A Closer Look at the 2021 Ford Bronco

Does the New Model live Up to the Hype?

There’s a lot to be said about the re-release of vehicle models that go on years-long hiatuses. Some will love, like, or downright hate a factory’s new rendition of an old classic. We’ve seen old muscle car nameplates flex once again in recent years, and while the resurrection of the Chevy Blazer did receive some positive attention at the jump, it really doesn’t seem to be making a lasting impression amongst truck and SUV fans as the 2021 Ford Bronco promises to deliver. 

While we could go on a bit longer about why the Blazer didn’t live up to its expectation, we aren’t really here to touch on that. What we are here to do, however, is to examine just how new Ford Bronco stands to live up to the absolute legend that is its past self. While this task seems easy enough to do, it somehow feels a lot like dissecting a modern classic movie remake. Casual or impartial fans will see the new Bronco for what it is without being overly critical than decades-deep Bronco fanatics who will hold Ford directly responsible for not building their favorite truck “like they used to”. 

While this seems like dangerous grounds to be standing on, the Bronco does have a lot going for it, which makes it highly capable of scoring valuable points from across the many categories of admirers across the market. 

Let’s first start by taking the diehard first gen Bronco into consideration. Ford has modeled the 2021 Bronco to look and feel closer to the all-American, more compact Bronco of the 60’s rather than the later, larger OJ era Bronco of the 90’s. Nostalgia sells for a premium these days, and if there’s a specific version of the SUV to base the reboot after, it’s just gotta be this mid century classic. 

Size wise, the new age Bronco is officially on record as a midsize SUV, which is smack dab in the middle of first gen’s compact classification, and the fifth (and last) gen’s fullsize ranking. Now, it is also important to note that all Broncos previous to the 2021 model were offered in 2-door configuration. The new model is being released as a 2-door, as a nod to its heritage, but it is also being made available in a 4-door option now as well to keep up with modern SUV style and convenience. The 4-door will obviously out measure the 5^th gen 2-door, making it large enough to comfortably fit extra passengers or cargo. 

Aside from size, the new Bronco does have quite a bit in common with its predecessor in the looks department as well. A lot of key elements uphold the spirit of the 1^st gen style pioneer. The use of round headlights, a familiar grille design and an option of a soft top or removable hardtop (depending on door configuration) does call back to a time gone by. Maybe the Bronco would have naturally progressed into this updated take of its inaugural design if it had remained in regular production—it’s tough to say. On the other hand, the remodel may have required a necessary hiatus period for the classic adventure orientated SUV to truly be missed and the calls for nostalgic value to be heard and answered. 

Ford will not only introduce one new 2021 Bronco, but multiple Broncos (7 to be exact). From the base model, all the way up to the top of the line ‘First Edition’ edition, which is trimmed and optioned out with the best upgrade packages from the variations ‘below’ it. The wide variety of premium add-ons that will be available will truly separate the Bronco of old with this year’s model. Lots of technology is available from remote start with the entry level model to a 12-inch LCD touchscreen and B&O sound system available starting in the mid-tier Outer Banks trim package. It’s a little unfair to compare the interiors of the new and old Bronco, as the previous truck was a true utility vehicle of its time. The standard then was minimal to say the least, and today’s Bronco definitely brings the SUV up to meet modern conveniences and luxury comforts we have grown accustomed to. 

The 2021 Bronco isn’t just a handsome, renovated shell with some convenient bells and whistles attached, as the base model is equipped with a 2.3L turbocharged 4-banger that boasts 270HP with 310 lb-ft of torque—not too shabby to start. There’s also an optional 2.7L turbo V-6 that’s also available for additional romp. Transmission offerings include a seven-speed manual with a crawler gear standard on the 2.3L, as well as a 10-speed auto that is standard issue on the 2.7L and optional equipment on the smaller engine. These modern power plants most definitely blow the largest of original engine models, the 205HP 4.9L V-8 small block, right off the trail. 

Suspension and smart driving modes also set the new Bronco apart from the old version. To start, the full-boxed steel frame and the IFS system already give the 2021 Bronco a leg up, but then it starts racking up more technical features higher up in the trim level chain. The Go Over Any Terrain (GOAT) package features eight unique driving modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Sand, Baja, Mud/Ruts, and Rock Crawl—enough to satisfy any type of driver in just about any type of off-road condition. 

The anticipation for the 2021 Ford Bronco has been building steadily, and for good reason. It’s been 55 years since the OG Bronco was released, and in that time it has gained a tremendous reputation and devout following. It’s almost unfair to pit the new model against its previous self, given the obvious advantages available to it, but it’s cool to see what the Bronco has evolved into. This is the SUV its fans have been awaiting. For the “purists” who may not be planning to partake in this next generation of Bronco adventure, there’s still no denying the potential this new generation has to becoming a lasting presence in the modern off-road marketplace. 

