The last time we saw the all-new 2021 Ford Bronco during testing it was in the form of a Ranger-based mule.
We’re glad to say that stage is over as we can now show you the 2021 Bronco in prototype guise featuring the production bodywork it will use when it goes on sale later this year. Spotted on public roads in Michigan, this four-door 2021 Ford Bronco is camouflaged to the teeth but we can still decipher plenty of interesting stuff.
First of all, the off-roader won’t wear a hat; that black cover on the roof and the rear quarter panels is actually there to keep the removable roof from prying eyes.
Watch: 2021 Ford Bronco Looks Off-Road Ready In New Teaser Video
Our photographers managed to get close enough to the prototype to shoot the inside of the roof which reveals internal roll bars. Don’t mind the makeshift structure above the bars – that’s just to support the “black hat” which camouflages the real roof. This basically confirms rumors that the 2021 Bronco will offer a removable roof to match the Jeep Wrangler’s open-air character.
Cheeky camouflage
Despite the heavy camouflage (made up of thousands of tiny symbols and letters, some of which spell ‘Bronco’), the boxy shape, generous ground clearance and tailgate-mounted spare wheel speak volumes about the SUV’s off-road credentials. We can’t see the shape of the headlights, the grille or the taillights but the latter appear to be laid out vertically.
What we can see, though, is the off-road suspension design and components – both front and rear. The underbody shots clearly reveal the body-on-frame design of the Bronco, as well as the exhaust muffler which is parallel with the rear bumper. We can also spot that this prototype rides on Bridgestone Dueller A/T tires, sized at 255/75 R17.
The photos also give us a look at the dashboard, though there’s not much to see there as everything is covered up. Still, we do get a peek at the infotainment screen placed at the top of the center console.
What will power it?
Based on a modified version of the T6 architecture that will also underpin the next-generation Ranger pickup, the Bronco will reportedly feature a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with around 270 HP (274 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. It could also get an optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with approximately 325 hp (330 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque.
A 10-speed automatic transmission is expected to come standard, while a manual could also be offered. Four-wheel drive will definitely be part of the package, though it’s not clear if Ford will make it standard or optional. We’ll know for sure this spring when Ford will officially unveil the 2021 Bronco.
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