When more and more consumers find that urban SUVs based on sedan platforms cannot take them further, hard-core SUVs evolved from off-road vehicles have quietly emerged in the past two years. It is evident that several car companies have revived their classic off-road vehicle series, of course, including the Ford Bronco. Previously, Ford insiders had said harsh words that the new Bronco is a model like the Jeep Wrangler. As the actual car is exposed step by step, we have also obtained more information about it. Whether it can challenge the Wrangler alone? Let’s take a look in this article.
Ford fans must know that Ford has two major "Mustang" car series, namely the Mustang, a sports car that is well-known to Chinese people, and the Bronco, which we don't know much about. Compared with Ford models such as Focus, Mondeo and even Transit, which are familiar to Chinese people, the newly arrived Bronco really makes domestic consumers confused. However, the first generation of this car was born in 1965, which was born in Beijing 212, which is full of domestic sentiments. In the same year, I think everyone can make a fuss by saying this.
The first-generation Ford Bronco
The second-generation Ford Bronco
However, what is different from Beijing 212 is that the Ford Bronco was sold for 30 years from 1965 to 1996. Neiwan has undergone 5 iterations. The life cycle of the 1930s can be said to have accompanied the growth of three generations of Americans. The mass base and cultural sentiments are quite deep. The generation after 1996 has also made many American consumers feel regretful.
In 2017, after 20 years of suspension of production, Ford officially announced the restart of the Bronco product line. For a time, the rebirth of the classic also made American consumers' feelings come true. After several years of development, the "real body" of the new Ford Bronco that meets the needs of the times has been exposed by foreign media. The classic body lines and proportions are obviously a tribute to the older generation Broncos of the past. The Broncos that have been released in photos are all long. Axis 4-door model, but a short-axis two-door version that is more in line with the tradition of older models is also under development plan.
In Ford's own words, the new Bronco will be as "hard" as the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. Whether this is the boast of the "grandmother", based on the known information, I don't think there is anything to worry about. The new Ford Bronco is developed using the same architecture as the Ranger pickup truck, which means that the car at least has a non-load-bearing body structure with a trapezoidal girder, which is enough to reassure consumers. In the eyes of experienced players, the emergence of the non-load-bearing body means that this car has a good foundation. Regardless of the official mass-produced model, it at least leaves players with the opportunity to heavily modify it later.
The new Bronco Sport
Of course, Ford is also maximizing its interests in tapping the value of the Bronco brand. Faced with the current diverse car purchasing needs, if you think the new Ford Bronco is too It doesn’t matter if you are too hardcore, Ford has also developed a model called Bronco Sport on the Ruiji platform of compact SUVs. Not only is it significantly smaller than the Ford Bronco in terms of body size, but its better road performance also has a completely opposite focus and orientation than the Bronco.
Patent diagram of the new Ford Bronco quick-release door
Perhaps it is the "bad taste" of American consumers for a hard-core SUV. In their opinion, the removable roof and doors are Bonus points, like the Jeep Wrangler. As a competitor to the Wrangler, the new Ford Bronco cannot lack this configuration. Previously, Ford has applied for a number of patented technologies to the U.S. Patent Office, including the door quick-release system that will appear on the Bronco model. However, the method of door disassembly is not as simple and crude as that of the Wrangler. Instead, the car owner needs to unlock the four connection points and quickly remove the door from the door frame, thereby exposing the steel pipe mechanism that fixes the door, forming a transparent body. Effect.
Mustang’s 2.3T engine
As the focus of everyone’s attention, the power system of the new Ford Bronco will be equipped with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, and the transmission system is matched with a 10-speed Automatic transmission, of course, taking into account the needs of hard-core heavy gamers, the entry-level model of Bronco is expected to be equipped with a 7-speed manual transmission. As for the must-have items for hard-core SUVs such as low-speed four-wheel drive and rear axle differential locks, the official has not yet given exact information, but according to the model positioning, these are indispensable equipment.
Summary:
It is undeniable that the hard-core SUVs in the eyes of die-hards have changed drastically. Non-load-bearing bodies, front and rear integrated axles, part-time four-wheel drive, and differential locks are pure And stable, but if you want to drive them well, it is impossible without certain experience and operating proficiency. Therefore, it is more necessary to use a "new era" hard-core SUV that is more "foolish" and takes into account a certain degree of comfort. Despite this, I think it is gratifying to see the new Bronco resurrected by Ford. After all, the emergence of a non-load-bearing body has prevented it from being carried away by the new Land Rover Defender.
Currently, Ford officials have not made it clear whether the new Bronco will be introduced to the Chinese market. It may be too early to talk about this topic, but given the huge contribution of the Chinese market to Ford's sales and the car's market benchmark against the Wrangler Positioning, such a hard-core SUV full of features and emotions has no reason to give up the Chinese market. If Ford's marketing team can start popularizing Ford's hardcore SUV culture, I believe Ford can also enter the hardcore SUV market occupied by brands such as Jeep and Land Rover.