 

 

 

A V8 Resurrection: The Hennessey VelociRaptor V8 Bronco

November 03, 2020 – Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard that Ford is bringing back the Bronco. You probably also know that Ford is releasing a ton of different packages for it, but one thing lacking in the entire lineup is the use of a V8.

Enter Hennessey Performance, a company that’s been making fast cars go faster since 1991. They figured if Ford wasn’t going to put out a V8 Bronco, they’d take on the responsibility. This wouldn’t be just any Bronco, this would be a VelociRaptor, and that 5.0 liter V8 would be accompanied by a 3.0 liter Supercharger system.

The Hennessey VelociRaptor V8 Bronco and its supercharged 5.0 liter V8 will put out an impressive 750 hp, and of course be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This improved power and performance have Hennessey estimating 0-60 times of just 4.5 seconds, an incredible number for a rig originally built to handle the harshest of off-road terrain.

The Bronco won’t just receive an engine upgrade, but also a plethora of interior and exterior upgrades as well. Included will be a custom hood with scoop, larger wheels and tires, upgraded suspension system, custom Hennessey leather interior, VelociRaptor V8 racing livery graphics, upgraded stainless steel exhaust, and more.

If you’re ready to get your hands on 1 of only 24 Hennessey VelociRaptor V8 Broncos, you’d better hurry, and you’ll also want to have $225,000 plus vehicle shipping costs ready to purchase it.

Ford Finally Unleashes
The All-New 2021 Ford Bronco
(and Bronco Sport)

July 13, 2020 – The 2021 Ford Bronco has finally been revealed, coming in 2 models, the Ford Bronco and the Ford Bronco Sport (and a plethora of trims), which should be capable of conquering anything you put in front of them and their turbocharged Ecoboost engines. Will they have what it takes to take on the Jeep lineup? We’ll have to wait until we see these out in the wild, but from the looks of it, these Broncos should be able to hold their own!

Models

The all-new 2021 Ford Bronco looks to be the perfect ride for any off-road enthusiast, coming in a 2-door and 4-door Bronco and 4-door Bronco Sport model. You’ll be able to customize any of the Broncos your way, plus there are over 300 Ford accessories to truly make it your own.

Ford Bronco

The 2 and 4-door Broncos come with a large assortment of trims: the Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Badlands, Wildtrak, and First Edition. The G.O.A.T mode is featured on the Black Diamond model, although unclear if the other trims have it.

Each starts with a 2.3L Ecoboost, or, according to the reveal video, can be upgraded to the 2.7 L Ecoboost engine that puts out 310 horsepower and 400 torque, but, depending on the model, can include a plethora of upgrades such as a twin-turbocharged version and 35 inch tires.

All Bronco models include best-in-class departure and breakover angles, ground clearance, and water fording. They also come with a 12-inch screen capable of downloading off-road apps that can keep track of your adventures.

Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport has a smaller range of trims: Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, and First Edition. Every model comes standard with 4×4 and G.O.A.T mode. A 1.5 L Ecoboost is available with 181 horsepower and 190 torque, or you can grab a 2.0 L Ecoboost with an increased 245 horsepower with 275 torque.

First Edition Models

 

Both the Bronco and Bronco Sport come with a First Edition Model, packing the best of every other model into one, and adding some extra goodies. Only 2,000 of the Bronco Sport First Edition will be produced, and 3,500 for the Bronco. Better grab ’em while you can!

G.O.A.T Mode

The Bronco comes standard with a terrain management system with up to 7 available G.O.A.T modes, also known as the Goes Over Any Type of Terrain mode. This feature, in theory, lets you tackle any terrain with just the click of a dial.

Was the hype for the Bronco well deserved? Will it live up to its heritage? We think the Bronco and Bronco Sport will give Jeep a run for their money, but the customers will be the true judge of that.

 

The Silver Stallion: ’68 Ford Bronco

Bryan Battaglini’s 1968 Ford Bronco

There’s something about a well-built classic vehicle that can get any gearhead’s heart pumping. In a sea of long wheelbase late model rigs with Bluetooth connected radios, electronic nanny stability control, and angry grilles, classic off-road rigs stand out as the cool grandpa that blazed the way for the kids. 

Well kids, grandpa has a new hip and he’s here to show you how it’s done, with style. Bryan Battaglini’s 1968 Ford Bronco has got more than enough style and all the right parts. “I love the classic Bronco.” Bryan proclaimed. “It has great lines and will always be a crowd favorite.”

We spent some time with ogling the classic stallion to get photos so we could share this beauty with you. Don’t worry, we didn’t get any drool on it.

Inside and out, Bryan’s Bronco is chockfull of class and style, blending old-school and proven technology with some modern upticks to really make it shine. The body was fitted with fiberglass front fenders, a forced-air hood was installed with gas shocks, then the whole thing was painted in PPG’s Silver Birch paint with a clear coat. A ProtoFab front bumper houses a Smittybilt X20 winch with a complementary ProtoFab rear bumper and a tire swing hanging out back.

