Let’s face it folks, 2020 has been quite a roller coaster in terms of global events. The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly emerged as a potent global event, and a consequence of this crisis is the way that it has turned the plans of many corporations completely upside down. This included Ford and the upcoming 2021 Bronco. The Bronco was originally supposed to debut earlier this year, but recent events forced the company to scrap those plans. But despite this, the Bronco is still one of the hottest debuts of the year, and Ford has revealed that the model will finally make its debut on July 9th via a post on its Instagram page.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBYZVPRnSQF/
When it makes its global debut, it will most likely be a virtual affair, but the answers to questions that many enthusiasts have had for the past few years will finally be answered. What is apparent, is that the Bronco will most likely be a very prominent return to old school form, with a body-on frame platform, rugged off-road focused equipment, as well as other trail ready goodies. The Bronco will also take quite a few pages from the Jeep Wrangler’s playbook and offer buyers an impressive level of configuration, with two and four door bodies, as well as rumored removable roof panels and even doors. The Bronco will also have some fun with the company’s long running “Built Ford Tough” slogan and debut the “Built Wild” moniker. This slogan is another sign of just how serious the company is at building a distinctive identity for the model, and follows on prior efforts which includes the recent licensing and approval of a Bronco community website called BroncoNation.
Performance for the Bronco is still a mystery, but while any optional engines for the revived off-roader have still managed to elude detection (despite the best efforts of online leakers) The Bronco’s platform is derived from the Ford Ranger’s, which means that the 2.3 liter turbocharged four cylinder is a strong candidate for inclusion. In the Ranger, it is good for 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and it would not be a stretch if Ford engineers managed to massage a few extra ponies from the boosted four cylinder.
As mentioned prior, all questions will be answered on July 9th, and we will have the link to the livestream here so you can watch it all unfold here on the big day.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.