BajaNomad - Ford unveils new Bronco as off-road, open-air Jeep rival for under $30,000

Ford unveils new Bronco as off-road, open-air Jeep rival for under $30,000

BajaNomad - 7-13-2020 at 06:35 PM

--
JUL 13 2020
Michael Wayland

Ford Motor is taking a run at the nation’s No. 1 off-road seller, the Jeep Wrangler, with its highly anticipated relaunch Monday night of the Bronco SUV — a boxy utility vehicle that developed a cult following after it was discontinued in 1996.

Ford is pricing the new Bronco starting at $29,995, including destination charges, just $205 above a base Jeep Wrangler. Top-end models with additional features and equipment can top $60,000. A limited “First Edition” Bronco model starts at $60,800, according to Ford’s website.

The two- and four-door Bronco models, according to Ford, are similar in size to the Wrangler, which is regularly among Fiat Chrysler’s best-selling vehicles in the U.S.

Ford originally confirmed its relaunch in January 2017, but fans had been awaiting the return of the Bronco for years before then.

“It’s a long time coming. The market is waiting and ready,” said Jeff Schuster, president of the Americas and global vehicle forecasts for research firm LMC Automotive. The Bronco is the Jeep Wrangler’s first direct competitor since General Motors’ Hummer, which is being relaunched next year, was discontinued in 2009. “We expect this to stack up nicely compared to the Wrangler.”

The Wrangler was seventh in sales last year among all compact SUVs and crossovers, according to LMC.

Like the Wrangler, the new Bronco models feature removable roofs and doors as well as more than 200 factory-backed accessories. All Bronco vehicles, Ford said, also will come standard with four-wheel drive.

“With Bronco, Ford is making a clear push into the off-road segment of the [North American] SUV market,” Credit Suisse analyst Dan Levy wrote in a note to investors Monday. “While we expect Wrangler to remain the leader in the off-road segment, we nevertheless see attractive opportunity for Bronco given its heritage.”

The Bronco, according to Levy, would contribute nearly $1 billion to Ford’s North American pretax earnings if sales reached 125,000 units. That’s based on profits per vehicle of about $7,500. That would make the Bronco one of Ford’s most profitable models, according to Levy.

Kumar Galhotra, Ford’s president of the Americas & International Markets Group, has said the company projects it will sell hundreds of thousands of new Bronco SUVs a year.

“They’re going to add substantial volume to the company, and they’re going to be growth volume because none of the vehicles exist today,” Galhotra previously told CNBC. “It is a net-add to the portfolio, net-add to volume and profitable volume.”

Ford unveiled its new “family” of Bronco off-road vehicles, including a smaller Bronco Sport SUV, online with a video narrated by actor Bryan Cranston.

“This time it’s not just one horse. It’s a whole family,” he said as the vehicles scaled rocks and drove through treacherous terrains. “Built with the toughness of an F-Series and spirit of a Mustang; built to be the future of off roading.”

The vehicles were also revealed through a partnership with Disney on ABC, ESPN and National Geographic during their 8 p.m. broadcasts. Each ad was unique to the channel and featured a special guest.

The Bronco Sport is expected to begin arriving in dealerships by the end of this year, followed by the Bronco next spring. Ford began taking $100 refundable deposits for the vehicles Monday night.

Ford compared the Bronco Sport, which will be built on a different vehicle platform than the Bronco, to a Jeep Compass, a less truck-like compact SUV. The vehicle is expected to be more mainstream than the Bronco but still have off-road capabilities, according to Ford.

“This absolutely belongs in the family of Broncos and will surprise and amaze people,” said Dave Pericak, Ford’s director of icon vehicles such as the new Bronco models. Ford, according to officials, expects the Bronco and Bronco Sport to appeal to different buyers.

The Bronco, like the Wrangler, features a removable roof as well as doors that can easily be taken off, Ford said. Four-door models come standard with a cloth soft top. Two-door vehicles come with a standard three-section removable roof system.

