The "Star Wars" series of movies has been a masterpiece in the hearts of many people since 1977. Each movie can be called a classic, but do you know how much pressure its producers have been under? It may have the consequences of ruining the classics. Therefore, as long as something rises to the level of emotion, it means that it plays a very important role in people's hearts. It is an almost sacred psychological experience that cannot tolerate the slightest blasphemy or error.
Extended to the automotive world, the Ford Bronco model is as classic as the Star Wars series. The first-generation Bronco rolled off the assembly line in 1966. It was a revolutionary SUV model from Ford. With its excellent off-road performance, it is deeply rooted in the world. It was loved by people, and its 3-door hardtop appearance also became the classic image of American hard-core SUVs in that era, and was even dubbed "America's most outstanding off-road SUV".
Unfortunately, this car was discontinued in 1996. The end of a classic generation also made many car fans sad. With the recovery of the economy, people's nostalgia for Bronco is stronger than ever. To be strong, the name Bronco is too heavy for Ford to apply it to any new SUV, because some classic elements must be part of the whole, otherwise consumers will not recognize it even with the same name. Buy it.
As a result, Ford announced the return of the Bronco in 2017, which also made many car fans excited. At present, we have learned that the new Bronco has completed trademark registration in the European market, and it is expected to be launched as soon as this year. It will be released in the spring and will be officially launched next year.
For this long-awaited model, its resurrection has also made Ford engineers feel more pressure. After all, no one wants to leave a bad name on their careers. Not only engineers, but also Ford engineers. Enthusiasts are so enthusiastic that they even created renderings of the new car based on previously exposed spy photos, parts guides, and sources within Ford and its suppliers. Let’s take a look at some of the specifics of this classic return model that we currently know before the official release of this car.
Judging from the renderings in the photo, it still contains some imaginary elements, but it basically conforms to the appearance of the prototype car. On the front part of the car, we can see a square hood and spectacular The Raptor-style grille has "Bronco" written in capital letters on it, so you don't have to doubt its identity and performance. The highlight of the design is that the car will be equipped with round headlights, which have a very retro feel. .
In terms of wheels, 35-inch all-terrain tires have enough ground clearance to provide excellent off-road capabilities, and there is a full-size spare tire hanging at the rear of the car. This car is actually based on the Ranger/Everest model. Its exterior design has been carefully considered by designers. It is simple but not simple, making Bronco a real Mustang. If you look carefully, you will find that these designs actually have many similarities with the Jeep Wrangler. This is of course no coincidence.
The Wrangler has been popular since the Bronco was discontinued in 1996. Despite the brief rise of other models including the Nissan Xterra and Toyota FJ Cruiser, the Wrangler has dominated the off-road SUV field for more than 20 years. You know, in the past two years, the Wrangler has sold more cars than the Nissan Altimas and Ford Fusions combined.
Bronco will be unveiled as a 2021 model soon. With its huge influence, it will definitely make a difference in sales, but it is estimated that it is unlikely to be as popular as Escape and Explorer. After all, sales are not the main purpose of Ford's resurrection of the Bronco this time. The main reason is to get people excited about Ford SUVs again to stimulate the market, so its design style will have a certain impact.
The doors of the new Bronco can be removed for outdoor activities, so the rearview mirrors will be mounted on the A-pillars, and the removed doors can be placed in the trunk and complement the removable hardtop. The door removal system uses a new patented design latch, which is a much simpler solution than the hinge system on the Wrangler door and can be removed and assembled without tools.
Ford believes that the Bronco is more of a desert high-speed runner rather than a low-speed rock crawler, which means that the Bronco will not use an old-fashioned live axle like the Wrangler, but will use a long-travel independent suspension. , the rear will feature a live axle setup with leaf springs, both axle designs supplied by Dana. The most rugged optioned Bronco is expected to offer electronic anti-roll bar disconnect and adopt the Ranger Raptor's locking rear differential and possibly the Torsen limited-slip front differential from the F-150 Raptor.
In terms of power, it is rumored that Ford will use a 2.3T engine with 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and may also add hybrid system models. If customers aren't satisfied, there's also a 2.7L Twin-Turbo V-6 engine option, which increases output to about 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet. What is really interesting is that in addition to the 10AT jointly developed by Ford and General Motors, it is said that there is also a manual transmission under development.
On top of all this sentiment is the fact that the new Bronco will still be built on the assembly line in Wayne, Michigan, where its "predecessors" have been produced for dozens of years. Year. Ford created the Focus in China in 2010 and dropped it from the U.S. lineup soon after, and the current obsession with trucks and SUVs among consumers and within Ford has taken a huge toll on sedans and hatchbacks. So, now we don’t need to worry that the Bronco will suffer the same treatment. It is a rare SUV with sentiment, unique appearance and appeal, and it will definitely achieve greater success.
This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.