We’ve known for roughly a year now that Ford is working on a high-performance variant of the reborn Bronco. We’ve also known what will powered it, details about its tires and wheels, that it will have a unique set of lights, that it will have FORD lettering written across the grille, and that it will be quite the beast capable of catching a good amount of air. But there’s one thing about this range-topping Bronco that’s been somewhat murky: its name.
At first, we referred to this model as the Bronco Raptor. Then, Ford filed to trademark the Bronco Warthog name in September 2020, resulting in the Bronco Warthog name taking the spotlight. However, Ford Authority has now learned that Ford’s thinking on the matter has changed.
Sources familiar with the matter have told us that Ford’s current leadership favors powerful, well-recognized names over new names that would need to establish recognition in the marketplace. It is precisely for that reason that two of the newest Ford products rely on existing names with plenty of history, cachet, recognition.
We’re of course referring to FoMoCo’s decision to name its first dedicated EV as the Mustang Mach-E (rather than just “Mach-E”) and its first electric pickup the F-150 Lightning (rather than F-150 EV or F-150 Electric). In that light, the Warthog name has no recognition beyond those closely following the latest Bronco-related news and developments. In fact, it’s not even clear which of the four warthogs inspired the Warthog name to begin with.
Now, those following Ford Authority’s coverage of all things Bronco might remember two instances that – at the time – seemed to confirm the Warthog name. The first appeared in a supplier letter and the second was the result of “Warthog” being written inside the wheel well of a prototype. Both of those instances can be explained by Warthog being Ford’s internal code name for the vehicle, much like Redback is the code name for the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor (you heard that here first), which will be powered by the twin-turbo Ford 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine (another Ford Authority exclusive).
At the end of the day, what we currently know is that the upcoming range-topping Bronco model will not be called Bronco Warthog when it launches in the second half of the 2022 calendar year. Instead, it will wear an entirely different name.
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Comments
Seem they spend more time on names then getting these vehicles out to the public. Launching new vehicles is not Fords strength.
Considering the worldwide mess manufacturing is in, especially in regards to items requiring chips, I’m surprised any major producer is even in a position to get any new product into the starting yard let alone on the sales floor. And at least you’re getting the Bronco, Mach E and the Lightning, down here in Oz the best we can hope for is a few imports locally remanufactured to right hand drive at a cost about twice your retail price; as an example your current Ftruck cost you about $US60k in Australia after conversion it will set you back about $120k so stop your whinging and be grateful it will at least come to you. These 3 vehicles would be sales successes in Australia but Ford won’t even consider them for us.
I understand your pain! While you in Australia enjoy numerous Great vehicles (for sale) such as the Toyota 70 and the Hilux (both with very rugged Diesel power plants), we can’t even say their name for fear of our EPA may burn our homes down. I suspect when the new Grenadier comes to market (soon) you’ll be able to purchase one with a straight 6 diesel!
It looks like a Bronco”R” hopefully with at least the Turbo 3.0 Ecoboost that will give it over 400 HP. It reminds me more of a trophy truck than an off-roading rock climber which I’m guessing would be extremely effective at any hard climbs thrown at it. Looks at the camo images. It should be a beast.
My request to Ford. Some of us (Your Customers) still like sedans. You had one in the older designed Fusion. Redesign it and Make it larger. Put it on a new rear wheel W/AWD option chassis. Offer a couple models with at least a 2.0 Ecoboost. Awd option and Solid safety features for the base model. Then a performance model with either a 450HP version of the 5 0 Coyote or the 400 HP 3.0 Turbo Ecoboost used in the Explorer ST. The dated Fusion was a solid seller before it’s demise in the US. I am a Ford guy but purchased a new Chrysler 300C Hemi because Ford had no performance/Luxury sedans available. I believe the the last couple years of the Fusion sold around 180,000 copies per year. I believe a new, larger and better designed one will be another Home run.
