V-8 Bronco isn’t happening, Ford says
Grab a tissue: Ford has no plans to build a V-8-powered Bronco. Muscle Cars & Trucks got the hard truth straight from Ford global program manager Jeff Seaman and Bronco chief engineer Eric Loeffler.
Hope as we might for a Coyote-powered Bronco to mirror Jeep’s possible 392 Wrangler, Ford says that emissions regulations squashed the case for a V-8.
“We have to manage the CO2 implications of the product,” Loeffler said in the interview. “…a small off-road vehicle … has a pretty high target from a government perspective in terms of C02.”
Unfortunately for V-8 devotees, Ford’s collection of EcoBoost V-6 engines simply checks all necessary boxes. The 310-hp 2.7-liter unit currently available in the Bronco and Bronco Sport churns out 400 lb-ft of torque, and, according to Loeffler, cylinder count is far less important to today’s customers than fuel economy and overall power. In short, Ford doesn’t need a V-8 to sell the Bronco—even for the anticipated Bronco Raptor.
“If the customer experience was significantly enhanced with a Coyote engine, it would have been under serious consideration,” Seaman explained.
Of course, we’re excited at the possible aftermarket creations that could emerge in the coming years to meet any unfulfilled demand. In the meantime, it wouldn’t be surprising if Ford delivered a hybrid Bronco to compete with the recently-announced Wrangler 4xe.
