Desert-Racing, Rock-Crawling 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Debuts As Most Powerful Street-Legal Bronco Ever

•All-new 2022 Ford Bronco® Raptor™, designed and engineered by Ford Performance to be the world's first Ultra4 Racing-inspired SUV, is capable of highway-speed desert-dune conquering and Baja rock-crawling

•Bronco Raptor packs extreme Built Wild™ capability and durability with an exclusive twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine targeted to deliver more than 400 horsepower*, a Raptor HOSS 4.0 race-ready suspension system, a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame, and standard 37-inch all-terrain tires

•At 9.8 inches wider than a base Bronco four-door for more confident high-speed cornering, Bronco Raptor epitomizes extreme Built Wild design with race-inspired features inside and out, accented by Raptor-family signature cues

Two icons that have tackled off-road terrain for years are coming together to take on even more: Bronco® and Raptor™. Built for desert running and boulder crawling, the all-new 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor gives off-roaders next-level performance.

Bronco Raptor, the newest member of the Bronco outdoor brand of Built Wild™ SUVs, debuts today as the most powerful street-legal Bronco ever, and the world's first Ultra4 Racing-inspired SUV. Ford Performance, the same team that produces the F-150 Raptor, designed and engineered Bronco Raptor as a calling to hardcore off-road enthusiasts.

Bronco Raptor is equipped with elite off-road technology and hardware. Ultra4 Racing is the epitome of grueling off-road competition, featuring demanding races such as the famed King of the Hammers in the Johnson Valley in California, where Bronco Raptor will be on display on Feb. 3. Ford and Bronco will continue as the official truck and SUV of the Ultra4 series.

With the addition of Bronco Raptor, Ford once again expands its Raptor high-performance off-road vehicle franchise, which also includes F-150 Raptor for North America and Ranger Raptor for global markets.

'Raptor is the apex of our off-road lineup and is now a full lineup with race proven content and design that you can't get from anyone else,' said Jim Farley, chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company. 'Only Ford could create a Bronco Raptor.'

Beyond the Raptor family, Ford offers an unmatched variety of additional on- and off-road high-performance and specialty performance vehicles, from Mustang Shelby GT500, the pinnacle of Mustang street performance, to the ST lineup of cars and SUVs, to the Tremor family of F-Series and Ranger tough and work-capable off-road trucks.

Ford Performance unleashes extreme Built Wild capability and durability

To build the world's first Ultra4-inspired SUV, Ford Performance set the bar high. Bronco Raptor had to be even faster and bring more off-road capability, agility and maneuverability than Bronco already delivers.

'We had to build the Bronco Raptor – it's our ultimate vehicle for hardcore off-road enthusiasts who demand something more,' said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance chief engineer. 'Like the Ultra4 desert race trucks, the 'Raptor of SUVs' conquers desert dunes at highway speeds and is equipped with competition-level off-road technology and hardware.'

Starting with the Bronco frame foundation, the Ford Performance team knew it needed a Raptor-specific version for increased suspension travel and track width for handling stability during high-speed desert runs. At the Raptor core is a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame with new shock towers that increase wheel travel and off-road durability. Heavy-duty bash and skid plates provide continuous driveline coverage from the front bumper to the back of the engine, transmission and transfer case. In the upper body, B-pillar cross bar and C-pillar reinforcement help deliver a greater than 50% total body-in-prime torsional rigidity increase over a standard Bronco four-door model.

Competition-level, Ford Performance-developed axles, also used on the Bronco DR race truck, further deliver on the Ultra4-inspiration. The solid rear axle is upgraded to a semi-float Dana 50™ Heavy-Duty AdvanTEK® with 235-millimeter ring gear, while the Dana 44™ AdvanTEK front-drive unit includes upgraded half-shafts with 210-millimeter ring gear. These upgraded front and rear axles increase the track width by 8.6 inches (73.6 inches versus 65.0 inches) over a base Bronco for even more sure-footed confidence. Larger front and rear driveshafts support increased wheel torque. Bronco Raptor also runs with a minimum ground clearance of 13.1 inches, 4.8 inches more than a base four-door model.

