Shane McGlaun
We should know what the 2021 Ford Bronco will look like soon, but ahead of that rumors are flying about what the all-new Bronco will offer. Icon is famous for restoring vintage first-generation Broncos, and the company has learned a thing or two about what the Bronco buying-public wants.
MotorTrend talked to Icon CEO Jonathan Ward to see what he suggested Ford do with the new Bronco. Ward suggests that Ford stops with the conventional option package in the 2021 Ford Bronco, where to get one certain option you have to add an entire package of stuff that buyers probably don’t want. He says Ford would be smart not to offer the typical XL, XLT packaging and to let buyers pick the specific options they want. He also calls for some high-end configurations like a Bronco King Ranch or Platinum.
Ward thinks that Ford should offer a modular hard top and a soft top for the SUV. He also feels that a two-door Ford Bronco is a necessity. Sales numbers for four-door Jeeps are significant, and Ward fears that Ford might launch as a four-door and leave the two-door for later. He says it is critical that the top is removable and there is a two-door in the lineup.
As for design, Ward says that Ford shouldn’t go too retro. He says that “everyone would be stoked” if the design was just like the 2002 prototype noting that design was “spot on” and he says he had driven that prototype and it was “cool.” Ward hopes Ford will do something on the 2021 Bronco that is very unlikely.
He wants Ford to offer a V8, but with the 2021 Bronco and the Ranger sharing the same platform the likely engine will be the Ranger’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that makes 270 horsepower and 310 pound-foot of torque. He feels that having a manual transmission is more important than a V8. We would disagree there, give us a V8 paired with the 10-speed automatic and we would be happy. What do you want to see on the 2021 Bronco?
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Source: MotorTrend
For the record, No everyone would not have been stoked if it looked like that ugly 2002 concept. Everyone would have been rushing to the dealerships had it looked like the Bronco6G concept!!! Secondly, NOTHING is more important that having a V8. While the 5.0L Coyote V8 may not have fit its wide ass under the hood of the Bronco, a Pushrod V8 sure would have. A 4.7L V8 (also known as a 289ci Ford Small Block) would have done nicely under the hood making about 350hp/350tq. Perfect setup! Ford just came out with the new pushrod v8 big block so its obvious that Ford has dipped back into the segment so a 4.7L V8 with cylinder deactivation and a few other things (that all other American V8s have) backed by a 10-speed auto or a 6-speed manual would have worked just fine and people would have been happy. Trick doors and all that other stuff is nice but when it comes down to it, The bronco6G concept with a pushrod V8 would have been the best way to go. Oh well. It is what it is I guess.
Gotta agree with 2002 concept/Bronco G6. with a front end/grill vastly modified., though. Love a V8 in it too, as for the inefficient push–rod OHV relic> leave that back where it belongs, with the original Bronco. vbondjr1
Pushrod V8? Ain’t gonna happen.
Let’s hope not, John.
I think you said it all! I’ve said it before…I have faith Ford will screw this up!!
Give me a 2.7L EcoBoost or a 4 cylinder diesel with the Getrag 7 speed manual and I’ll be happy.
I would like a 2 door with a short wheel base, and no wider than the Ranger. That would be best for clearance and getting through tight spots. I’m just not sure that would sell enough.
Bronco6G body, 2 doors, V8 (i wont buy a turbo), 7 sp manual, removable top.
I would love the V8, would be tough to buy without it. At least an NA V6. At first I would say yes a manual trans is more important but then I start thinking, the wife probably wouldn’t go for the stick but that wouldn’t prevent me from buying. A crappy engine would prevent me from buying though. So I think engine is more important.
I like how this guy says eliminate the trim levels and then says they need King Ranch and Platinum. I mean I get what he’s trying to say, but still doesn’t make sense.
I am very excited to see that there is going to be XL and XLT but both of them should have a 302. The bronco is the offroad king for many resons and one of them is because the v8
Sold my 2017 Raptor because I was never “At Home” with the eco-boost. Had power for days, but was never an engine that I wanted to brag about, or feel proud of. Shame too, that was my second raptor. First was the big-ol heavy 6.2. Loved that truck every time I walked up to it. Want to love the new Bronco, but will pass on a turbo anything in it.
i hope the new bronco is rv towable all 4 down
Ford won’t listen to the customer, they never do and there is no doubting they won’t bring this down under and no doubting there will be NO V8 (NOT A FAN OF OHC V8s EITHER), I am a Ford man through and through, but not liking Fords direction with EVs and 4 bangers…..
Give me a 3.3L V6 (no turbo) and manual transmission (6 or 7 speed. Wouldn’t even care if it were a 5-speed!).
I have 3 Broncos and they all have V8s and that’s one of the reasons I love them. The new one has got to have a V8 or I’m out.