Under that performance hood is a 1990 5.0L fuel-injected V8, loaded with shorty headers, an upgraded camshaft, and a large aluminum radiator to keep it cool. The beast exhales through a Magnaflow exhaust system while it pushes power out to the NV3550 manual 5-speed transmission and Advance Adapters Atlas transfer case.

That power gets split to Dana 44 differentials front and rear. Both diffs are loaded with ARB Air Lockers for the extra bite that is sometimes needed. All that traction leads down to a full set of 37-inch Milestar Patagonia M/T rubbers wrapped around 17-inch Level 8 Bully Pro Lock Wheels. On why he chose the Patagonias, Bryan said: “they look killer, have great traction and are very quiet on the road.”

The interior of the Bronc’ is loaded too. The fully Rhino lined interior sports an all-new electrical system with a MegaSquirt MS3 Pro computer and Flaming River tilt steering column. A Pioneer head-unit drives JBL speakers for classic tunes on any trail while riders are sitting comfortably in a set of Corbeau racing seats.

The whole rig sits on a Wild Horses 5.5-inch suspension lift, front and rear and uses dual shock hoops with dual shocks at all four corners. A 2-inch body lift gives the extra bit of clearance needed to not chop the body up for those big Milestar meats.

All said and done, the dust finally settled after a 2-year build time, Bryan is excited to continue vetting his classic rig on new terrains. “I have not put it to its full potential yet,” said Bryan. “It’s great on and off road and even as tall as it is, it still cruises on the freeway great.”

 

Bronco Buster

Bruce Winsatt’s 1971 Ford Bronco Sport

Full-size Ford Broncos are really hot right now, but the Early Model Broncos have always been highly desirable. Early Broncos bring top dollar; whether they are stock, restored, or highly modified. One Early Bronco owner is well aware of this. Bruce Winsatt had owned several full-size versions before he found this 1971 Ford Bronco early model. He was looking for a good project to undertake with his son Brandon, who was 15 years old at the time, when they found the Bronco in Pueblo, Colorado. It was a good candidate for a modified build as it was in a rather rough shape.

“The truck was in sad condition with a tired engine, a 3-speed transmission that too often would stick in second gear, and it had serious rust and holes in the floorboards,” says Bruce, “The rust was so bad, you could see the road go by from inside the truck. Having never taken on this level of restoration, we did a lot of research, talked to some great resources, and then jumped in with all 4 feet. We tore everything out, but in hindsight, we should have removed the body from the frame too.”

Like many automotive projects, you turn over a rock and find more rocks underneath. After the bodywork was finished, they had a big issue. After several attempts to align the doors, they discovered that like many nearly 50-year-old trucks, the frame had a twist in it. The frame was straightened, but in order to get the doors to line up, they would have to perform some serious sheet metal surgery. The custom half doors on each side solved their problem and add to the rugged look of the truck.

With the body sorted out and coated with Tangelo Orange paint, it was time to tackle the mechanicals. Here is where Bruce was able to pass on his knowledge to Brandon. They went through every system on the Bronco; making upgrades along the way. The front drum brakes were swapped out for discs, the brake booster was upgraded, and the entire system was redone with new hydraulic lines. The electrical wiring is all new too with the aid of a Painless Performance harness. The stock 302 engine was stroked to 347 cubic inches and puts out 400 horsepower. Mixing the fuel is a Holley 650 carb sitting on top of the Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, and an MSD ignition lights the fire. Spent gasses are expelled out the back through a custom exhaust system. The cooling system was designed by Any Radiator in Lake Havasu City, AZ. These early Broncos are known for cooling issues and the system that Any Radiator has designed keeps the healthy V8 cool, even on the most challenging trails. All that power goes through an NP435 4-speed manual transmission with a Gear Banger shifter system. A Wild Horses 3.5-inch lift kit with Rancho 9000XL shocks allow the truck to handle extreme terrain whether they are slow speed crawling, or blazing across the desert. The suspension is further enhanced with a set of 35-inch Milestar Patagonia M/T tires. The Patagonia tires are equally at home in the rocks and in the desert. All the fun begins when you twist the Warn locking hubs, and shift into 4-wheel drive.

With the mechanicals wrapped up, there was still plenty to do. The bulged fiberglass hood, held down in front by hood pins, is coated in Tangelo paint, but much of the Bronco is a contrasting black. The bumpers, roll cage, fender flares, wheels, doors, and front grill are all dark as night. The same is true for the interior. The seats have a custom touch that ties them together with the body; matching orange piping. The custom roll cage and bumpers were designed with form and function in mind. The rear bumper includes a spare tire mount and a hitch receptacle. Both front and rear custom bumpers have Rigid Industries LED light bars flush mounted into them for a clean look.

The truck is a real looker and has been a great father and son project. Brandon is now able to build and maintain his own vehicles and is currently studying at SDSU towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering.