Both Bronco engines will be more powerful than expected, electric off-roader looks likely
When Ford revealed the Bronco in July of 2019, we were psyched to hear that the body-on-frame off-roader would deliver up to 270 hp with its turbo-four and 310 hp with a twin-turbo V-6. Those initial figures were conservative, according to a spec sheet just posted to Ford’s media site. The Blue Oval has—forgive us—bucked our expectations.
On premium fuel, the base, 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will top out at 300 hp and 325 pound-feet of torque; drinking the same stuff, the 2.7-liter V-6 will pump out 330 hp and a robust 415 pound-feet of torque. For the 2.3, that’s a 30-hp/15-lb-ft improvement over the figures Ford released back in July. The V-6 has added 20 hp and 15 lb-ft compared to the initial figures. Should you opt for regular fuel, you’ll still have a pleasant surprise: The four-banger still makes 275 hp and 315 lb-ft, while the V-6 puts out 315 hp and 410 lb-ft. Transmission choices remain unchanged, which means a 10-speed automatic transmission for both engines and an optional seven-speed manual for the four-cylinder.
If those weren’t enough Bronco rumblings for the day, Ford CEO Jim Farley was busy on Twitter stoking the rumor mill. By the looks of it, an electric off-roader (possibly based on the Bronco), is very likely in the works.
Why do you think we dont?
— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) May 10, 2021
One imagines “opinion” from the first tweet was likely meant to be “option,” but no doubt the possible misspelling gives Farley a bit of cover.
Of course, with its dirt-tossing Magneto prototype and order-ready hybrid 4xe, Jeep is perhaps several steps ahead of Ford here. But the very existence of the resurrected Bronco is proof that Ford wants to go toe-to-toe with the Wrangler, and we can only hope that, once again in the auto industry, rivalry breeds innovation. With the F-150 Lightning set for a May 19 reveal and the Mach-E already on sale, we already know Ford has no qualms about mixing classic nameplates with electric power. In the meantime, patient Bronco customers have even more to anticipate.
