New Ford Bronco: Everything We Know So Far
While teasers and rumors are plentiful surrounding the new Bronco, Ford has done a good job of keeping details hidden away.
The Return
After years of rumors and hype, Ford is about to reintroduce Bronco to the automotive landscape. Like Supra and the forthcoming mid-engine Corvette C8, enthusiasts' anticipation has reached a breaking point. Except, Ford has been far better at keeping info about the 2020 Bronco under a tight wrap. While details and images are still scarce at this point, let's catch up on all the info we have so far on the upcoming 2020 Ford Bronco...
Photos courtesy of Autoblog and Brono6G.com.
OG Bronco
The original Bronco was a legend for a reason. Bronco was Ford's iteration of a capable and affordable civilian four-wheel-drive off-roader. Rivaling the Jeep CJ-5, its box-section body-on-frame design was meant to be a simple and economical two-door "Sports Utility" which was attractive to buyers at the time. In 1966, Bronco was offered in three body configurations, including a 2-door wagon, half-cab pickup, and open-body roadster. With it's overall design philosophy remaining relatively unchanged over the course of its 30-year production, demand declined as buyers sought larger, four-door SUVs that were more on-road capable for more practical purposes.
Join the conversation about the 2020 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
2004
After almost 20 years off the market, enthusiasts saw their first glimpse of a Bronco resurgence when Ford showed off a Bronco concept at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Key design features reminiscent of the original Bronco included its classic two-door body with a boxy upright roofline, short wheelbase, round headlamps, and Bronco nameplate milled into a modern three-bar grille. Ford wanted to show consumers it could design a true-to-its-heritage Bronco utilizing modern design elements and technology.
Join the conversation about the 2020 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Officially Official
After the 2004 concept was introduced, the Bronco comeback tour went dark again. Then in 2015, a trademark filing for the Bronco nameplate was uncovered. Ford officials finally confirmed Bronco's return at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Huzzah!
Join the conversation about the 2020 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Cousin Ranger
Ford global operations president Joe Hinrichs confirmed to Road & Track that the Bronco and the Ranger would share a platform, meaning it will be a true body-on-frame SUV. Further, officials confirmed the 2020 Bronco would be built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.
Join the conversation about the 2020 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Two AND Four Door
Ford is reportedly looking at producing a classic two-door Bronco, along with a four-door version. While not official, a four-door model makes most sense in today's market, but a two-door version of Bronco will resonate most to enthusiasts much like Wrangler and its two-door and four-door versions.
Join the conversation about the 2020 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Removable Doors AND Roof
Motor Trend uncovered patent details about potential removable doors being available on the 2020 Bronco. The drawings show an innovative design featuring an impact beam that can be left on the vehicle or removed. Usage of an impact beam with the doors removed would allow drivers to enjoy the traditional Bronco open-air driving experience while maintaining a level of safety that Jeep Wrangler does not. Adding to the open-air experience is the possibility of a retractable cloth and mesh roof working in conjunction with the confirmed removable top.
Join the conversation about the 2020 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Engine Predictions
With Ranger and Mustang utilizing Ford's 2.3-liter Ecoboost turbocharged 4-cylinder, it is hard to believe this motor may not end up an option for Bronco. Enthusiasts may appreciate a bit more power than the 270 horsepower inline-four can offer. Therefore, it would be nice to see Ford's Ecoboost V6 with 325 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque make its way into the Bronco's engine bay. Another interesting rumor is that the 2020 Bronco may utilize a 7-speed Getrag-sourced manual transmission. If a 7-speed manual doesn't give you chills, it should.
Join the conversation about the 2020 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Coming Soon...
As we anxiously await a full reveal of the upcoming 2020 Ford Bronco, these rumors and renderings from Bronco6G should be able to tide you over until then. We've all waited this long, expect to see a full reveal of Bronco later this year or early next.
Join the conversation about the 2020 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section right here in the forum.