The Bronco Sport will be powered by a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with a targeted 181 horsepower and 190 pound-foot of torque or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine projected with 245 horsepower and 275 pound-foot of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Bronco will come standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine expected to deliver 270 horsepower and 310 pound-foot of torque. A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine projected at 310 horsepower and 400 pound-foot of torque also will be available. The engines are combined with a seven-speed manual transmission or 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Bronco Sport will be produced at the automaker’s factory in Hermosillo Sonora, Mexico. The Bronco will be produced at a plant in Michigan.

Using the Bronco name on several vehicles is part of a larger plan by Ford CEO and President Jim Hackett to leverage the company’s most recognized and iconic brands to lead its $11 billion restructuring.

“It’s a really big product year. I would say an unprecedented product year,” Galhotra said. “We are building on products that are iconic.”

Ford last month unveiled the next generation of its F-150 pickup, including a new hybrid model, and announced plans to resurrect a well-known performance model of the Mustang called the Mach 1. It’s also using the “Mach” name for the Mustang Mach-E, an all-electric crossover that’s expected to go on sale later this year. An all-electric version of the F-150 also is scheduled to be released in the next two years.

Mark Grueber, Bronco consumer marketing manager, declined to comment on any potential all-electric or hybrid versions of the Bronco.

Ford’s Pericak said one of the biggest challenges for his “icons” team is balancing out the history of such well-known vehicles with more modern design elements and new tech-savvy features.

“The pressure is immense. It’s huge,” he said. “It’s a constant battle to find the balance between leveraging the fantastic and rich heritage that we have with a lot of these nameplates but not living in the past. That would be a mistake.”

For the Bronco, that included keeping classic design elements but adding useful features such as a new off-road navigation system, large interior screens and up to seven driver-selectable modes: normal, eco, sport, slippery and sand as well as mud or rock crawl modes for off-road driving.

“We’re going to separate ourselves a bit,” Pericak said regarding Jeep. “We’re not afraid of competition. It’s about time we shake this up a bit.”
--

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/14/ford-unveils-new-bronco-as-o...

Hook - 7-13-2020 at 07:28 PM

I was always a little bit surprised that no company had stepped in and competed with the Wrangler; given their brisk sales, in that category. Certainly, someone could do a more RELIABLE rendition of this type of vehicle.

I could never get past the incredibly poor visibility in the FJ Cruiser. But there was no rag top option that I was aware of.

The Suzuki Samurai was just too short wheel-based to be a comfortable ride.

I never rode in a Geo. But they are long gone. Was there a soft top version of that?

I dont believe Land Rover did anything like that in the last 30-40 years.

Will Chevy now come out with an open air Blazer?

Tesla?

Ken Cooke - 7-13-2020 at 09:04 PM

[Edited on 7-14-2020 by Ken Cooke]

Ken Cooke - 7-13-2020 at 09:13 PM

The Sport has a, "Twin clutch rear drive unit" sounds very similar to the troublesome "Twin clutch transmission" unit that plagued the Ford Fiesta and Ford Fusion. My wife has a 2013 Ford Fiesta with the Twin Clutch Transmission. Jerky, Jerky lurching is not my idea of a reliable, good time. I would avoid any vehicle with that technology.

TMW - 7-13-2020 at 09:26 PM

Personally I would avoid any new model vehicle for a year or two until they get the bugs worked out. Now if someone wanted to give me one that's a different story. Ford do you hear me?

Decisions, decisions!

AKgringo - 7-13-2020 at 09:26 PM

Two doors or four? Automatic, or stick? And the big decision, buy now, or wait for the first editions to highlight any design flaws?

It looks like a rig that is far more capable on the trail than what I am driving now!

TMW - 7-13-2020 at 09:40 PM

Then you should buy one and let us know how it works out. Being from AK you should be able to give it a full workout while following an Ice Road Trucker.

Ken Cooke - 7-13-2020 at 09:54 PM

mtgoat666 - 7-13-2020 at 10:18 PM

I dunno....
Looks like a chicks car.

The jeep has poor leg room for tall people like me. Will the bronco be shorty car too?

Stickers - 7-13-2020 at 11:02 PM

Watched the video and it does seem that they took this remaking of Bronco very seriously. I’m impressed.
In my old Bronco I had to stop and get out to lock the front hubs into 4 wheel drive. These new cars look so high tech you can probably give voice commands for anything.

PaulW - 7-14-2020 at 11:31 AM

And here is an in depth video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onsPobKT6xc&feature=yout...

Ken Cooke - 7-14-2020 at 06:12 PM

The suspension has no front end droop! The video tries to obscure this 2x with it's use of camera angles and a tall dirt berm! The bumper will need to be replaced to fit a winch and if the H.O.S.S. goes down, it will need a visit to the dealership - just like the new Land Rover Defender.

The 'Sport' has a Twin clutch rear transmission - possibly the same as what's found on my wife's 2013 Ford Fiesta - the center of a class action lawsuit.

There will inevitability be a number of comparison videos with the Wrangler, the new Defender and the 4 Runner. But, watch the axle disconnected suspension droop on these videos - I'm not impressed.

AKgringo - 7-14-2020 at 07:00 PM

Ken, what do you mean by front end droop, and is that a good or bad thing? Also, what is H.O.S.S.?

PaulW - 7-15-2020 at 06:35 AM

Must be jeep talk?

SFandH - 7-15-2020 at 08:07 AM

So the Bronco and the Bronco Sport are very different cars?

The Bronco is body on frame (Ranger frame) and the Bronco Sport is unibody?

The Bronco is made in Detroit and the Bronco Sport in Monterrey.

AKgringo - 7-15-2020 at 08:22 AM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

So the Bronco and the Bronco Sport are very different cars?

The Bronco is body on frame (Ranger frame) and the Bronco Sport is unibody?

The Bronco is made in Detroit and the Bronco Sport in Monterrey.

Interesting! I did not see that information. I wonder what the difference in weight and performance is?

David K - 7-15-2020 at 08:26 AM

Made in Hermosillo.

PaulW - 7-15-2020 at 12:18 PM

Not exactly
The sport version is similar is size to the 1966 Gen1 bronco, but without the full blown off road capability of the larger version. Think of it as a small SUV like Jeep sells.
The larger new Bronco built on the Ranger platform size wise is in between the full size bronco which was based on the F150 that ended in 1996 and the Gen1 Bronco.

SFandH - 7-15-2020 at 01:40 PM

"Every Bronco will have four-wheel-drive, with the larger two-door and four-door models having significant off-road capability. Ford is using one of its global truck platforms for the vehicles. They have a body-on-frame architecture. The smaller Bronco Sport has unibody construction – like current crossovers on the market."

https://www.trucks.com/2020/07/13/ford-unveils-2021-bronco-s...

---------------------------------------

Bronco 2-door: wheelbase - 100, length - 173.7 inches
Bronco 4-door: wheelbase - 116, length - 189.5

Build at a Detroit factory.

https://www.ford.com/suvs/bronco/2021/models/bronco-base/

------------------------------------------------

Bronco Sport: wheelbase - 105, length - 172.7 inches

Built at a Hermosillo factory.

https://www.ford.com/suvs/bronco-sport/2021/models/bronco-sp...

-------------------------------------------

This is an unusual situation. Two fundamentally different vehicles, body on frame Bronco (which comes in 2 wheelbases) vs. unibody Bronco Sport, that look very similar with the same (almost) name.

Obviously I'm interested, it's time for me to buy another Baja Cruiser.

[Edited on 7-15-2020 by SFandH]

LosCabosbound - 7-15-2020 at 01:50 PM

Man, these will be fun all the way down Baja... only downfall, 3500 towing capacity

SFandH - 7-15-2020 at 01:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by LosCabosbound

Man, these will be fun all the way down Baja... only downfall, 3500 towing capacity

2000 for the Bronco Sport

PaulW - 7-15-2020 at 02:10 PM

SFandH - good post.
Btw remember both Broncos are a year away from being made and sold. I would expect significant changes in specs will occur before then.

