All-Digital Bronco Raptor Gauge Cluster Wants to Optimize Off-Road Performance
Created by former videogame developers, the all-digital cluster on the Bronco Raptor will use dynamic animation and detailed avatars.
The Ford Bronco Raptor is coming, and we can’t wait. And the most impatient and wealthy among us will have a chance to buy the first one very soon. And while the SUV has been officially revealed, today we learn a little bit more about it. Specifically, Ford has released detailed information on the all-digital cluster that will be standard on every Bronco Raptor. And as you would expect in such a special vehicle, the instrument cluster is equally special.
The instrument cluster is the big story here, but before we get into those details we should note that the same team that worked on the cluster also designed the improved 12-inch center stack screen. The goal was to provide a seamless experience across all screens and to provide easy-to-read, quick-to-decipher information. In addition, MyMode enables drivers to save all of their favorite steering, exhaust and suspension settings. “The Bronco Raptor features advanced SYNC 4 connected vehicle technology that learns customer preferences and improves experiences such as automatically mapping to their favorite trail. Ford also can use this learning capability to improve the vehicle with more and more capability over time.” Ford Power-Up software updates offer potential for an even smarter Bronco Raptor with plans for new capabilities and off-road features. But let’s focus on that cool new cluster a bit more.
Performance View
Performance View can be used with any driving mode but as you can probably deduce from the name it is really designed for those high-speed baja runs. The tachometer is front and center along with vehicle speed. To the left and right of the tach is other vital information such as tire pressure, fuel level and oil pressure. “Performance View changes a driver’s impression of how to use the vehicle, with an intuitive layout that puts redline at the 12 o’clock position and uses a drivetrain avatar to really get the focus on optimizing the performance of the drive,” said Mark Sich, Ford digital design manager. “The entire focus is to provide the driver with important information as efficiently as possible.”
Bring the G.O.A.T to Life
Naturally the Bronco Raptor comes with the G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Terrain Management system. But in this application the modes are brought to life using animation. “Former videogame developers joined the design team in creating animations for all seven selectable drive modes, each capturing the specific performance and personality of the setting through the use of color, speed and even camera angle to help drivers quickly interpret how their vehicle is optimized at any given moment.”
G.O.A.T. Modes in Detail
Each of the seven modes have their own unique display characteristic to visually convey to the driver what the SUV is currently setup for.
Normal: The screen of the digital cluster uses a subtle blue to show the vehicle in an everyday driving scenario.
Sport: In this mode the cluster uses a red and white theme reminiscent of a track environment.
Tow/Haul: The Bronco Raptor has a tow rating of 4,500 pounds. And when in the tow/haul mode the gauges turn yellow. This is a subtle nod to construction vehicles at work.
Slippery: For those rainy or snowy days. The screen is highlighted in light blue to show a vehicle in rainy or icy conditions.
Off-Road: What else would you expect besides shades of brown to illustrate that the Bronco Raptor is ready for muddy, rutted, uneven terrain?
Baja: Now we are talking. This is where you want to spend most of your time if you buy the Bronco Raptor. When in this mode the cluster shows the vehicle driving across a desert scene.
Rock Crawl: There is not really a color that translates to rocks, so the cluster simply shows the Bronco Raptor crawling over rocks.
Want One Now?
You probably already wanted a Bronco Raptor. Why wouldn’t you? The all-digital cluster might not be the deciding factor either way. However, it is a cool piece of technology and will make the Raptor feel just a little more special. Just in case the 400-horsepower engine and 37-inch tires didn’t do that already. The Bronco Raptor should hit Ford showrooms this summer.
Images: Ford
