In reply to Mr_Asa :
Bronco Sport is being built on the Escape C2 platform, maybe that's why.
In reply to fasted58 :
Doesn't help matters, but no I think for that particular picture it is the cargo racks messing with the roofline
I really like these. The "Sport" is the smaller platform, built to compete with the Jeep Renegade. There has been talk from Ford from early on that the "Bronco" name will be used on several models, almost a sub-brand aimed at the 4x4 market, even if some are just off road in name.
I can't wait for the real Ford launch.
If we keep selling disinfectant the way we are right now and I survive the virus, I might buy one of the 2 doors sooner rather than later LOL.
I do have to admit, I dont fully get what Ford is doing with its marketing. I understand that they seem to want a core of three or four vehicles, then branch them out into various other models like we are seeing here and with the Mustang Mach-E, but it just feels like they are going to dilute the core cars.
I like them all. I'm interested to see how far they mark these things up in the coming months after the debut.
Make mine a 2dr with 4wd, as basic as possible.
In reply to Gasoline :
That's the Sport. The redheaded step child. Look up the 2 and 4 doors. On page 2
On the Sport:
Toyota recently "ruggedized" the RAV4, and Jeep's stuff have been that way since Jeeps were things, so it looks like they are trying to capture that market. Not a bad idea. Looks better than the Escape it's based on, which looks like a Focus that got stung by a bee.
Also, can we get a new SWB 2 door Xterra/Pathfinder/Patrol and Montero to compete with these please?
In reply to Mr_Asa :
Your right! Thanks. The 2 and 4 doors look better. Im really drawn to the flatish nose of the original Broncos. The curved nose of the Sport is all I had seen til now. I'm suprised how the differences influence me greatly.
Whoa, actual car pictures! Ok yeah, the 2 door is great. Even the 4 door is fine. The "Sport" is...meh. But yeah, hopefully this will actually compete well with Jeep for sales.
slowbird said:
hopefully this will actually compete well with Jeep for sales.
I kind of wonder if that's what took so long. They didn't want something that would get passed up for a wrangler, then as they got to looking they realized they needed to take on the entire Jeep lineup?
In reply to Mr_Asa :
I think they're trying to tap into the brand image that Jeep and Subaru have. The buyer that chooses a Jeep Renegade or Subaru Crosstrek is likely different from an Escape buyer, even if they spend 99% of their time behind the wheel doing the same things on normal roads between coffee shops. With a brand that's viewed as "Capable", or "Active lifestyle" appropriate you also open up a ton more factory upgrades/customization. Things like roof racks, light bars, built in tents, etc are all highly profitable for a manufacturer and don't really work on an Escape the way that they do for a Jeep.
This is hilarious. People keep talking about how Ford have been teasing this thing for 5 years. No they haven't. This program only got kicked off about three years ago and the first sketches were made about 24-30 months ago. All the images that have been in the press over the last few years are people outside of Ford coming up with ideas of what they think it will be. Before the program was a go, I had people outside the company asking me 'So, when are Ford launching the new Bronco, 2018 or 2019?' They flat out didn't believe me when I said there was no Bronco program. This isn't a case of Ford dragging it out, it's a case of Ford listening to massive pull from dealers and the public.
Now, I was let go from Ford (Design Studio) 11 months ago, so I don't know the latest. But back then the FACTS were:
The Bronco Sport is based off the Focus/Escape chassis and drivetrain but will have real off road capability. Better off road than the current KL Cherokee. It's been through every name you can think of including baby Bronco, Bronco II, Maverick etc. IT will have two versions an on and off road with different front and rear fascia, wheels tires, etc to differentiate.
Before Ford let me go I was following the Bronco very very closely. I was 100% going to buy one. I know way more about trim levels, options etc. but while the company let me go I'm still a professional and will not divulge.
In my honest opinion, and I owe nothing to the company, It's going to be awesome.
P.S. At one design review of the early clays we made up a fake 'OJ' license plate. That did not go down well and we were told to remove, destroy ASAP.
I have to admit, I'm not totally excited about the Ranger bones. Have they done anything (to your knowledge) to address the lack of road feel?
When I drove a Ranger it felt like I was in a big cotton box. I got no input from the truck at all.
Yawn, another super-expensive SUV/Truck/OffRoady thing. IF I had money, I'd start a line of Bronco accessories and mean-eyed grills. Seems to have worked for the Jeep guys.
Adrian_Thompson said:This is hilarious. People keep talking about how Ford have been teasing this thing for 5 years. No they haven't. This program only got kicked off about three years ago and the first sketches were made about 24-30 months ago. All the images that have been in the press over the last few years are people outside of Ford coming up with ideas of what they think it will be. Before the program was a go, I had people outside the company asking me 'So, when are Ford launching the new Bronco, 2018 or 2019?' They flat out didn't believe me when I said there was no Bronco program. This isn't a case of Ford dragging it out, it's a case of Ford listening to massive pull from dealers and the public.
Now, I was let go from Ford (Design Studio) 11 months ago, so I don't know the latest. But back then the FACTS were:
- Two and Four Door, although based on sales projections and research I'll be surprised if the two door lasts more than 2-3 years max. Buy one early if you want a two door. Really the two door is only to shut up the 'it's not a real Bronco' Morons who are pissed they aren't going to put the 66 back into production as is.
- Ranger Chassis and power train.
- Raptor was on again, off again more often than a street hookers undies, last I heard it was off.
- While the whole world and the press will see this as head to head with the Jeep, Ford and FCA see themselves as going after slightly different demographics. Wranglers are about rock crawling, Bronco's are about overlanding. This will be far far better over the road and over the desert than a Wrangler.
- Door and top removal will be light years better than Wrangler and not require tools, and can be carried with you once removed.
The Bronco Sport is based off the Focus/Escape chassis and drivetrain but will have real off road capability. Better off road than the current KL Cherokee. It's been through every name you can think of including baby Bronco, Bronco II, Maverick etc. IT will have two versions an on and off road with different front and rear fascia, wheels tires, etc to differentiate.
Before Ford let me go I was following the Bronco very very closely. I was 100% going to buy one. I know way more about trim levels, options etc. but while the company let me go I'm still a professional and will not divulge.
In my honest opinion, and I owe nothing to the company, It's going to be awesome.
Thanks Adrian for sharing this with us. And thanks for clarifying all the photos out to this point are not actually from Ford.
Bronco Sport March Reveal delayed, or....?
Several manufacturers have delayed press drives of other vehicles also due to Coronavirus.
Are the hood things so we can put branch sliders on it? Those are weird. And I assume will come off. Other than that, this looks great. Really really great. Tell me I can get a manual and tow mini-van size loads (3500lbs) with the two door and I'm in. I think (hope) these are going to be smaller than most people think, and the two door will be smaller than an FJ. This is exciting.
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