Some very good info!So I messaged my buddy at Ford about if we’ve got updates coming soon/ what some of the dealios are with recent news. Here’s what I can disclose, I’ll start with the good news:
1. The raptor is either going to have a tuned 2.7 OR possibly a 3.0. To be decided.
2. Some form of prototype factory tube doors are being prototyped. They are trying like crazy to get them to pass crash tests. May be an aftermarket accessory though.
3. They are developing a BEV version. It’s a ways out though.
And now the mixed bag:
1. Pricing. It will start at a bit higher than a JL wrangler, HOWEVER there will not be a stripped down version with manual locks and windows it sounds like. Higher trims will actually undercut the Wrangler a bit. Honestly I wouldn’t buy a vehicle without power locks new so that’s fine by me!
The ugly:
Bronco will be the last 2021 model revealed. The baby and electric mustang crossover is first, then F-150, then Bronco. He said we will see some teasers but full reveal will not be until midway through next year. So take that as you will.
They designed it to handle 405 lbft of torque ... seems like overkill for the little car engine, but perfect for the 5.0 or 3.0/2.7S... I'm betting that the manual transmission will only be paired with the I-4, which is fine with me.
The Rubicon is the exception in the automotive world. With the 44's, lockers and rock-crawler transfer case it is actually a real performance upgrade not just a sticker on the hood. If Ford makes a real off-road model (like a Raptor) it might be worth the cost, otherwise a FX4 type with skid plates and rear locker would suffice as a starting point. Also, I think manual hubs are out of the question,. Does anyone know if the Ranger has vacuum hubs or an axle disconnect?It’s almost impossible to build a wrangler sport into something better than a rubicon for the price. The transfer case and axle regear, Dana 44 front AND rear axle, differential air lockers, rock rails, fenders, and WAY better tires/wheels and the mild lift is easily going to cost more than the premium for a rubicon would cost from the factory.
plus rubicon takeoffs have value if you want to upgrade to one tons/etc.
Get ready. I have a few bets going on what to expect for the new Bronco when it finally comes out:I’m going to have to side with the sausage man here..
Without having the option of a strippy model the hard core guys that like to build, Fab, modify and customize won’t be able to afford the buy in and just consider it a fancy mall crawler..
Even the EB was wider than today's JL Wrangler. The only SUV I can think of that would be more compact than the jeep is the Suzuki Samurai.
- Size/shape: It will look more retro (resembling the first edition) but bigger. I think the size will be comparable with the new Jeeps for a few reasons. They are going to need to have enough room to keep crash test ratings higher ... Make no mistake, that is the biggest segment of buyers so expect it to be bigger than the original Bronco's size.
It seemed to me that the early broncos were more narrow than the JL but if they were wider, then maybe that will be similar. From what I found, the JL is about about as wide in the body than the EB but the fenders on the JL make it wider. If they want to go for overall width to cover the tires, I do think that the new Bronco will widen by 4-5 inches from the original. I do also expect the track width and wheelbase to extend from the original by a few inches each way.Even the EB was wider than today's JL Wrangler. The only SUV I can think of that would be more compact than the jeep is the Suzuki Samurai.
Unless you just meant length. Or track width.
Their width at the outside face of he wheels is about the same (74"), but the body of the Wrangler is 8" narrower (60" vs 68").... From what I found, the JL is about about as wide in the body than the EB but the fenders on the JL make it wider...
That would make sense, the latest generation Wrangler is certainly wider than earlier ones.... CJ7s, YJs, and TJs had a body tub width of 59", and according to this post: https://www.rme4x4.com/threads/jk-tub-measurements.107808/post-1027011, JKs have a body tub width of 64". I couldn't find any good information on the JL, but they certainly aren't any narrower. ...