Alcon reinforces Ineos Grenadier’s braking for armored and performance builds.

Alcon Components Ltd, a UK-based brake and clutch manufacturer, has launched a new brake upgrade kit specifically designed for the Ineos Grenadier. The announcement coincides with the DVD exhibition at Millbrook Proving Ground on 18-19 September 2024. This new kit addresses the demand from armorers and coachbuilders who modify the Grenadier for heavier armored configurations and high-performance models, enhancing the vehicle's braking capacity to handle increased weight and maintain safety standards.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

This new kit addresses the demand from armorers and coachbuilders who modify the Grenadier for heavier armored configurations and high-performance models (Picture source: Alcon and Buzz Special Vehicles)

The Ineos Grenadier, introduced in October 2022, has gained acceptance in Europe and North America, particularly among those involved in vehicle modifications. Alcon’s new brake upgrade kit provides a pre-engineered solution that improves the braking system's performance to accommodate the additional weight from modifications. The kit is designed to integrate with the Grenadier’s existing brake actuation and control systems and is compatible with the vehicle's standard wheels. It features a caliper from Alcon's opposed-piston CIR54 family, coupled with a 350mm two-piece ventilated disc, which increases brake torque and enhances the system's thermal capacity.

The installation of the brake upgrade kit is intended to increase brake torque, reduce brake fade and fluid vaporization, extend service intervals, and decrease overall maintenance costs. The kit will be available in both acid zinc-nickel plating for a discreet appearance and painted versions, providing multiple options to meet different customer preferences.

Alcon also offers brake kits for a range of other armored and specialist SUVs, including models based on Ford's F550, F350, F150 Raptor, and Ranger; Chevrolet's Suburban and Suburban HD; GM's GMT K2 platforms such as the Tahoe and Escalade; Toyota's LC300, LC200, LC78-79, and Hilux; Mercedes’ Sprinter; and Volkswagen’s Amarok and Crafter. These products demonstrate Alcon's capacity to supply braking solutions across a variety of vehicle types used in specialist applications.

Alcon also offers brake kits for a range of other armored and specialist SUVs, including models based on Toyota's Land Cruiser 300, Land Cruiser 200, Land Cruiser 78-79, and Hilux. (Picture source; Alcon)

With more than 25 years of experience in engineering brakes and clutches for specialist vehicles, Alcon develops braking systems for applications ranging from motorsport vehicles, such as those used in Formula 1 and World Rally, to military armored vehicles exceeding 30 tonnes. The company’s off-the-shelf brake kits are designed to help both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and vehicle modification companies manage the challenges associated with up-armoring vehicles for defense, security, and other specialist purposes. These kits are compatible with standard OEM actuation systems and are designed for straightforward installation while maintaining durability and minimizing weight.

Mike Jones, Chief Engineer at Alcon, noted that the launch of the new brake upgrade kit is aimed at providing a suitable option for armorers and customers interested in upgrading the Grenadier. He highlighted that this development is part of Alcon’s broader efforts to supply off-the-shelf solutions that meet the specifications of OEMs and vehicle modification firms. Jones stated, "The continuing strength of our worldwide sales confirms that Alcon brake kits meet the necessarily demanding requirements of the defense and security armored vehicle sector, as well as other specialist users."

The Ineos Grenadier was developed as a modern off-road vehicle inspired by the original Land Rover Defender, filling a perceived gap left by the latter's discontinuation. The project began in 2017 under the direction of Ineos Automotive, founded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who aimed to create a functional and dependable utility vehicle. The Grenadier's design drew from a range of existing off-road vehicles, including the Ford Bronco, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Mercedes G-Wagen, blending elements from various models to achieve a balance between rugged capability and modern engineering standards. The initial public unveiling occurred in 2020, and the vehicle has since undergone extensive testing under diverse environmental conditions to ensure its reliability.

The Ineos Grenadier was developed as a modern off-road vehicle inspired by the original Land Rover Defender, filling a perceived gap left by the latter's discontinuation. (Picture source: Ineos)

Ineos Automotive offers multiple versions of the Grenadier, including the standard SUV model and the Grenadier Quartermaster, a pickup truck variant with an extended wheelbase to accommodate a larger bed. Concept versions have also been showcased, such as a vehicle equipped with portal axles for enhanced ground clearance, a V8-powered station wagon, and a short-bed pickup version. Additional variants, like an eight-seater Safari model and a rally-spec build, highlight the platform's adaptability. Ineos also plans to introduce an electric version of the Grenadier by 2026, in collaboration with Magna International.

The Grenadier is powered by BMW's six-cylinder engines, specifically a 3.0-liter B58 petrol engine producing 282 hp and 450 Nm of torque, and a 3.0-liter B57 diesel engine delivering 245 hp and 550 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and feature a two-speed transfer case to enhance off-road performance. The vehicle's construction is based on a box-section ladder frame chassis, with heavy-duty beam axles and a five-link coil suspension system designed for challenging terrains. Key specifications include a wading depth of up to 1,050 mm, multiple locking differentials, and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg.

The Grenadier is powered by BMW's six-cylinder engines, specifically a 3.0-liter B58 petrol engine producing 282 hp and 450 Nm of torque, and a 3.0-liter B57 diesel engine delivering 245 hp and 550 Nm of torque. (Picture source: Ineos)