Seven driving modes, two-speed transfer case, removable doors: The Ford Bronco is meant to be an all-terrain car. Available in two model variants, the Outer Banks is said to be suitable for “hardcore off-road vehicle fans” and the Badland “especially for extreme off-road tours”. Both use a 335 hp EcoBoost V6 petrol engine with a displacement of 2.7 liters and twin turbocharging. The manufacturer specifies the maximum torque as 563 Newton meters and the combined fuel consumption as 10.7 – 10.2 liters per 100 kilometers. To improve efficiency and engine performance, an electronically controlled boost pressure valve and high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation are installed.
The four-wheel drive appears as standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and seven driving modes (including “Normal”, “Slippery”, “Mud” and “Rocky”). A short off-road ratio is said to contribute to off-road capability and the designation “G.O.A.T.” (“Goes over any Terrain”). To do this, the Bronco relies on a two-stage transfer case: the off-road reduction can be activated while driving at the push of a button. On the Outer this works via an electronically controlled system – on the Badlands it is electro-mechanical, so that depending on the terrain between front and four-wheel drive is automatically selected.
“State-of-the-art” assistance functions should also make it possible for those inexperienced to drive off-road: at a preselected speed of up to 31 km/h, the Bronco should brake and accelerate automatically, while another assistant shifts both acceleration and braking to the accelerator pedal. The “Trail Turn Assist” system is said to be able to reduce the turning circle of the four-door by up to 40 percent. Airbags in the head area, in the sides and in the front should ensure the safety of the occupants.
With the box-shaped chassis made of high-strength steel, Ford promises high torsional rigidity. With a length of up to 259 millimeters, the suspension travel should also contribute to off-road capability. An additional external reservoir with hydraulic fluid cools the shock absorbers during intensive use and improves suspension comfort.
Anyone who does not need the doors when driving off-road should be able to remove them in eight minutes using a special tool. In addition, integrated attachment points for work or sports equipment should make the off-roader a practical vehicle. A hardtop made of four removable parts is standard. Standard equipment also includes towing hooks at the front and rear.
In contrast to the underbody protection, which is only available at extra cost, a 360-degree camera is standard. It is intended to provide a view of the spaces around the vehicle that cannot otherwise be seen. The Bronco also has an eight-inch TFT display in the instrument panel and a 12-inch touchscreen that can be operated via voice control. A smartphone can be connected to the vehicle via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On top of that, updates “over the air” are possible, which is often standard in newer cars these days and should save you a visit to the workshop.
“After a 25-year break, we were able to ignite a wave of enthusiasm with the new model in America that we ourselves could hardly have imagined in this form. Now we are happy to be able to let European customers also enjoy this special Bronco spirit for the first time to be able to,” said Jon Williams, managing director of Ford Blue Europe, in a press release published a few days ago.
For the reissue of the 1966 Bronco, which was first launched in the United States at the time, Ford designers are said to have scanned and digitized the characteristic contours of the original version in their original size. The result is compact body overhangs and striking shapes. Features of the F-series pickups and sporty components of the Ford Mustang were also incorporated.
In fact, some of the first generation of the Bronco should be reminiscent. Characteristic design features of that generation should be found on the instrument panel. In terms of color, the developers are now opting for natural tones and outdoor design. The US carmaker also wants to surprise its customers with “Easter eggs”. Behind it are small details that are also intended to point to the original model from 1966: such as corresponding graphics, an integrated bottle opener in the interior and GPS data of the locations where the developers of the model at the time carried out special vehicle tests. If you want to give the front of the Bronco your own look, you can “easily” remove and replace the two round main headlights and the front shock absorber.
The SUV is produced in the US state of Michigan and is scheduled to appear in “select countries” in Europe this year – albeit in a very limited edition. In terms of price, it starts at 74,500 euros.
