festival of Speed but will also be driven up the hill climb track on each day of the four-day event – alongside a working prototype of the Grenadier FCEV Technology Demonstrator.

From images seen to date, the Quartermaster appears identical to the long-wheelbase Grenadier – which has yet to be officially launched in the Australian market – to the B-pillar, before growing in length to offer a longer rear overhang and significantly longer tray than first assumed.

The Quartermaster is expected to feature many of the same styling cues seen on the Grenadier but will have a spare wheel stowed upright in the tray instead of set on the tailgate.

Both BMW-sourced petrol and diesel powertrains found in the Quartermaster’s SUV sibling will be offered in the ute – the FCEV offering a future consideration that is likely a couple of years out.

Previously, Ineos said it believes FCEV technology is a better fit for larger, off-road focused models like the Grenadier and Quartermaster, saving battery electric power for lighter future models, such as its forthcoming Jimny rival.

The British-based firm is collaborating with Hyundai in a bid to expand its hydrogen capabilities, signing a memorandum of understanding in November 2020 that aims to combine respective expertise in chemistry and hydrogen fuels to facilitate public and private sector projects focused on the development of a hydrogen value chain in Europe.

“The agreement between Ineos and Hyundai presents both companies with new opportunities to extend a leading role in the clean hydrogen economy,” said Ineos Automotive technology director Peter Williams, previously.

“Evaluating new production processes, technology and applications, combined with our existing capabilities puts us in a unique position to meet emerging demand for affordable, low-carbon energy sources and the needs of demanding 4x4 owners in the future.”

The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place from July 13 – 16.