2020 Ford Bronco Might Come with 7-Speed Manual Transmission

Getrag appears to be hard at work developing a new manual transmission to make the new Bronco a proper Jeep rival.

Here we are, entering the final stretch of 2018. And yet, we still don’t know much more about the 2020 Ford Bronco than when we did way back in January. Which is when we learned that the off-road brute was officially making a comeback. That includes what it looks like, sans the one teaser pic Ford has graced us with thus far. We also don’t know what sort of engines it will be available with, nor if it will have solid axles.

But if a recent report by Jalopnik proves true, the 2020 Ford Bronco might just be available with one intriguing old school option – a manual transmission. And it isn’t just any old manual either. Rather, a 7-speed Getrag unit Ford has allegedly commissioned specifically for its Bronco revival. According to the report, the transmission will be called the MT-88. And it will likely be paired with the 2.7-liter Ecoboost V6.

Jalopnik also did a little digging around and found a spec page on Getrag’s website outlining details on the new transmission. The project, a 6-speed manual dubbed 6MTI550, is being developed by the company’s German engineering division. But it can also be upgraded to a 7-speed version called the 7MTI550.

Adding more fuel to the fire, Getrag originally called the current Mustang’s MT-82 6-speed manual the 6MTI500, which falls right in line with this numbering scheme. Additionally, Chinese Getrag employees are working on a project dubbed, you guessed it, MT-88.

Regardless, offering a manual transmission in the 2020 Ford Bronco might seem strange on the surface. After all, row-you-own gearboxes seem to be on the brink of death as fewer and fewer people opt for them. Heck, few manufacturers even bother to offer them these days.

But what if Ford is truly intent on building the Jeep Wrangler killer we all want? In that case, a manual transmission option is absolutely necessary. Combine that with the obviously edgy bodywork it’s wearing, and we might just get a proper Bronco reboot after all.

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.