Both Bronco engines will be more powerful than expected, electric off-roader looks likely

Ford

When Ford revealed the Bronco in July of 2019, we were psyched to hear that the body-on-frame off-roader would deliver up to 270 hp with its turbo-four and 310 hp with a twin-turbo V-6. Those initial figures were conservative, according to a spec sheet just posted to Ford’s media site. The Blue Oval has—forgive us—bucked our expectations.

On premium fuel, the base, 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will top out at 300 hp and 325 pound-feet of torque; drinking the same stuff, the 2.7-liter V-6 will pump out 330 hp and a robust 415 pound-feet of torque. For the 2.3, that’s a 30-hp/15-lb-ft improvement over the figures Ford released back in July. The V-6 has added 20 hp and 15 lb-ft compared to the initial figures. Should you opt for regular fuel, you’ll still have a pleasant surprise: The four-banger still makes 275 hp and 315 lb-ft, while the V-6 puts out 315 hp and 410 lb-ft. Transmission choices remain unchanged, which means a 10-speed automatic transmission for both engines and an optional seven-speed manual for the four-cylinder.

2021 Ford Bronco Two Door Front Three-Quarter
Ford

If those weren’t enough Bronco rumblings for the day, Ford CEO Jim Farley was busy on Twitter stoking the rumor mill. By the looks of it, an electric off-roader (possibly based on the Bronco), is very likely in the works.

One imagines “opinion” from the first tweet was likely meant to be “option,” but no doubt the possible misspelling gives Farley a bit of cover.

Of course, with its dirt-tossing Magneto prototype and order-ready hybrid 4xe, Jeep is perhaps several steps ahead of Ford here. But the very existence of the resurrected Bronco is proof that Ford wants to go toe-to-toe with the Wrangler, and we can only hope that, once again in the auto industry, rivalry breeds innovation. With the F-150 Lightning set for a May 19 reveal and the Mach-E already on sale, we already know Ford has no qualms about mixing classic nameplates with electric power. In the meantime, patient Bronco customers have even more to anticipate.

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