2021 Ford Bronco
Today Ford announced that production of the brand-new 2021 Ford Bronco has begun at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. Last July Ford officially confirmed the return of Bronco after a nearly 25-year absence from the market, but the ongoing coronoavirus pandemic and worldwide shortage of computer chips delayed the launch a few months later than its projected spring 2021 time frame. The wait is finally over, with the 2021 Ford Bronco now on its way to Ford dealerships across America.
2021 Ford Bronco
In 2004 a Bronco concept vehicle premiered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and from that moment on Bronco loyalist speculated about the return of one of Ford Motor Company’s most iconic off-roaders. The highly anticipated comeback of Bronco is finally over with today’s announcement that Broncos are rolling off the assembly line in Wayne, Michigan. Offered in both 2-door and 4-door variations, the all-new Ford Bronco features a removable roof and doors, as well as extreme off-road capability.
Traditional Styling
The proportions and design of the original 1966 Bronco influenced the styling of the new Bronco, so it retains the boxy shape, classic short-wheelbase 2-door and — for the first time — a 4-door Bronco. Featuring body-on-frame construction, both Bronco 2-door and 4-door are built with a fully boxed, high-strength steel chassis. The 4-passenger 2-door Bronco has a 100.4-inch wheelbase, while the 5-passenger 4-door Bronco features a 116.1 inch wheelbase.
Open-Air Bronco 2-Door
The 2021 Bronco offers quick release stowable roof panels and removable doors. The Bronco 2-door includes a standard three-section molded-in color roof with two removable front sections and a removable rear section. The available premium painted modular top features four panels, adding a removable panel over the rear seat. All modular hardtops feature removable rear quarter windows and the two front panels can be stowed onboard the Bronco 2-Door — also a cool feature.
Bronco 4-Door Roof
The standard roof for the Bronco 4-Door is a cloth soft-top for easy open-air access; it has a tilt-up function for accessing the rear cargo area. The available modular roof includes four removable roof sections: left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Bronco 4-Door is available with both the soft-top and the hardtop.
Removable Doors
Both Bronco 2-Door and 4-Door feature frameless doors that make removal easy. The vehicles’ sideview mirrors are mounted on the cowl so they remain in position even when doors are removed. With the 4-door Bronco, all four doors can be stored onboard in door bags that protect the doors and make them easier to carry.
Trim Levels
Six trim levels are offered for both Bronco 2-door and Bronco 4-door: Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Wildtrak and Badlands. A limited-production First Edition will also be offered at launch. The MSRP for the base 2-door Bronco is $29,995, which includes a $1,495 destination and delivery fee; MSRP for the base 4-door Bronco is $34,695, which also includes a $1,495 destination and delivery fee.
Under the Hood
Two Ford EcoBoost engines are offered for the 2021 Bronco, with the standard unit being a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline 4-cylinder producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 produces 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The standard 7-speed Getrag manual transmission combined with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost includes a low-speed crawler gear for use in difficult off-road situations. A 10-speed automatic transmission is optional with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost and standard with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost.
Off-Road Capability
The new Bronco features independent front suspension with a solid rear axle with coil springs. Four-wheel drive is standard for all Broncos, and when properly equipped with optional 35-inch tires, Bronco offers 11.6 inches of ground clearance, a maximum 29-degree breakover angle, a 37.2-degree departure angle and water fording up to 33.5 inches. Available Bilstein long-travel position-sensitive shock absorbers with end-stop control valves add to off-road capability.
4-Wheel Drive
Two 4-wheel-drive-systems are offered on all 2021 Ford Bronco trim levels. The base system utilizes a 2-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case, while the optional advanced system features a 2-speed electromechanical transfer case that adds an auto mode for on-demand engagement to select between 2H and 4H. Power gets distributed to a Dana 44 AdvanTEK solid rear axle and Dana AdvanTEK independent front differential unit — both available with a Spicer Performa-TraK electronic-locking differential for improved traction over rough terrain.
Off-Road Technology
The 2021 Bronco offers an available semi-active hydraulic stabilizer bar disconnect design to increase articulation for difficult off-road conditions. The system disconnects during articulation and can reconnect under all conditions to improve steering and stability at higher speeds. Also offered from the factory are 35-inch off-road tires available on every trim level of 2-door and 4-door Bronco, as well as available beadlock-capable wheels.
Terrain Management System
According to Ford, the original Bronco became known as G.O.A.T. because of its ability to “go over any type of terrain.” For Bronco’s Terrain Management System features driver selectable drive modes, named “G.O.A.T Modes” to help both novice and expert drivers navigate difficult situations. Up to seven modes are offered: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand; Baja, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl are available for off-road driving.
Trail Toolbox
Bronco also offers Trail Toolbox, a group of technologies to improve the off-road experience. Features include Trail Control, which is essentially low-speed cruise control for off-road conditions; Trail Turn Assist, which improves the turning radius in tight off-road conditions through torque vectoring; and Trail One-Pedal Drive acceleration/braking control for more precise slow-mode rock crawling.
Interior
Like the exterior design, the new Bronco instrument panel is inspired by the original Bronco, with gauges and controls clearly visible and intuitive. Colors and materials vary between trim levels, with a focus on those that are tough and rugged. Some of the Bronco trims feature 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 switches; rubber touchpoints protect against dirt and water.
Instrument Panel
The dashboard features a multifunction color LCD instrument panel and available grab handles. The shifter and G.O.A.T. modes controller are in the center console that also includes available grab handles. Attachment points and 12-volt power connections are integrated into the dash design to mount devices such as phones, cameras or navigation systems.
SYNC 4
The available 12-inch SYNC 4 system features over-the-air updates, as well as seamless integration to the FordPass Performance app with off-road navigation that allows owners to plan, navigate and share their off-road driving experiences. The SYNC system offers an available 360-degree camera system with off-road spotter views for additional assistance in difficult off-road situations. Bronco also has available advanced topographic trail maps and more than 1,000 curated trail maps powered by content from NeoTreks’ AccuTerra Maps, Trails Offroad trail guides and FunTreks trail guides.
Bronco Off-Roadeo
Ford is also creating four new Bronco Off-Roadeo areas in four locations around the country, where Bronco owners and enthusiasts can test the new Bronco lineup. Bronco Off-Roadeos will offer different terrain and experiences to appeal to drivers with a wide range of off-road experience.
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