FWIW .....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
There is a big question about how they might aim to beat the Wrangler though. From what we know so far, it would appear that Ford is trying to be the best mall crawler.
That might translate into a lot of sales, but that depends on whether or not the people who aren't going to use off-road capability care if the Bronco is perceived to have any rugged credibility. Even if most people who are buying Wranglers never use half of its off road capability, it is highly probable that they made their purchase because it is capable of those things and has built a reputation and public perception on that ability.
Does this low-slung crossover version of the Bronco make you think "rugged off road sport vehicle" or are you wondering "why doesn't this minivan have a rear door?"
.
That might translate into a lot of sales, but that depends on whether or not the people who aren't going to use off-road capability care if the Bronco is perceived to have any rugged credibility. Even if most people who are buying Wranglers never use half of its off road capability, it is highly probable that they made their purchase because it is capable of those things and has built a reputation and public perception on that ability.
Does this low-slung crossover version of the Bronco make you think "rugged off road sport vehicle" or are you wondering "why doesn't this minivan have a rear door?"
.
I am guessing that the low-slung look of the Bronco mules is due to covering their "top secret" suspension with extra panels. There is no doubt that with a separate body-frame construction based on the Ranger that it will be much tougher than the unit body crossovers out there. The only body/frame SUV's out there are the Wrangler and the 4Runner and I'm guessing the Bronco will hit midway between them somewhere and be plenty tough.
It's interesting that Ford's strategy is killing their cars, making the new 2020 Escape more car-like, slotting the new "baby Bronco" below that (as a tougher version of the EcoSport), and the new "real Bronco" above it. They will have to differentiate the Bronco from the Edge to sell some volume and not completely cannibalize the Edge (which, with the ST version, is clearly a smooth road hotrod like the BMW X5).
Gonna be an interesting few years, but EVERYTHING is gonna be really expensive.
George
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
I agree that the mule is not the final Bronco although it's my guess that the chassis and suspension are likely close to the real product.
As for removable top and doors, 90% of Jeep Wranglers in the Detroit area are mall crawlers and are the cool thing for middle aged life crisis men and high school girls from wealthy families to "wear"....
As for removable top and doors, 90% of Jeep Wranglers in the Detroit area are mall crawlers and are the cool thing for middle aged life crisis men and high school girls from wealthy families to "wear"....
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Most people don't associate removable doors and roof with offroading -- or if they do, it's not for a functional reason, but one of style. It's just a convertible truck. They can drive their convertible truck to the mall and look cooler than the rest of the trucks at the mall.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,863
Likes: 4
From: Airdrie Alberta
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/autos/news...mage=AACuQSS|6
regular cab raptor f150 spotted testing. Article speculating that it could be Bronco related but I don’t think so.
regular cab raptor f150 spotted testing. Article speculating that it could be Bronco related but I don’t think so.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 249
Likes: 62
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/autos/news...mage=AACuQSS|6
regular cab raptor f150 spotted testing. Article speculating that it could be Bronco related but I don’t think so.
regular cab raptor f150 spotted testing. Article speculating that it could be Bronco related but I don’t think so.
Doubtful Ford would make a reg cab extremely shortbed raptor so this is the Bronco raptor chassis for sure. The pre-runner bronco. Ford's not playing around. They're taking forever, but at least they're not half-assing this like GM and the blazer. Of course the failure to give us a SFA is another topic.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
Why not? Because a F150 Raptor is such a practical vehicle that no one interested in its offroad capabilities would consider getting one without 4 doors?
The chassis has overhangs that are much too long for any kind of Bronco. This is a pickup, just like it appears to be.
The chassis has overhangs that are much too long for any kind of Bronco. This is a pickup, just like it appears to be.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 728
From: Calgary Canada
I don't know what it is, but I do know I LIKE IT! Can't imagine those fenders are identical to the F150 Raptor fenders, and so, they had to be custom, and they look pretty polished. Someone went to a lot of trouble over those, so I'm guessing (hoping) that this is a production-intended vehicle.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,863
Likes: 4
From: Airdrie Alberta
Its nothing at all to do with the ranger. It’s an F150 Raptor with a regular cab. F150 is wider than a ranger.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 2,535
From: Pittsburgh
So why does the writer think it has something to do with the Bronco when the new Ranger and Bronco share a chassis and it has the 150 cab . Since it isn`t camouflaged why would this prototype be in the open like all the prototypes have been ?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,863
Likes: 4
From: Airdrie Alberta
To get “hits” or views on their article.
