With a massive touch of nostalgia, Ford are on track to release the new 2020 Bronco. And that’s not all!
While sources have been tight-lipped, we now know that Ford are planning for a family of off-road vehicles to stand alongside the Bronco. First in line is a more compact SUV dubbed the ‘Baby Bronco’ with the official name yet to be released. Ford usually release their vehicles the year prior to the stated model year, so a 2020 Bronco could be seen in dealerships in the USA this year, pushing the ‘foal of Bronco’ even closer. A test mule with modified Ranger body on the new underpinnings for mechanical proving has been spotted in the USA too.
The second vehicle release is likely to be the two-door Bronco, featuring a boxy shape not too far removed from the 30-year old namesake. A four-door variant has been spoken about by Ford execs to follow. With a size and history aiming it squarely at Jeep’s Wrangler market, and with removable doors and hardtop, Jeep should be concerned. Ford are aiming to build a “simple and authentic” off-road vehicle, and intimated they are aiming more at the high-speed off-road performance in the vein of the Raptor variants with a focus on fun driving for the lifestyle off-road driver rather than the serious rock-crawling Wrangler Rubicon end of the market. Land Rover better pay close attention too … previous Broncos concepts have been remarkably close to some restyled Defender concepts.
We can expect independent front suspension and a solid axle rear based on the Ranger’s T6 platform with a tall ride height and large wheel arches, ideal for tyre up-sizing.
While emissions restrictions essentially preclude the 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines of the O. J. Simpson era Bronco, the Ranger Raptor powertrain in a lighter vehicle would be a good match for a smaller Aussie touring wagon such as the four-door version. You can guarantee there’ll be heaps of aftermarket gear made for the new Bronco in the USA too!
Would you choose a Bronco over a Wrangler? Or how about a Jimny or next-generation Defender?
8 comments
I’d like to see the Bronco with the Coyote engine from the F150.
It’d probably be a bit more reliable than a wrangler. If it looks similar to the pics it has my attention
Ewww what a dog
With the success of the retro look Suzuki Jimny, and the ever increasing popularity of the Mercedes G-Wagen, and now Ford with a retro look new Bronco, Toyota should have another go with the FJ40 for inspiration.
The FJ Cruiser was a good effort, but it just fell short to really capture the essence of the FJ40. Perhaps this time, design it squarer but with 21st Century touches. Maybe Toyota should look at how Suzuki, using their own LJ & SJ models of the 70s/80s for inspiration, nailed it in the head.
With the success of the retro look Suzuki Jimny, and the ever increasing popularity of the Mercedes G-Wagen, and now Ford with a retro look new Bronco, Toyota should have another go at a retro model with the FJ40 for inspiration.
The FJ Cruiser was a good effort, but it just fell short to really capture the essence of the FJ40. Perhaps this time, design it squarer but with 21st Century touches. Maybe Toyota should look at how Suzuki, using their own LJ & SJ models of the 70s/80s for inspiration, nailed it in the head.
I personally love the Suzuki for style genuine off road ability. Shopping list is defender 90 andif ford bring in bronco at similar price point to second hand landy will sell a bucket load but I guess will still need to keep buying lotto tickets.
yep for sure, im interested.
yep for sure, in interested if they look like that.