The Ford Bronco Concept SUV – Pictures
The Bronco is back. Unveiled this year at the North American International Auto Show, a concept version of Ford’s pioneering 1960s sport utility vehicle retains the original Bronco’s authentic, no-nonsense design and adds a turbocharged diesel engine for added kick.While other sport utilities become more civilized, the Bronco concept bucks this trend in a simple two-seat design that features the same rugged good looks as its predecessor. It is instantly recognizable in shape. Reminiscent of the original Bronco are its boxy, upright roofline, short wheelbase, signature round headlamps and the Bronco name integrated into a modern three bar grille.
“True to its heritage, the Bronco concept is a tough, genuine SUV that’s all about function,” says J Mays, Ford Motor Company group vice president of design. “It’s like a claw hammer in a box full of department store, battery-operated, plastic, power tools.”
Subtle exterior details include exposed door hinges, cowl vents, flared wheel wells and unique loop-shaped door handles, which are integrated into the door panels and open with a gentle tug. Those classic round headlamps up front are updated in the Bronco concept for use of both light-emitting diodes and halogen light sources to cast a wider ray of light for better peripheral vision in off-road situations.
For a more open-air ride, the Bronco concept’s roof is made up of two separate sections, the rear portion of which can be removed. Roll bar accents can then be attached for a look that recalls a Baja racer or the customized “Baja Broncos” Ford offered in the 1970s.
A monotone color scheme features warm metallic gray finish coupled with brushed aluminum accents and flows seamlessly from the Bronco concept’s exterior body panels to its exposed interior surfaces. Both seats are trimmed in orange brown suede, like a workman’s glove, and are accented with similarly colored inserts and a four-line stitching pattern, like the kind found on a rugged old tool belt.
“The Bronco concept is like your favorite pair of worn in, faded jeans ? classic, familiar, comfortable and always in style,” says Mays.
While the Bronco concept conjures memories of blue oval past, inside it is a showcase of advanced modern technology. Its power comes from a 2.0-liter, 16-valve intercooled turbo-diesel engine tucked under the hood. First introduced on the Ford Mondeo in Europe, this engine features common-rail fuel injection technology for greater injection precision, performance and torque, without sacrificing fuel economy. The Duratorq TDCi, as its known, delivers 128 horsepower and a peak torque of 244 foot-pounds. Using Ford’s overboost function generates an even higher torque of 258 foot-pounds for a limited time under full throttle.
Adding to the Bronco concept’s power is a nitrous oxide “boost,” similar to the power enhancement function of traditional hot rods. At the press of a button, a blast of nitrous oxide is injected into the engine. During combustion, the gas is broken down into nitrogen and oxygen, allowing more fuel to burn.
What does all that mean? An extra temporary boost of up to 50 horsepower and a three-second improvement in quarter-mile times, with about 10-15 mph more top speed.
A revolutionary new six-speed PowerShift transmission is paired with the Duratorq diesel and achieves 5 percent better fuel economy than a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. While a traditional manual or automatic transmission changes gears by opening and closing a single clutch, the PowerShift operates by shifting power from one clutch to another for better efficiency and more seamless shifting. It can be placed into manual mode at anytime and operated by a pair of shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Rounding out the Bronco concept’s technology showcase is an IntelligentTM four-wheel-drive system ? a fully computer-controlled clutch that engages the rear wheels as driving conditions dictate. Under normal conditions, the Bronco gallops on its front wheels. Using sensors at each wheel and at the accelerator, the Intelligent system’s computer calculates dozens of times per second to determine precisely how much torque should be sent to the rear wheels to minimize and help prevent wheel slippage.
The new Intelligent system replaces Ford’s current Control Trac IITM system for more positive traction and vehicle handling, improved fuel economy and smoother operation. It will first be seen in production on the 2005 Ford Escape.
The original Bronco was an immediate success when it launched in August 1965, leading the emerging recreational four-wheel-drive market with sales of 18,200 units in its first full year of production. Although only a concept, this year’s Bronco concept demonstrates how Ford may further complement its extensive SUV lineup.
Get more news from the 2004 North American International Auto Show on ford.com.
[Source : Ford Newsroom]
it looks like a land rover
I thinks its awesome. I’m gonna buy when it comes out. If it comes out.
Surprising? Ford ownes Land Rover… Or did at the time of producing this concept. Land Rover, as well as Jaguar, were sold by Ford to an Indian company named Tata.
Not as rugged as the old ones. More of a city car than a four wheeler. Why are all new cars becoming so damn boxy, it looks like a overgrown tissue box! Im sticking with the original broncos for style and power.
this concept is amazing. the new turbo diesel engine is sweet. someone mentioned it doesn’t look like the off-road type? how? it has a hp boost to clear incline and obstacles. The intelligent design four wheel drive is kind of lame because its automatic, but its way better than the positrac 2 design they have right now. The high clearance of the front and rear bumpers also a plus for any off-road enthusiast. yeah the body design does look a little similar to the new land rover defender concept but the defender is set to price around 50 g’s where as the new bronco is around 18 if it ever hits production. the sad thing is ford wont do it, i would buy this car, its so reminiscent of the old broncos and the 80-90 bronco ii. its def better than the mid 90’s bronco and that ugly ass grill design and just general ugly style. this car is awesome but ford will continue to make huge ass gas guzzling trucks and suvs that will appeal to the size obsessed american public. its ok ill just get a toyota fj. and it probably will last longer than any ford anyways.
