We get new images and a short video of what we think is a 2021 Ford Bronco prototype driving around Dearborn, Michigan. Since these new images offer a lot of detail, let’s take the opportunity to list everything we know about the upcoming Bronco, and point out the things we do not have official confirmation for.
This test mule vehicle was caught driving near the Ford facility in Dearborn, MI, and the spy photographer says that there were also a Jeep Wrangler and a Toyota 4Runner being driving on the similar routes (although the three vehicles could not be pictured together).
2021 Ford Bronco
Ford has made several official announcements about the upcoming Bronco SUV. It will make a debut sometime in 2020, and it will be produced at the Wayne, MI facility that also currently produces the 2019 Ford Ranger.
Ford also published a covered silhouette of the new Bronco that shows its approximate shape with round wheel wells and a spare tire hanging out back.
This test vehicle is using a front-end and a cab from a Ford Ranger and custom-built rear section. Naturally, the new production Bronco will look nothing like the prototype. Still, we can learn quiet a bit from the images and the video clip below.
The prototype is riding on what appears to be a shortened Ford Ranger-type frame. Could this be a two-door Bronco prototype? We think Ford will focus on a four-door Ford Bronco because it will the more popular version, but we are not discounting an off-road focused two-door either.
Under the hood is likely an engine shared with the Ford Ranger; a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder that (in the Ranger) is rated at 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine could be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. We are not sure whether an electrified hybrid Bronco power train will be offered, but it is possible.
Bronco Raptor?
We recently had an unofficial report that an Raptor version of the Bronco is also being developed. You can think of a Bronco Raptor as an SUV with a wider body, special off-road suspension, more power, and slightly different style. The Bronco Raptor (if it will be produced) will definitely go up against the likes of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.
This prototype is running on relatively large BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires. These could be 33-inch tall tires, although the tire size is not clear in these images. This might just be an early Bronco Raptor test vehicle.
The prototype has an independent front suspension and a camouflaged rear suspension. The rear appears to be a solid axle. The spy photographer sources say that this test mule is riding on a coil spring suspension all around and it’s using a Dana44 rear axle and a Dana33 front differential.
Removable Doors & Roof?
Several patents came to light recently that were filed by Ford. They have to do with technology related to removable doors and a sliding or roll-up convertible roof. The removable doors and roof are very cool features, so I hope they make it to production eventually.
This is interesting indeed, but Ford has not made any official announcements about this yet.
Please let us know what you think about the upcoming Ford Bronco in the comments below.
