WHAT IT IS: An even more off-road-capable Ford Bronco. Although there was some thought Ford might call this version the Warthog, the latest intel says the well-known Raptor badge will be applied. That name and treatment would dovetail nicely with Ford’s other maximal off-road models, such as the F-150 Raptor offered here and the smaller Ranger Raptor sold only in foreign markets. Like those Raptors, expect the Bronco version to deliver the suspension, tire, and driveline modifications to allow for high-speed desert running. This makeover is particularly fitting for the Bronco, which has a rich history at the Baja off-road race. Look for this model to leverage Ford’s racing heritage, too.
WHY IT MATTERS: Billy-goating up some rocks at low speed is thrilling in its own way, and the regular Bronco is more than able to scramble any place a Jeep Wrangler can. But bombing down sand washes and over desert whoops at speed in a new 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor will fire the synapses in a whole different way. Who hasn’t dreamed of cosplaying as Parnelli Jones, conquering the Baja California Peninsula in a rugged Ford 4×4 as fans cheer you on from dangerously close proximity? The closest Jeep gets to this sort of off-roader is the Gladiator Mojave, though the Mojave desert-runner package will likely migrate to the Wrangler eventually.
PLATFORM AND POWERTRAIN: The playbook for the Bronco Raptor has already been written. Simply read the specs for the latest F-150 Raptor for a preview: Fox shocks, a lifted suspension, beefier axles, BFGoodrich T/A K02 tires, angrier styling, extra running lights, and hopefully a bit more horsepower. Forget the Bronco’s entry-level four-cylinder engine, as the Raptor likely will start with the up-level twin-turbo V-6, and it should build upon its 330 hp. We think 400 hp—or beyond—is more likely.
ESTIMATED PRICE: Don’t bring less than $50,000 to your Ford dealer. Jeep long ago kicked down the barriers separating its special Wrangler models from unhinged pricing. With Wrangler Rubicons trading for similar money and the new V-8-powered Wrangler 392 costing about
70 grand, Ford can charge pretty much whatever it pleases for this.
EXPECTED ON-SALE DATE: 2022
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