An advanced 4x4 system with three modes includes a higher-capacity clutch designed to withstand the demands of high-performance desert events. The upgraded transfer case also features a 3.06 4x4 LO ratio for up to 67.7:1 crawl ratio.

The Ford Performance team collaborated with FOX™ to upgrade the High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) system with Live Valve technology. Similar to the F-150 Raptor truck's position-sensitive damping design, the Raptor HOSS 4.0 system features FOX 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers (3.1-inch diameter) that are uniquely tuned at the front and rear and feature integrated reservoirs up front and remote reservoirs in rear. Suspension height sensors and other sensors at each corner monitor terrain conditions independently hundreds of times every second and adjust suspension tuning accordingly.

Unique Ford Performance-designed front and rear control arms help deliver maximum wheel travel of 13.0 inches in front and 14.0 inches at the rear, or 60% and 40% more, respectively, than a Bronco base model. To deliver the confidence and high-speed needs of the world's first Ultra4-inspired SUV, the Ford Performance team reached out to BFGoodrich for standard 37-inch KO2 all-terrain tires (37x12.50R17LT), the largest of any production SUV in America**. Two Ford Performance-designed 17-inch x 8.5-inch beadlock-capable wheels are available. An electric-power steering rack and housing influenced by F-150 Raptor, as well as larger-diameter inner and outer tie rod ends, were added to further upgrade Bronco Raptor.

To give Bronco Raptor even more desert-running power, the Ford powertrain team developed the proven twin-turbo 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine with specific Raptor-level tuning to meet Ford Performance standards. With a target of more than 400 horsepower*, Bronco Raptor will be the most powerful street-legal Bronco ever, with intercooling and air-induction systems designed to endure the higher ambient desert temperatures.

For higher-speed desert capabilities or crawling over rocks, the compacted graphite iron-block engine, which saves weight while providing strength for added durability, is paired with a 10-speed SelectShift™ automatic transmission tuned to meet Ford Performance standards. A true dual-exhaust system, featuring first-for-Bronco active-valve technology, uses near-equal-length pipes for an improved exhaust note. The system allows drivers to alter the sound of their Bronco Raptor with four selectable exhaust modes, including Normal, Sport, Quiet and Baja.

Bronco Raptor builds on the brand's exclusive G.O.A.T. Modes™ (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Terrain Management System™ designed to help drivers better navigate off-road. Seven driver-selectable modes include a uniquely tuned Baja Mode that activates a turbo anti-lag calibration to maximize performance over high-speed desert runs. New to Bronco is Tow/Haul mode, which helps enable a tow rating of 4,500 pounds, a 1,000-pound improvement over the base model. Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist and Trail One-Pedal Driving are also included.

Raptor styling with extreme Built Wild innovative design

The first-ever Bronco Raptor delivers purpose-built design, infusing Raptor-family signature cues with the truck's Built Wild innovative design.

'As the most badass Bronco yet, the Bronco Raptor design is extreme,' said Paul Wraith, Bronco design chief. 'It's muscular, while maintaining an underlying simplicity with performance-focused details added only for outstanding high-speed capability.'

Familiar Ford block lettering at the front stretches across the signature two-piece rectangular grille. Model-specific LED headlights featuring amber daytime running lamps and integrated amber marker lamps further tie in the DNA of Raptor to provide a menacing look. A heavy-duty modular steel front bumper by Ford Performance features tow hooks, removable bumper end caps for improved off-road clearance, integrated removable Rigid LED fog lamps and Rigid off-road lamps for greater illumination.

The hood on Bronco Raptor is made of sheet-molding compound, offering the design team the ability to dramatically sculpt its muscular shape. An integrated hood vent is molded-in-color Carbon Black and fender vents are painted body color. Raptor logos on the left and right of the hood bulge hint at the twin-turbo power underneath.

