For Colorado drivers who tackle everything from the I-25 corridor to the Alpine Loop, understanding what's under the body of this purpose-built off-roader matters.
Why Did Donut Media Destroy a Brand New INEOS Grenadier?
Before you worry about waste, there's a logical explanation. The vehicle Donut Media tore apart was a pre-production prototype that legally cannot be sold to consumers. According to federal regulations, prototype vehicles must be destroyed rather than entering the marketplace. INEOS Automotive partnered with Donut Media to document this required destruction process while educating enthusiasts about the Grenadier's engineering.
This gave the team a rare opportunity to examine components that would normally remain hidden under the body: the ladder frame, solid axles, transfer case, and BMW-sourced powertrain. For anyone considering a Grenadier for Colorado's demanding terrain—from Pike's Peak to the San Juan Mountains—this video provides invaluable insight into what you're actually buying.
What Is a Ladder Frame and Why Does It Matter for Colorado Driving?
Ladder Frame Definition: A ladder frame is a vehicle chassis consisting of two parallel longitudinal rails connected by perpendicular crossmembers, creating a ladder-like structure that serves as the foundation for body-on-frame construction. This design separates the vehicle body from the structural frame, allowing the frame to absorb impacts and stress independently.
The Grenadier's ladder frame represents a return to traditional off-road vehicle construction that many modern SUVs have abandoned in favor of unibody designs. Co-designed with Magna Steyr—the same Austrian engineering firm that manufactures frames for the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon—this foundation prioritizes durability and repairability over lightweight construction.
How Is the Grenadier Frame Protected from Colorado's Harsh Conditions?
Colorado's combination of road salt, moisture from snowmelt, and temperature extremes can devastate vehicle frames over time. INEOS addressed this challenge through a dual-layer corrosion protection system:
- E-Coating Application: The frame receives an electrostatically applied coating that bonds at the molecular level, creating a uniform protective layer across all exposed surfaces
- Wax Infusion Process: The interior chambers of the frame rails are filled with a corrosion-inhibiting wax compound that prevents rust from forming inside the structure where moisture can become trapped
- Non-Galvanized Steel: Unlike many modern frames, the Grenadier uses non-galvanized steel specifically to enable field repairs through welding—critical for remote Colorado locations
As shown in the Donut Media teardown, even aggressive cutting with an angle grinder revealed the frame's substantial reinforcement in high-stress areas. This construction method ensures the Grenadier can handle decades of Colorado use, from daily commutes on snow-covered roads to weekend expeditions on trails like Imogene Pass or Black Bear Pass.
Screenshot from www.youtube.com/@Donut
Why Did Donut Media Destroy a Brand New INEOS Grenadier?
Screenshot from www.youtube.com/@Donut
One of the most significant engineering choices revealed in the teardown is the Grenadier's solid axle configuration on both front and rear. While most modern SUVs have switched to independent front suspension (IFS) for improved on-road comfort, the Grenadier takes the opposite approach.
What Are Solid Axles and How Do They Work?
Solid Axle Definition: A solid axle (also called a live axle or beam axle) is a suspension design where both wheels on an axle are mechanically connected by a single rigid component. When one wheel moves up or down, the opposite wheel's movement is directly influenced by this mechanical connection, keeping both wheels in constant contact with the ground during articulation.
The Grenadier uses Carraro solid axles front and rear. Carraro, an Italian manufacturer known for producing heavy-duty axles for agricultural tractors that operate in extreme conditions, brings decades of durability engineering to the Grenadier platform.
How Do Solid Axles Benefit Colorado Off-Road Driving?
When navigating Colorado's technical terrain—think of the rock gardens on Engineer Pass or the rutted sections of Ophir Pass—solid axles provide distinct advantages:
Superior Articulation: As one wheel climbs over an obstacle, the solid axle allows the opposite wheel to drop into depressions while maintaining ground contact. This creates the "flex" that off-road enthusiasts value when crossing uneven terrain.
