Rayan™ Posted April 7, 2019 Posted April 7, 2019 After ending production in 1996, the legendary Ford Bronco is making a comeback. Ford announced the Bronco's eventual return at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit back in 2017, and we've been waiting patiently ever since. As for when it'll make its debut, we're not 100-percent sure. Ford said it'll arrive by 2020, though, so there's a very good chance we'll see it debut at some point this year. Pictured above and throughout: speculative renderings of the 2020 Bronco from fan-forum Bronco6G.com. But, there is quite a lot we do know about the Bronco, based on credible rumors and comments from various Ford higher-ups since the announcement of the 4x4's return. We've compiled all that info for you here. This story will be continually updated as new information is learned. - Here's a Test Mule Driving Around Michigan Our spy photographer managed to nab some good shots of a Bronco test mule out in public in Michigan. The bodywork is clearly from a current-generation Ranger pickup, but note how far back the rear wheels are pushed in this mule. Short overhangs are great for off-roading, so it seems like Ford is really trying to make this thing a Jeep rival. This truck is also wearing BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires, which you can get for FX4-package Rangers and on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. There Will Reportedly Be a Two-Door The Jeep Wrangler's huge success is directly attributable to the availability of a four-door model, but you can still get a short-wheelbase two-door version. Ford will almost assuredly offer a four-door Bronco, but there's been a question if there'll be a two-door to rival the shorty Wrangler. But, Automotive News now reports that at a recent dealer event in Palm Springs, Ford showed off a two-door Bronco prototype. Dealer sources speaking anonymously to Automotive News said the Bronco had a retro design with round headlights and a square grille with the truck's name stamped across. The Doors and Roof Will Come Off One of the big appeals of the Wrangler are that its doors and roof are removable. The same will be true of the Bronco, which according to Automotive News, will offer a removable hardtop and doors that can be stored in the trunk. Apparently, the mirrors will be mounted to the A-pillars, and not the doors as on a Wrangler. This means you'll still have mirrors when you take the doors off. Clever. It'll Be Based on the New Ranger When Ford announced the Bronco was making a comeback, it also confirmed that the mid-size Ranger would make a return. The 2019 Ranger arrived last January, and we've already driven it. Back in 2017, Ford global operations president Joe Hinrichs confirmed to Road & Track that the Bronco and the Ranger would share a platform. The Ranger might be new for the US, but it's actually somewhat of an old truck—it was released originally for the Asia-Pacific market in 2010 and received a significant update in 2015. For the US, the platform was modified even further still, with a new, fully-boxed frame.
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