The all-new 4x4 Bronco is ready to deliver thrilling experiences with its heritage-inspired style, engineering and smart off-road technology, plus innovative features to help outdoor enthusiasts create adventures in the most remote corners of the region.
Daniel Diament, Icons Brand Manager, Middle East, said,
“The Bronco was created to elevate every aspect of off-road adventure and we’ve equipped them with class-leading chassis hardware and exclusive technologies to raise the bar in the rugged 4x4 segment and take people further into the wilderness.”
“They’re built with the toughness of an F-Series truck and performance spirit of Mustang – and come wrapped in one of the most stunning and functional off-road designs that’s true to the original Bronco design DNA.”
Available in both two and four door models with a choice of two engines and four adventure ready specs, Bronco owners can choose from an extensive lineup of more than 150 factory-backed accessories for maximum personalization, enabling dealers to provide outfitting-on-demand for each customer’s individual adventure needs.
Just like the first-generation Bronco, nicknamed G.O.A.T., the mission of the all-new 2021 Bronco is to deliver maximum 4x4 go-anywhere, anytime capability and confidence. Bronco incorporates drive technologies to give novice adventurers as much fun as hard-core off-road experts, while its Built Untamed durability makes for lasting performance in the harshest of conditions for generations to come.
Mark Grueber, Bronco consumer marketing manager, said,
“Bronco’s advanced four-wheel-drive technology is at the core of its off-road capabilities, and at the heart of it all is Bronco’s exclusive Terrain Management System™ with G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) Modes™ that is designed to help drivers better navigate any type of terrain.”
Up to seven driver-selectable modes are offered including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand, with Baja, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl for off-road driving.
Two 4x4 systems are offered on all Bronco models, a base setup and advanced 4x4. The base system utilises a two-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, while the optional advanced system features a two-speed electromechanical transfer case that adds an auto mode for on-demand engagement to select between 2H and 4H. Power is distributed to a Dana™ 44 AdvanTEK® solid rear axle and Dana AdvanTEK independent front differential unit – both with available Spicer® Performa-TraK™ electronic locking differentials for improved traction over rough terrain.
Available segment-first Trail Toolbox gives Bronco owners a suite of exclusive technologies to elevate their off-road experience. This includes Trail Control™ – cruise control for low-speed trail driving, while Trail Turn Assist tightens off-road turning radiuses through torque vectoring, and the innovative Trail One-Pedal Drive acceleration/braking control makes for more precise and confident slow-mode rock crawling.
Impressive levels of off-road capability are possible thanks to Bronco’s 11.5-inch ground clearance, maximum 26.3-degree breakover angle and 37-degree departure angle, plus best-in-class water fording capability of up to 33.5 inches. Off-road capability is further reinforced by exposed tow hooks in the front and rear and available heavy-duty modular steel bumpers with integrated Ford Performance accessory winch mount.
Bronco’s strategically placed steel shields protect critical hardware. Higher-capability models get an available front bash plate, plus shields for the engine, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank. For those taking on the roughest rocky terrain, Bronco’s available side rock rails are strong enough to support the weight of each side of the vehicle.
Dave Pericak, director, Ford enterprise product line management, Icons, said,
“Bronco two- and four-door models leverage the company’s Built Ford Tough durability and performance testing and take it even further off-road with Built Wild Extreme Durability Testing in the harshest possible environments, including the brutal trails of the King of the Hammers off-road competition,”
The Bronco underwent a brutal test program that included hot weather testing in Middle East to ensure it could withstand local market conditions at the height of the summer.
Ford’s Middle East team of specialist engineers focused on ensuring Bronco was ready to take on the region’s toughest conditions and its most demanding drivers. With summer temperatures in the Middle East regularly soaring to over 50 degrees Celsius, desert conditions are particularly brutal on the performance of vehicle powertrain and air-conditioning systems. And while the Bronco was engineered and tested by teams across the globe, it’s the particular nature of the conditions in the Middle East that make testing here so vital to the success of vehicles sold in the region.
Mike Chavez, Lead Vehicle Technologist for Ford International Markets Group (IMG), said,
“The lead engineering teams have done a great job in developing the all-new Bronco,”
“But it’s important that we get out and push the vehicle to its limits to ensure that it not only meets our requirements but those that our customers have too.”
Every test vehicle is fitted with thermal sensors to monitor under-bonnet and in-cabin temperatures. The team also taps into the vehicle’s onboard systems to gather data during a series of test drives which, in the Bronco’s case, included a city test drive, a cross-country mountain drive, and several desert specific tests.
Thanks to Bronco’s legendary Baja racing DNA, each model brings forth a thrilling off-road experience and delivers it with modern, heritage-inspired style. It all began in a Ford design studio with a life-size digital scan of a first-generation model that served to influence the proportions and design of the all-new Bronco for maximum off-road capability and performance.