Looks sweet, like the simple cheap design, but get the damn thing off the ground! Power don’t do anything if your sitting on the body! Lets see some Axles!
OH my god are you kidding me??? I am so stoked that the BRONCO is back!!!! I ve owned 3, a 79′-92′-95′ This is my dream come true!!!!I WANT ONE!!!!
I’ve been waiting for this since 2004. Perfect light duty 4×4. What’s the hold up? Suzuki or Toyota will beat Frod to the punch (as usual)
speachless
the grill needs to say ford, not bronco. it needs to be lifted more with a bigger wheel and tire combo. they need to bring back the free wheeling graphic options to go with this vehicle. get rid of all the plastic shit under the bottom. give me some bumper seperation from the rest of the body for when i take it off the road.
For christ sake pull the trigger on this thing, And soon before I have to buy a fj cruiser. I like everything about this Bronco looks tough,different,And why would someone have a problem with it looking like a Landrover defender 90 its a homerun.
OK BIll! ! ! pull the trigger please, put this Truck into production ASAP, great looks,great design, drop the dam Ranger if you have to, this truck needs to be in production
Very sad to see this truck being archived instead of being mass produced.
Time to stop talking about this Bronco and start putting them on the market.Ford realy need to put some fun back in there SUV line.
That is a flawless machine. ford needs to come out with it already cuz ill be one of the first in line for this sweet ride.
I would love to see this Bronco produced,but the fact is Ford isnt going to because there more into get a new unibody Ford Explorer out… I saw this concept at the 2004 New York Auto Show and feel in love with it, if Ford had any brains it should been on the road as of 2009 like they first intended. It would do more for Ford’s image, just as the Ford GT did when it came out in 2005-06. Shit they could throw in their new Ecoboost engine;and the diesel engine idea is great 2 since more and more people are liking clean Diesel now. HEY FORD OPEN UP THE BOOK ON THIS BRONCO IF YOU WANT TO MAKE BIG.. I.E.the F-150 raptor is great maybe u can use that as a start for the Bronco,same small truck frame. not everyone can buy an expencive baja inspired truck.
Overall this seems like a nice modern version of a classic 4×4, however this truck deserves more horsepower at least 225 h.p. Keeping the nitros of course!! Hummers and landcruisers will be peeling mud and rubber off their windshields.
OMG!!!! I can’t wait until this comes out!! I have been waiting since I first saw it in 2004. I have an 2001 Expedition, and am waiting on this thing to come out. I want one bad, hurry up and release!!! IT IS AWESOME.
They have to make it economical and useable. Large enough space in back for MTbike and easy to clean. Short enough to load a kayak. Large capacity gas tank to roam Eastern MT, Canyonlands, or North BC. Wouldn’t hurt to think about storage for all gear we carry in pursuit of our passions. And, we sleep in the back our trucks.
would be the right thing to do, start making them . I did have one (87) it was perfect, the (87)was for work and pleasure. The new Bronco would be ideal for me if it had 4 doors but i’ll still buy it only had 2 door. Hey Ford stop sitting on your hands and them dirty start making them!!!!
I like the look of the car, and would definitely purchase this car, I would like it to have a backseat though- this might be the car to make Ford cool again!! It is 2009, Bronco where are you?
I would be proud to have one of these next to my 66 Bronc in the garage. Hell, I would sell my Bullitt to make space! How long ya gonna wait FOMOCO?
It has all the pieces to be a full blown hit. Take a cue from the revised Land Cruiser, there is a market for this vehicle.
Where is this bronco………I want one
Simply badass
Don’t “tease me”, build it, I want one now! This is awesome to have another new Ford Bronco this day in time!
ford made a beautiful SUV…… fantastic
are ya’ll going to sell these bronco’s , and when are they going to be on the market, or at dealer.i have 65-66. son drives i need a new one .
yo kero una
I love it!!!!! I’ve got a 66 bronco and it would be awsome to pull up to one of our early bronco meets pulling my old one on a trailer
Please don’t make us beg, build this thing so I can finally throw my p.o.s. escape in the trash. Also a real 6 speed, you know the kind that comes with a clutch would be a lot better than those stupid paddle shifters that every jack off that doesn’t know how to drive anyway seems to love.
OK folks, lets get real………..the only think back is the name and a slight resemblence of the older ones. As a matter of fact…….I would be willing to bet that not 1 single part is enterchangeable. What we have here is another city rig, dressed up to resemble the old bronco. Nothing is back…..this rig is cute……but a real bronco? Not hardly. Where the heck are the bumpers? First time someone truely put this rig to the test will prove expensive in the body shop.
Start making it already
It needs more horsepower. But I would still buy it as soon as it comes out. So start making it already
anyone know when they are going to launch this bronco? I have done numerous searches and have come to the assumption never….
love broncos.. but come on? this SUV doesnt loook as rugged and powerful as the old ones… i still want to see them on the road though, cause broncos are where its at
Count me down for one! I have been waiting since 2004 and I would rather buy this than the FJ. Don’t get me wrong the FJ is a sweet Rig but its no diesel and I don’t think Toyota is going to have a diesel 4runner or land crusier in canada or the states for awhile. Ford needs to release this ASAP!!! I have owed enough broncos and this one could be the best yet!
Whats the deal, has anyone heard anything else about production? I’ve milked my “89 broncoII as long as possible. It’s time for a new one.