Bronco Raptor proudly leverages the Bronco SUV's patented off-road modular design, stripped it to its base, and replaced components with unique-to-Raptor front and rear quarter-panels, fenders, fender flares and door appliques. Sheet-molding compound is once again used to sculpt the wider front fenders and integrated bodyside heat extraction ducts, which provide additional engine cooling. Sheet-molding compound rear-quarter panels are equally bolstered for a muscular look. Together with fender flares, Bronco Raptor sits 9.8 inches wider than a standard Bronco. Bronco Raptor-specific reinforced rock rails with removable running boards increase rock crawling capability.

For even more Raptor-styling DNA, an available Bronco Raptor Graphics Package includes new splatter graphics on the rear bodysides and hood that use an overlapping broken trapezoidal pattern and floating shapes to present a sophisticated digital appearance. Exterior colors include Hot Pepper Red Metallic, Velocity Blue Metallic, Eruption Green Metallic, Shadow Black, Iconic Silver Metallic, Area 51, Cactus Gray, Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat, Oxford White, plus Ford Performance-exclusive Code Orange paint.

Race-focused with a performance-optimized interior

Bronco Raptor features a familiar heritage-inspired horizontal dash, integrating an all-digital 12-inch cluster. The cluster allows drivers to select from various views, including a Bronco Raptor-exclusive Performance View that emphasizes tachometer and gear readings and allows the customization of gauges.

'The Bronco Raptor interior was designed around what we know hardcore off-road racers want in a vehicle,' said Ryan Olsson, design manager. 'From the all-new Performance View on the cluster and unique steering wheel with paddle shifters and fingertip access to Raptor-specific controls, to its race-ready, high-bolster front seats, Bronco Raptor leaves the factory ready for the starting line.'

Base Bronco Raptor models are equipped with Black Onyx marine-grade vinyl seats and rubberized washout flooring. The dark interior is accented with Ford Performance Code Orange splashes on the G.O.A.T. Modes rotary dial, dash vents, door netting, steering wheel stitching and Bronco logo on the instrument panel. Even the push-button ignition lights up in Code Orange. Touchpoints such as the grab handles, steering wheel bezel and gear shifter wear low-gloss carbon fiber accents.

Owners can opt for upgraded features such as all-new laser-perforated Black Onyx Neo suede seats, vinyl-wrapped instrument panel topper, leather-wrapped outer seat bolsters and carpet flooring. A thicker and sport-contoured steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters and gloss black Raptor logo center continues the Ford Performance treatment. Ford Performance-designed front seats are unique to Bronco Raptor, designed with aggressive foam side bolsters to help keep passengers firmly seated when the terrain gets nasty. Available Code Orange seat belts provide even more Ford Performance style.

Bronco Raptor comes standard with a High Package that includes SYNC®4 with 12-inch touchscreen with swipe capability, information on-demand panel and enhanced voice recognition. Other technology features include an exterior camera with 360-degree viewing capability. The Lux Package is available for customers looking for even more human-centered technology, such as an available 10-speaker B&O audio system and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Customers can begin placing orders in March. A majority of the 2022 model year Bronco Raptor allocation will go to existing reservation holders based upon their original reservation timestamp. Ford will send communications later this month soliciting reservation holders' interest in Bronco Raptor. Vehicles will begin to arrive this summer.

*Horsepower rating based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary.

**Assembled in the USA with domestic and foreign parts.

by Ford

From 1966 through 1996 Ford produced a stylish and popular SUV named the Bronco. In 1994 a Ford Bronco was seen on TV in a low-speed chase being pursued by the Los Angeles Police Department. Behind the wheel was O.J. Simpson.

The Ford Bronco sat atop a small 92 inch wheelbase which made it suitable for off-road excursions. Its body, frame and suspension were all new and did not share with any other vehicles. The brakes and axles were courtesy of the Ford F-100 trucks. The rear suspension had leaf springs in a Hotchkiss design. Coil springs were used which gave the Bronco an anti-dive geometry which came in handy during snowplowing. The front axle was connected by leading arms and a lateral track bar. A heavy duty suspension was available, but at an additional cost.