Predictable Behavior: Unlike independent suspension systems that can experience "spring-off" moments where one wheel unloads unexpectedly, solid axles move both wheels in mechanical harmony. This provides more control when crossing challenging obstacles.
Simplified Repairs: With fewer moving parts than independent suspension systems, solid axles are easier to repair in remote locations—an important consideration for Colorado backcountry exploration.
Durability Under Load: The Grenadier's Carraro axles were designed for constant agricultural use in mud and harsh conditions, making them well-suited for Colorado's combination of winter road salt, spring mud season, and summer dust.
What Is the Three-Locker System and When Do Colorado Drivers Need It?
The Donut Media teardown revealed one of the Grenadier's most impressive off-road features: three independent locking differentials. Understanding this system helps explain why the Grenadier excels on Colorado's most challenging trails.
How Do Locking Differentials Work?
Locking Differential Definition: A locking differential is a mechanical device that forces both wheels on an axle to rotate at the same speed regardless of traction conditions. When engaged, it prevents the differential from sending power to the path of least resistance, ensuring power reaches both wheels equally even when one has significantly less traction. The front and rear axle lockers are standard on the Trialmaster Editions, optional on other trim level when the Rough Pack option is selected.
The Grenadier provides three separate lockers:
- Rear Axle Locker: Forces both rear wheels to turn at the same speed
- Front Axle Locker: Forces both front wheels to turn at the same speed
- Center Differential Locker: Locks the front and rear axles together, creating a full-time four-wheel drive system
When Should You Use Differential Lockers on Colorado Trails?
Consider these Colorado-specific scenarios where the three-locker system proves invaluable:
Uneven Rock Obstacles: When crossing the boulder fields common on trails like Black Bear Pass, one wheel may be fully suspended in the air. Without a locker, power would spin that unloaded wheel uselessly. With lockers engaged, power transfers to the wheel with traction.
Mud Season Conditions: During Colorado's spring thaw, trails become rutted and slippery. The center and rear lockers ensure power reaches wheels with grip rather than those slipping in mud.
Steep Rocky Climbs: When ascending technical sections where weight transfers dramatically from front to rear, lockers maintain power delivery to all four wheels regardless of which wheels temporarily lose contact.
Snow and Ice: Winter trails and unplowed forest roads benefit from locked differentials that prevent power from going exclusively to wheels on ice patches.
What Engine Powers the INEOS Grenadier Available in Colorado?
The teardown revealed a BMW B58 inline-six turbocharged engine under the Grenadier's hood. This 3.0-liter powerplant may be familiar to automotive enthusiasts as the same engine found in the Toyota Supra, various BMW models, and other performance applications.
How Is the Grenadier's B58 Engine Different from Other Applications?
INEOS specifically tuned the B58 for reliability and durability rather than maximum performance. While the engine produces 281 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in Grenadier applications, this represents a conservative tune compared to higher-output BMW variants.
This detuning strategy prioritizes longevity—exactly what you need when your vehicle serves as your lifeline on remote Colorado trails or during winter mountain commutes. The engine pairs with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, a proven combination known for smooth power delivery and reliability.
How Does the B58 Engine Perform at Colorado's High Altitudes?
Turbocharged engines like the B58 handle Colorado's altitude better than naturally aspirated engines. While naturally aspirated engines lose approximately 3% of their power for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, turbocharged engines use their forced induction to compensate for thinner air.
At Colorado Springs' elevation of 6,035 feet, or even higher locations like Leadville at 10,152 feet, the Grenadier's turbocharged B58 maintains strong performance where naturally aspirated competitors struggle. This makes a significant difference when climbing mountain passes or navigating high-altitude trails.
How Does the Grenadier's Transfer Case Enable Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive?
The Donut Media team removed the Grenadier's Tremec transfer case during their teardown, revealing the component that manages power distribution between the front and rear axles.
What's the Difference Between Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive?