Then remember Ford has a pretty poor record for first year reliability.

At least they are using the bullet proof 10 speed and 2.7 twin turbo. Nobody else can deliver such a good powertrain.
The 4 cyl after several years still has issues, but I am not up to date on that motor.

SFandH - 7-15-2020 at 02:27 PM

I'm skeptical of turbos. More expensive maintenance?

mtgoat666 - 7-15-2020 at 09:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH

I'm skeptical of turbos. More expensive maintenance?

Then get a ‘74 bronco with carburetor.

El Jefe - 7-16-2020 at 08:17 AM

I will wait for the electric version.

AKgringo - 7-16-2020 at 10:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by El Jefe

I will wait for the electric version.

I will probably hold off until the bugs are worked out with the flux capacitor!

Maderita - 7-16-2020 at 11:12 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Quote: Originally posted by El Jefe

I will wait for the electric version.

I will probably hold off until the bugs are worked out with the flux capacitor!

AKgringo, You could pick up a spare from O'Reilly Auto Parts, just in case of a breakdown:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/flux-500.html

David K - 7-16-2020 at 12:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Maderita

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Quote: Originally posted by El Jefe

I will wait for the electric version.

I will probably hold off until the bugs are worked out with the flux capacitor!

AKgringo, You could pick up a spare from O'Reilly Auto Parts, just in case of a breakdown:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/flux-500.html

Need to get to 88 miles per hour!

Don Pisto - 7-16-2020 at 03:19 PM

these are badazz cars...Ford hit a homer! :yes:

Ken Cooke - 7-16-2020 at 03:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Ken, what do you mean by front end droop, and is that a good or bad thing? Also, what is H.O.S.S.?

Suspension down travel is severely limited. It looks like the swaybar disconnect allows for some additional down travel, but not very much. This is detrimental over uneven terrain - especially when encountered in combination with steep enough pitch.

TMW - 7-17-2020 at 12:11 PM

Anything is fixable if you have enough money.

del mar - 7-17-2020 at 01:11 PM

I'll believe it all....when I hear it from Harold!

mtgoat666 - 7-17-2020 at 02:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Ken, what do you mean by front end droop, and is that a good or bad thing? Also, what is H.O.S.S.?

And "HOSS" is what? A mispronunciation of "horse" (as in "HOSS-power") or the big Cartwright kid?

SFandH - 7-17-2020 at 05:16 PM

Maybe he means the GOAT terrain management system.

GOAT is an acronym for Go Over Any Terrain.

[Edited on 7-18-2020 by SFandH]

The Broncos Achilles Heel described at length..

Ken Cooke - 7-17-2020 at 05:42 PM

From Modern Jeeper (Metalcloak)
Link: https://modernjeeper.com/bronco-vs-jeep-the-battle-is-on-can...

Abstract: If you all remember, in the early days of the JL concept Jeep lovers were adamant to the late CEO of Fiat, Sergio Marchionne that the next generation Wrangler must have a solid axle. And, of course, Jeep complied.

Ford had a blank slate to work with and they chose IFS. Their experience with the Ford Raptor proves that they know how to build a “go-fast” desert runner and they adapted that knowledge to the new Bronco.

However, insiders who had a chance to test the new Bronco over the last several months told us that while the Bronco is a great rig for Go-Fast, it is lacking in the rock-crawling department… why? Most likely because of the IFS.

mtgoat666 - 7-17-2020 at 08:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

From Modern Jeeper (Metalcloak)
Link: https://modernjeeper.com/bronco-vs-jeep-the-battle-is-on-can...

Abstract: If you all remember, in the early days of the JL concept Jeep lovers were adamant to the late CEO of Fiat, Sergio Marchionne that the next generation Wrangler must have a solid axle. And, of course, Jeep complied.

Ford had a blank slate to work with and they chose IFS. Their experience with the Ford Raptor proves that they know how to build a “go-fast” desert runner and they adapted that knowledge to the new Bronco.

