Real Bronco Test Mule--it's an Everest
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From: Detroit
Real Bronco Test Mule--it's an Everest
Covered front end, but the side sheetmetal, greenhouse, and even the wheels are straight Everest... There might be some body changes, but Ford is not gonna reinvent the wheel for a limited production SUV based on the Ranger. A friend spotted a camoed Everest almost a year ago in Dearborn and I told her what it was from her photo... The article does suggest the Bronco will be different because they'd camo the sides of the test mule if this was really it. So maybe powertrain testing?
Spied! Mule for 2020 Ford Bronco Caught Testing in Michigan - Motor Trend
Spied! Mule for 2020 Ford Bronco Caught Testing in Michigan - Motor Trend
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Are they seriously going to make a soccer mom SUV and call it a Bronco?! That thing is not a bronco! Well ford just crushed my dreams of a decent SUV coming out, more lame eco based junk it seems. I guess I can always dream of the Dodge Ramcharger concept coming to life anyway...
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The shape of the body may end up different and I believe it will be a tough body-on-frame truck but you're not gonna get a '66 or '78 Bronco any more than you're gonna get a '66 or '78 F100/F150 pickup.
Current F150's are also suitable for soccer moms. Were you driving when pickup trucks had rubber mats on the floor and one bench seat? I was, and proudly bought a '78 F100 brand new as my first new vehicle. Most Jeep Wranglers in my area are driven by rich high school girls and parked at the mall...
If you really want a '66 or '78 Bronco, buy an old one and restore it. But first see if you can drive a restored one and see how many modern features and comforts you miss. Or do the same with a vintage Ramcharger and enjoy the 10 mpg economy and the buckboard ride. Modern equivalent is a Durango with a Hemi...
George
Current F150's are also suitable for soccer moms. Were you driving when pickup trucks had rubber mats on the floor and one bench seat? I was, and proudly bought a '78 F100 brand new as my first new vehicle. Most Jeep Wranglers in my area are driven by rich high school girls and parked at the mall...
If you really want a '66 or '78 Bronco, buy an old one and restore it. But first see if you can drive a restored one and see how many modern features and comforts you miss. Or do the same with a vintage Ramcharger and enjoy the 10 mpg economy and the buckboard ride. Modern equivalent is a Durango with a Hemi...
George
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Good grief I hope not, I just read that a Ford rep had said the Bronco will be very low production and expensive ( i.e. Raptor ) who in the world is gonna fork over serious money for that or anything like it. I think they're gonna deliver but the average guy (me) won't be able to afford to play.
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Again, I sincerely doubt that the Bronco will become the Everest--it will probably borrow the frame/underpinnings, engine, and some technology features shared with the Everest, but this is not going to be the Bronco.
One leaker recently noted that the Bronco is currently undergoing an Identity Crisis, and designers are making it look too much like a Wrangler. The important info from that news is that the Bronco will be a tough off-roader, pretty much taking a piece of the Wrangler's buyers. It's getting it's own complete new design. It will not be an Everest. As problems are resolved, the Bronco will be a great looking truck that deserves its namesake.
This is most likely a test mule, testing the few details shared between the two midsized SUVs. If this is what to expect design-wise on a highly anticipated all-new vehicle, they would do more that lightly cover the front clip. Besides, it should hit the market in 2 years or more--there's still plenty of time for designing.
One leaker recently noted that the Bronco is currently undergoing an Identity Crisis, and designers are making it look too much like a Wrangler. The important info from that news is that the Bronco will be a tough off-roader, pretty much taking a piece of the Wrangler's buyers. It's getting it's own complete new design. It will not be an Everest. As problems are resolved, the Bronco will be a great looking truck that deserves its namesake.
This is most likely a test mule, testing the few details shared between the two midsized SUVs. If this is what to expect design-wise on a highly anticipated all-new vehicle, they would do more that lightly cover the front clip. Besides, it should hit the market in 2 years or more--there's still plenty of time for designing.
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Ford is already off target with this. The goal should have been recreating a Bronco, not sort of copying the Wrangler. Many reports are that the design team is on it's third go around and the clock is ticking.
I also read that MSRP will start at $30K, be only offered as a 4 door and that Bronco/Rangers will be made of steel. Roof panels will be removeable in the same way as a Jeep Renegade. I know, it's all hearsay by unidentified sources supposedly within Ford.