Four-Wheel Drive Definition: Four-wheel drive is an axle-dependent system that mechanically locks front and rear axles together through a transfer case, typically offering driver-selectable engagement and disengagement. This system is designed for low-traction situations and should not be used on dry pavement when locked.
All-Wheel Drive Definition: All-wheel drive is a wheel-dependent system that uses computerized sensors and electronic controls to vary power distribution to individual wheels based on detected slip, typically operating automatically without driver input.
The Grenadier uses a full-time four-wheel drive system, meaning all four wheels receive power constantly. The center differential allows the front and rear axles to rotate at different speeds during normal driving (preventing binding on dry pavement), but can be locked when maximum traction is required.
Why Did INEOS Choose These Specific Components for the Grenadier?
As the Donut Media teardown revealed, INEOS didn't design every component from scratch. Instead, they sourced best-in-class components from established manufacturers:
- Magna Steyr: Ladder frame engineering (same company that builds G-Wagon frames)
- BMW: B58 inline-six turbocharged engine
- ZF: Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Tremec: Transfer case
- Carraro: Front and rear solid axles
This parts-bin approach ensures that every component has a proven track record. For Colorado owners, this means:
- Parts Availability: Components from major manufacturers are easier to source than proprietary parts
- Repair Knowledge: Mechanics familiar with BMW, ZF, and other major brands can service the Grenadier
- Proven Reliability: Each component has been tested extensively in other applications
- Upgrade Potential: Aftermarket support exists for many components, particularly the B58 engine
How Does the Grenadier's Body-on-Frame Design Benefit Colorado Owners?
When Donut Media separated the Grenadier's body from its frame, they demonstrated a key advantage of body-on-frame construction: the body and frame are independent structures connected by rubber-isolated mounts.
What Are the Advantages of Body-on-Frame Construction?
For Colorado drivers, this separation provides several benefits:
Impact Absorption: The frame absorbs impacts from obstacles, protecting the body from damage. When you contact a rock on a trail, the frame takes the hit rather than deforming the body structure.
Easier Repairs: Body damage doesn't affect the structural integrity of the vehicle. A dented body panel is a cosmetic issue, not a safety concern.
Durability: The robust frame can handle abuse that would compromise a unibody structure. This matters when you're using your Grenadier for work, recreation, or both in demanding Colorado conditions.
Longevity: Body-on-frame vehicles typically last longer in harsh environments because the frame can be maintained and repaired independently of the body.
Where Can Colorado Drivers Test Drive and Purchase the INEOS Grenadier?
Red Noland INEOS Grenadier in Colorado Springs serves as Colorado's premier INEOS dealer, offering the complete Grenadier lineup including the Grenadier Wagon, Grenadier Trialmaster, Grenadier Fieldmaster, and Quartermaster pickup.
As one of the first 17 INEOS dealers in the United States, Red Noland brings over 50 years of Colorado automotive experience to the INEOS brand. The dealership's location at 1260 Motor City Dr in Colorado Springs provides convenient access for customers throughout the Front Range, from Denver to Pueblo, and mountain communities from Vail to Durango.
Experience the INEOS Grenadier at Red Noland in Colorado Springs
Reading about the Grenadier's engineering and watching teardown videos provides valuable insight, but nothing replaces experiencing the vehicle firsthand on Colorado terrain. Red Noland INEOS Grenadier invites you to schedule a test drive to discover how the ladder frame, solid axles, and three locking differentials translate to real-world capability.
Visit our showroom at 1260 Motor City Dr in Colorado Springs, call our sales team at (719) 466-8833, or explore our current inventory online. Whether you're replacing a work truck, upgrading your adventure vehicle, or simply want the most capable SUV for Colorado's diverse terrain, the INEOS Grenadier deserves your consideration.
Our factory-trained service technicians stand ready to support your Grenadier ownership experience with maintenance, repairs, and modifications. For service appointments, contact our service department at (719) 466-8836.
Red Noland INEOS Grenadier
1260 Motor City Dr
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Sales: (719) 466-8833
Service: (719) 466-8836
Parts: (719) 466-8902