Cars other than the Mustang are dead here. Mustang is the best selling sports car in the world now. It out sold both the Camaro and Challenger COMBINED in the USA. The profit margin on trucks/SUV’s is massive. SUV’s do not have to meet the safety requirements put on cars, makes them cheaper to build. No profit in sedans and hatches. Ford just reported sales in Mexico were up 60% this year, LOL. That is a direct result of dumping underperforming products like other car companies. Want a sedan, by Korean, tops the Japanese in quality and price and not ugly as ‘ell like the Japanese cars.
Larger? No. That means bringing back the Taurus or Crown Victoria. Someday when Ford returns to its senses, it may import the Mondeo or even build it here (or more likely, Mexico).
3.0 liter? Good move, maybe ford will drop the 2.3 ecoboom, and go with either the 2.7 or the 3.0, it’s a shame they don’t offer a V-8. Ford does not offer a manual with anything other than the little 2.3, and the manual is being made in china! The 3.0 is a far better mill than the 2.7, just maybe, the problematic ford 4 bangers are being reengineered so they’ll last for more than 60,000 miles.
The Bronco is a horse. A warthog is a pig. Why throw one species over another.
Should be Bronco “Warhorse” or something like that.
Uhh…Mustang Cobra?
Ooh! Ooh! I know! I know!
The Bronco Pinto!
I’ll show myself out.
Thank you, Horshack. That was better than my ideas: Galaxie, Fairlane, Torino, which aren’t horses.
The A-10 “Warthog” is the ultimate symbol of ruggedness and toughness throughout all Military circles. Of course the USAF wants to get rid of it but the ‘Warthog’ has saved literally thousands of Soldiers and Marines lives. To hell with the Raptor fighter jet the A-10 is where it’s at. “That which does not kill you makes you stronger.” Except an A10, they will F*(king kill you.
Bronco Stallion
Totally off topic. Ford, ya finally ROUNDED the f-150 nose [2013 Raptors] than each year began Squaring them again? What a mistake!
Oh and to compound that, you put those stupid half square led lights for all the world to see. Just Saying!
We DO NOT miss sedans lol. Especially the Ford ones. Ford is my favorite make and I would not spend a dime on any of their sedans…… I actually wouldn’t buy a sedan at all but if I had to it would certainly not be domestic.
Great to see not a soul can agree on anything! I am also a dedicated Ford enthusiast, but would love to see the Bronco made with a V-8 and RWD. Just to stir the pot,, I’ll add that the 2012 Fusion with a manual 6-speed is a great sedan btw as I own one with almost 200k miles on it. RWD would be great on vehicles made in general though it seems FWD is becoming the popular choice for manufacturers. And Warthog is a badass name. 🙂
Wow! a 2012 fusion with the M82 chinese made manual? Does it have the problematic 2.0 four banger? You are lucky as hell, the Huge number of class actions, and complete break downs of the 2.0 ford’s is telling. Of course, there is a guy with 250,000 on his original Yugo! Even blind pigs sometimes find an acorn.
Considering the worldwide mess manufacturing is in, especially in regards to items requiring chips, I’m surprised any major producer is even in a position to get any new product into the starting yard let alone on the sales floor. And at least you’re getting the Bronco, Mach E and the Lightning, down here in Oz the best we can hope for is a few imports locally remanufactured to right hand drive at a cost about twice your retail price; as an example your current Ftruck cost you about $US60k in Australia after conversion it will set you back about $120k so stop your whinging and be grateful it will at least come to you. These 3 vehicles would be sales successes in Australia but Ford won’t even consider them for us.
I don’t see why they don’t just stick with Raptor, it’s a name synonymous with Ford offroad performance trucks in America and now the world thanks to Ford Australia’s work of producing the Ranger Raptor that’s sold around the world.
PS. Those asking for a V8 model, hold your breath, just before the covid hit Ford Australia were set to produce a V8 Ranger and had test mules being prepared, it’s understood it was scrapped to concentrate on the new Ranger, in particular it’s chassis, which is shared with the Bronco to accommodate bigger motors than the buzzbox 4 cylinder diesel and petrol motors. I’d be very surprised if the info gathered on the V8 fitment was just shredded.