However, insiders who had a chance to test the new Bronco over the last several months told us that while the Bronco is a great rig for Go-Fast, it is lacking in the rock-crawling department… why? Most likely because of the IFS.

Maybe 1/1000th of the bronco market wants to rock crawl, and the rock crawlers can just go buy a jeep, eh?

Or mod their bronco.

[Edited on 7-18-2020 by mtgoat666]

The most over-hyped SUV

Ken Cooke - 7-17-2020 at 10:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Maybe 1/1000th of the bronco market wants to rock crawl, and the rock crawlers can just go buy a jeep, eh?

Or mod their bronco.

[Edited on 7-18-2020 by mtgoat666]

The Bronco is the most over-hyped SUV
(This article slams the new Bronco)

Link: https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-ford-bronco-is-the-most-ove...

Abstract: The new Ford Bronco is here, and while many Ford fans freaked out about the reveal, other SUV enthusiasts were pretty disappointed. After all the hype and having to wait for the reveal after delays, the 2021 Ford Bronco isn’t living up to its promises.

caj13 - 7-18-2020 at 06:43 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Cooke

I understand the conventional wisdom on IFS, but if its true, why are many of the new crawlers (and the winners for the last several years) built for KOH etc have IFS? and those danged Land rovers, they have IFS as well, and they seem to do pretty well?

del mar - 7-18-2020 at 09:28 AM

here's a detailed view of the Bronco's set up from the folks over at Jalopnik.....its pretty long and concise. :coolup:

https://jalopnik.com/an-extremely-detailed-look-into-the-for...

[Edited on 7-18-2020 by del mar]

Ken Cooke - 7-18-2020 at 10:37 AM

Quote: Originally posted by caj13

Here is Loren Healey's take on Ultra 4 IFS vs. Straight axle technology. The performance in the rocks is vastly improved with straight axle suspension components.

Link: https://www.drivingline.com/articles/solid-axle-vs-ifs-in-ul...

A ridiculous Craigslist post!

AKgringo - 8-13-2020 at 08:25 PM

All of the recent publicity about the new Bronco has left the owner of an original version with pipe dreams;

https://goldcountry.craigslist.org/cto/d/grass-valley-ford-b...

PaulW - 8-14-2020 at 05:58 AM

Demand is significant and continues and prices are still increasing.
50 year old collectable.

SFandH - 8-14-2020 at 07:10 AM

#1 Concours $74,200
Condition #1 vehicles are the best in the world. The visual image is of the best vehicle, in the right colors, driving onto the lawn at the finest concours. Perfectly clean, the vehicle has been groomed down to the tire treads. Painted and chromed surfaces are mirror-like. Dust and dirt are banned, and materials used are correct and superbly fitted. The one word description for #1 vehicles is "concourse."

#2 Excellent $49,000

#3 Good $32,700

#4 Fair $17,300

https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationtools/1971-ford-bronco

That's quite a spread. I wonder where the advertised car falls.

PaulW - 8-14-2020 at 07:32 AM

SFandH,
Inspection in person is required. Way to many details that a picture or written description would be needed. Having said that a recent I am personally familiar with had a sale for 35k. Expensive motor and trans, but a rust bucket with an ill fitting cloth top and a terrible body. Bought sight unseen. These sales mostly come from "classicbroncos.com" where all the early bronco folks hang out.

It lacks pinstripes!

AKgringo - 8-14-2020 at 08:17 AM

There are three values to consider;

1....The insured value
2....The asking price
3....What some one will actually pay for it

I don't get the collector aspect in this case, so #2 is about ten times what I would pay for it! I would certainly add pinstripes!

PaulW - 8-14-2020 at 09:30 AM

I bet it will sell close to 50k ??

SFandH - 8-14-2020 at 11:09 AM

Of course Jay Leno has one. Seems he has at least one of every car built.

Souped up a bit, 760 hp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzQ91ggSqZQ

[Edited on 8-14-2020 by SFandH]

wessongroup - 8-14-2020 at 12:24 PM

Thanks much ... Impressive build