The rumors just won’t stop when it comes to the 2021 Ford Bronco. At this point, we have already covered the two-vehicle Bronco strategy that Ford will pursue, with a smaller, unibody model sharing the C2 platform with the new Ford Escape, while the larger model riding on a modified T6 platform from the Ford Ranger. All that is fine and good, but what about a Bronco Raptor?
Given that the “real” Ford Bronco will end up being based around the Ranger, the question will be whether Ford will stuff the 5.0L Coyote V8 under its hood for the high-performance Raptor version. As of this writing, we have reason to believe that Ford will never offer a V8 in the Bronco.
Instead, the Bronco powerplant offerings will likely be limited to at least two choices in the EcoBoost engine family of turbocharged gasoline engines. Specifically, the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 (as previously leaked) and the 2.7L EcoBoost V-6 will be the standard and optional engines, respectively. Meanwhile, the 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 will likely be used in the high-performance Bronco Raptor.
Even so, the market is begging Ford to make a Bronco with a V8, and it would be a shame to see The Blue Oval not use its most glorious engine in the highly-anticipated off-roader. Even so, the V8 just might end up being overkill in the Bronco, which will be of midsize proportions.
Nevertheless, a Ford Bronco with a V8 under the hood and straight axles front and back along with a removable roof and doors would have off-road fans lining up. At the same time, we’re hoping that Ford will make the 2021 Bronco narrow enough that it can fit down tight trails.
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Comments
So what makes you think the F-150 based vehicle is a “Bronco” test mule? No one can confirm that. Maybe they are thinking about building a two door Raptor truck??
what market is there for a 2 door short bed raptor though? Anybody who can afford a raptor is probably going to need a back seat or a usable bed. It seems kind of hard to justify a 2 door, short bed, raptor in todays market where the majority of raptor owners have kids.
I don’t know, just speculating. Up to now, nothing has shown that the Bronco will be full sized though, so for them to state in the article it is a “Bronco mule”, I don’t think they know that. A full sized Bronco is not a direct competitor to the Wrangler. With all that said, if I bought any full sized truck, Raptor or otherwise, I would rather have a 2 door. I don’t need all that extra cab and bed space with a truck that barely fits in my garage.
Ford has been pretty clear that the Bronco will share a platform with the Ranger, and the other smaller ‘baby’ will share a platform with the Escape. It is one of the few things we know.
I KNOW! But this website continues to ignore the unibody Bronco. It’s been shown and we know it’s to start production next year.
I dont doubt that the F-150 prototype shown above could be a member of the “Bronco family” (Ford’s words) as well. A 3 pronged attack on the off-road SUV market would be quite the force to be reckoned with. Especially if some compete in ways no current offering does.
Well I’d it now coming out in 2020 or 2021?
Thank you Ford for bringing back the Bronco. Not interested in the baby but looking forward to style, 4 doors and horsepower to pull a trailer or climb a mountain. My wife was ready for a new SUV but did not like any of any maker because they all look like station wagons, in her opinion. Almost went with Toyota but when I told her about the Bronco. She said she will wait. Thank you for quality and shifters and not knobs. Somewhere down in Texas. Donnie and Nanette
She doesnt like the Expedition?
The Bronco will be off-road focused, no matter what size you choose. It may not be quite as usable off-road, but it’s a very capable SUV that looks like (and is) a Ford truck, not a wagon.