Ford Delays New Bronco Unveiling Again, This Time To Skip O.J. Simpson’s Birthday

The 2021 Ford Bronco can’t seem to catch a break as its highly anticipated unveiling was originally postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last weekend, the company announced a new date of July 9th. That seemed perfectly fine, but it coincided O.J. Simpson’s birthday.

The former football running back, nicknamed “The Juice”, of course, is famous for a Ford Bronco chase following the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman. An estimated 95 million people watched the chase live and it was one of the iconic moments of the 1990’s.

Also Read: The 2021 Ford Bronco Debuts On July 9th… O.J. Simpson’s Birthday

Ford originally downplayed the connection and said the unveiling on Simpson’s birthday was simply a coincidence. However, the story was picked up by traditional news outlets and it appears Ford decided to back down.

As noticed by The Detroit News, Ford Chief Communications Officer, Mark Truby, tweeted out “The reveal of the all-new Ford Bronco lineup will now happen on Monday, July 13.” He went on to say the “previous targeted date of July 9 unintentionally coincided with O.J. Simpson’s birthday. We wanted to be sensitive and respectful of this concern.”

UPDATE: The reveal of the all-new Ford Bronco lineup will now happen on Monday, July 13. The previous targeted date of July 9 unintentionally coincided with O.J. Simpson’s birthday. We wanted to be sensitive and respectful of this concern.

— Mark Truby (@mtruby) June 19, 2020

Of course, the Bronco has leaked like a sieve and we’re already seen countless photos of the upcoming model. As you’re undoubtedly aware, the SUV will feature a retro-inspired design with circular headlights, bulging fender flares and slab-sided bodywork.

The model has also been heavily influenced by the Jeep Wrangler as it will feature a removable roof as well as locking differentials and an electronic sway bar disconnect.

Engine options are slated to include a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. There could also be a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 with 325 hp (242 kW / 330 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. Both are expected to be connected to a ten-speed automatic transmission or a seven-speed manual with an off-road focused crawler gear.

The smaller Bronco Sport has also been photographed without camo

Truby’s mention of “Bronco lineup” is also interesting as it suggests the Bronco Sport could debut at the event. It’s based on the Escape, but features a more rugged design.

Engine options are slated to carryover and include a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder with 180 hp (134 kW / 182 PS) and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque. We can also expect a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 250 hp (186 kW / 253 PS) and 275 lb-ft (372 Nm) of torque.