Listen Ford, quit using focus groups and build it as a basic utility. A high content, safely designed urban curb hopper will get lost in a sea of SUV/CUVs.
I also read that MSRP will start at $30K, be only offered as a 4 door and that Bronco/Rangers will be made of steel. Roof panels will be removeable in the same way as a Jeep Renegade. I know, it's all hearsay by unidentified sources supposedly within Ford.
Listen Ford, quit using focus groups and build it as a basic utility. A high content, safely designed urban curb hopper will get lost in a sea of SUV/CUVs.
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Logistics Pro
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One question I have for all the purists is "what is a Bronco?"
Is it a '66 throwback, tiny and unrefined, or is it a '78, which is much larger and based off an F150? Or something from the 90's? I suspect that even if Ford chose to do a modern day version of any of these, at least half the Bronco fans would complain because they prefer the alternative... And any modern day vehicle is gonna have the required safety gear, and the luxury gear that buyers expect. Want crank-up windows and no air conditioning?
Compare a current F150 with a '66 or '78 F series pickup and tell me how much demand there is among buyers for a reboot of one of the old ones. How many regular cab F150's are being sold these days? And if you "follow the money" it ain't gonna take you to a regular cab XL...it's gonna take you to a crew cab loaded to the gills.
George
Is it a '66 throwback, tiny and unrefined, or is it a '78, which is much larger and based off an F150? Or something from the 90's? I suspect that even if Ford chose to do a modern day version of any of these, at least half the Bronco fans would complain because they prefer the alternative... And any modern day vehicle is gonna have the required safety gear, and the luxury gear that buyers expect. Want crank-up windows and no air conditioning?
Compare a current F150 with a '66 or '78 F series pickup and tell me how much demand there is among buyers for a reboot of one of the old ones. How many regular cab F150's are being sold these days? And if you "follow the money" it ain't gonna take you to a regular cab XL...it's gonna take you to a crew cab loaded to the gills.
George
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What I'm saying, and I think a lot of others are hoping for, is a utility first vehicle. It should be designed rugged and simple as it's primary function. Options can be added after the fact.
I know and always figured that this would not be a Wrangler. That it would have IFS up front and no V8 option. The Everest is a fine competitor for a 4runner, I don't dislike it at all. But it isn't a Bronco. Why slap a Bronco name on any SUV. Ford has had that option for years, but hasn't done so.
All I'm saying is that it should be absolutely rugged in the spirit of it's name, a usable, practical true utilitarian vehicle.
I know and always figured that this would not be a Wrangler. That it would have IFS up front and no V8 option. The Everest is a fine competitor for a 4runner, I don't dislike it at all. But it isn't a Bronco. Why slap a Bronco name on any SUV. Ford has had that option for years, but hasn't done so.
All I'm saying is that it should be absolutely rugged in the spirit of it's name, a usable, practical true utilitarian vehicle.
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Have had all model of bronco , wife currently drive a 87 bronco II ., when she heard there may be a new model coming she put off replacing it. then at last winters car show
they said it would be available in 4 door no 2 door. I came home from work there a new
jeep in driveway . and I work at a ford dealer. have talked to others they have no desire for a 4 door ., Ford screwed this up.
they said it would be available in 4 door no 2 door. I came home from work there a new
jeep in driveway . and I work at a ford dealer. have talked to others they have no desire for a 4 door ., Ford screwed this up.
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The 4 door will sell. Don't know of it will outsell the JKU. I was looking forward to a short wheel base runabout a little more substantial than a Wrangler. Looks like that won't happen.
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There have been too many rumors to count. I can't remember a vehicle that had this much speculation and anticipation. It's almost certain now that it will have IFS like the Ranger it will be based on.
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There was a rumor that Ford was negotiating with Dana on both front and rear axles, but Dana can make gears and parts for IFS as well as solid axles. If you want two solid axles, best thing would be to plan buying a Jeep Wrangler. But there is *some* possibility, however, small, of the Bronco getting a solid axle on the front. Aha, found an article that says Dana's gear technology will be used for both front and rear axles, but even the article notes that Dana does IFS parts too. 2020 Ford Bronco may get Dana soild axles to take on Jeep Wrangler, according to report
