Ford Continues To Tease Hardcore Bronco, Confirms It Has 37-Inch Tires

Ford teased a hardcore Bronco earlier this month and the company has followed up with a new teaser image and confirmation that the model wears 37-inch tires.

This is interesting for a number of reasons as the tires are larger than the 35-inchers found on the Bronco Wildtrak.

More importantly, it suggests the model has a heavily revised suspension. During a press briefing ahead of the Bronco’s debut, Ford officials told us the ‘standard’ Bronco runs into “clearance issues” when equipped with tires that are larger than 35-inches. Given that this variant has 37-inch tires, it’s only natural to assume engineers have made a number of modifications to ensure the off-roader has plenty of clearance.

Also Read: 2021 Ford Bronco Warthog Prototype Spotted With Raptor-Spec Shocks

Of course, this isn’t too surprise as we noted the original teaser image showed an upgraded suspension which traded aluminum components for beefier steel replacements.

Besides the larger tires and upgraded suspension, the model could be equipped with a more powerful engine. Ford has already downplayed the possibility of a V8 and speculation suggests the company will instead use a version of the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 found in the Explorer ST.

In the crossover, it’s rated at 400 hp (298 kW /406 PS) and 415 lb-ft (562 Nm) of torque. This would be a significant improvement over the Bronco’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 which develops 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque.

https://twitter.com/Ford/status/1309525603658465281

While there’s some debate over whether the model will be call a Raptor or Warthog, Ford mentioned “hooves” in today’s teaser. This could have some significance as Motor1 noted Warthogs have hooves, while raptors have claws.

We’ll also point out the original teaser showed the model ‘flying’ and it’s possible Ford decided to name the vehicle after a fleet of Warthogs located northeast of the Michigan Assembly Plant where the Bronco is built. Those are A-10 Thunderbolts, better known as Warthogs, stationed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

That’s just speculation, but Ford has already filed to trademark the Warthog name. The animal verse airplane debate is also interesting as it echoes the discussion about the Mustang which is commonly believed to be named after the P-51 Mustang.

However, as Ford noted in 2013, designer John Najjar suggested the Mustang name in remembrance of the P-51 and his boss rejected it as “too airplaney.” He then suggested the Mustang name again, but this time associated with a horse.  That obviously stuck.