While a number of companies have entered off-road rallies with mixed results, that’s certainly not the case with the 2021 Ford Bronco as the model had a podium finish at the NORRA Mexican 1000.
The Bronco Badlands four-door was driven by a team of engineers and finished third in the Pre-Runner Truck class.
The event saw Bronco engineering manager Jamie Groves and Bronco engineer Seth Goslawski traverse nearly 1,100 miles (1,770 km) in Mexico’s Baja peninsula. Needless to say, this wasn’t a walk in the park as the model was subjected to “dirt, silt, dry lake beds and salt flats, with miles of ruts and rocks in between.”
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The model was largely stock as the only modifications were auxiliary lights, a roll cage, fire suppression equipment and Recaro seats with aftermarket harnesses. The interior was also stripped and outfitted with recovery gear as well as secondary displays.
Other than that, the model benefited from the Bronco’s off-road focused equipment list which includes 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, a front sway-bar disconnect, electronic lockers and a Dana 44 rear axle. The team also took advantage of the SUV’s G.O.A.T. modes including the Baja mode. In particular, Groves said Baja mode was “especially helpful” as it “keeps shift points at just the right rpm to keep the turbos spooled up so power is there when you need it and brakes are more aggressive to slow quickly for rough terrain.”
Speaking of power, the Bronco was equipped with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) torque. It was paired to a ten-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system.
The Bronco is set to arrive at dealerships this summer and Groves noted, “This race is a key final pre-launch check box for what the Bronco can do.”
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