Paul Wraith, Bronco chief designer, said,
“Similar to the first-generation model, Bronco’s square proportions, short overhangs and wide stance are optimized for off-road adventure,”
“The side profile features a flat, no-nonsense surface with clear-cut edges and robustly flared fenders. Large, open wheel wells are a modular design with a quick-release attachment for simple customization.”
All-new Bronco architecture for two- and four-door models is based on a fully boxed, high-strength steel chassis that delivers available best-in-class suspension travel – 17 percent more both front and rear over the closest competitor to thrive in rugged environments.
To deliver thrilling high-speed off-roading and overall driving performance, every Bronco comes with an independent front suspension for improved control, confidence and comfort. At the rear, a rugged solid axle design featuring coil springs with five locating links delivers both strength and off-road control. Long-travel position-sensitive Bilstein dampers with end-stop control valves at every corner are available for added off-road durability and reduced harshness.
An available segment-exclusive semi-active hydraulic stabiliser bar disconnect design provides maximum articulation and increased ramp angle index for off-camber terrain. This innovative system bests competitors by disconnecting during articulation; it can reconnect under all conditions to improve steering and stability at higher speeds.
Segment-first 35-inch off-road tyres direct from the factory are available on four-door Bronco Wildtrak and Badlands models, while available segment-first beadlock-capable wheels allow customers to elevate off-road capability, regardless of price point.
Pericak said,
“Race-bred EcoBoost® engines and our 10-speed automatic transmission give the all-new Bronco the optimal combination of power, torque and gear ranges to perform in a wide variety of terrains and uses.”
Best-in-class projected gasoline-powered horsepower and torque is available with the 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, which produces 330 horsepower and 563Nm of torque, while the 2.3-litre EcoBoost delivers best-in-class four-cylinder torque of 420Nm with 275 horsepower.
An available segment-first SelectShift® 10-speed automatic transmission makes for easier driving on- and off-road, while offering a maximum 67.8:1 crawl ratio with the available advanced 4x4 transfer case.
Both Bronco two- and four-door models make the open-air experience quick, easy and fun. Two-door models come with a standard three-section roof system – left and right front sections and a rear section – molded-in color with four sections that adds a removable panel over the rear seats and cargo area. Four-door models have four removable roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on all models can be removed by one person by unlocking the latches from the interior. First-row panels stow away onboard on two-door models.
All modular hardtops have rear quarter windows that are removable in three easy steps – snap, push and lift away in a fraction of the time it takes for competitors – without removing the roof panels. By locating the sportbar behind the second row, both Bronco two- and four-door models offer the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night.
Every Bronco comes with class-exclusive frameless doors that make them easier to remove than what competitors offer. On four-door Bronco models, all four doors can be stored onboard with protective door bags. Exclusive cowl-mounted mirrors maintain sideview visibility when the doors are removed. Trail sights on the front fenders also serve as tie-downs, reminiscent of the first-generation Bronco, have a 150-pound capacity for securing longer items like canoes.
Inside, all Bronco models are purpose-built and ready for action. The instrument panel is inspired by the first-generation model, with gauges and controls clearly visible and intuitive. Colors and materials are inspired by natural palettes and outdoor gear. With off-road functionality paramount, materials are tough and rugged.
A multifunction color LCD instrument panel is front and center with the transmission shifter/selector and G.O.A.T. Modes controller in the center console. Available grab handles are integrated into the modular instrument panel and center console, while available MOLLE hooks are mounted in the seatbacks.
Further setting Bronco ahead of the off-road competition is an available segment-exclusive 12-inch SYNC® 4 system. Among its many new features is the ability to use the available 360-degree camera system with class-exclusive off-road spotter views to provide additional visibility in technical pursuits such as rock crawling.
To make post-adventure cleanups simple, fast and painless, select Bronco models come with washable rubberized floors with integrated drains and marine-grade vinyl seating surfaces that resist mildew. Instrument panel surfaces are wipeable, with seamless silicone rubber on the dash-mounted hero switches, while rubber touchpoints protect against dirt and water. Six available upfitter switches mounted overhead are silicone-sealed to protect against the elements and to make customization easy, with pre-wired leads to key accessory points.
A modern high-strength steel roll cage with integrated side curtain airbags in the upper structure and seats helps protect passengers from side impacts and complements driver and front passenger airbags. Available Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technologies plus standard AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ and Trailer Sway Control help instill driver confidence.
An all-new experiential-based equipment series provides unique flexibility to align capability with the adventure interests of each customer. Four unique Bronco series are offered, with matched color and trim combinations. When combined with three content packages, numerous available options, 11 color choices and 150 dealer-installable accessories, personalizing an all-new Bronco SUV has never been easier.
The series range includes Big Bend™, Outer Banks™ with a variety of options and colors, topping out with Wildtrak™ and Badlands™ for more extreme off-road adventuring.
News Source: Ford Media Centre