The design was simple with flat glass, no-frills bumpers, and a square body. The $2194 base price included front bucket seats, rear bench seat, a CB radio, and tachometer. An auxiliary gas tank, snowplow, winch, tow bar, posthole digger, campers, overdrive units, and an array of tires and wheels were also available.

The idea for the Bronco was conceived by Donald N. Frey, Fords product manager and the same individual who had a big part in the creation of the Ford Mustang. Paul G. Axelrad was responsible for the design while Lee Iacocca played a part in getting the Bronco into production.

When introduced the Bronco was instantly popular and it took a few years for other marques to catch up. By the close of the 1960's Chevrolet had introduced their Blazer and quickly began capturing market share. Ford responded by adapting a larger and more powerful engine to the Bronco. The optional 289 cubic-inch V8 was capable of producing 200 horsepower. If that was not enough a 302 cubic-inch V8 was available that raised the horsepower slightly to 205. Albeit, it was not enough to compete with Chevrolet's 350 cubic-inch V8 which produced over 250 horsepower.

During the early 1970's the Blazer proved to be the more popular than the Bronco. The Blazer was selling two-to-one when compared with the Bronco. Optional power steering and an automatic transmission on the Bronco helped boost sales slightly but it was still difficult competing with the Blazer.

From 1966 through 1977 Ford sold around 230,800 Bronco's. During this time the Bronco remained mostly unchanged due to a limited budget.

In 1972 Ford began working on what they codenamed 'Project Short-Horn' which was a redesign of the Bronco. It would not be until 1978 that they introduced the second generation the Bronco which drew some styling cues from the Blazer and based on the F-100 truck. Part of the delays was due to the fuel-crisis of the 1970's.

In 1980 the Bronco underwent another major redesign which was both cosmetic and mechanical. The front end had an independent suspension and also included the TBB, twin traction beam, setup.

The second generation Bronco was produced from 1980 through 1986 and was outfitted with a variety of six and 8-cylinder engines. A 302, 351, and 400 cubic-inch V8's were available. A 300 cubic-inch straight six was also available during the early 1980's and proved to be highly popular due to its low-end torque and reliability.

In 1987 the Bronco underwent another cosmetic and mechanical upgrade though it was still built atop the F-Series platform. Electronic fuel injection was new and greatly improved the fuel economy and power of the engines. A 300 straight-six engine was offered along with a 302 and 351 cubic-inch V8's.

In 1992 the Bronco was again updated with the most notable changes being cosmetic, mostly inside including the accessories and the dash.

In 1997 Ford introduced the Expedition and fazed out the Bronco. The name reappeared in 2004 as a concept vehicle.

Ford Bronco II

The Ford Bronco II was produced from 1984 through 1990 as an alternative to the full-sized Ford Bronco as well as to compete with other marques such as Jeep and Chevrolet. It carried many of the same mechanical components as the Ford Ranger and due to its short wheelbase and high center of gravity; it was occasionally prone to tipping over. This led to the NTSB and other safety groups to open an investigation on the causes and potential safety hazards of the vehicle.

In 1991 it underwent a major redesign and emerged as the Ford Explorer.

Though the Ford Bronco II was unsafe and unreliable, it did manage to be rather popular, due to its compact size, SUV capabilities, and economical price. From 1984 through 1985 the vehicle was equipped with a six-cylinder 2.8 liter engine. In 1986 a 2.9L EFI V6 engine was introduced and placed under the hood. This vehicle quickly gained a reputation for malfunctioning, especially suffering from premature cylinder head failure and a loss of valve train lubrication. These and other issues were resolved by 1989 but it was too little too late.

In 1989 the Bronco II featured new aesthetics including a new front fascia. A few of the later 1989 models and the 1990 versions were given a Dana 35 front axle which replaced the weaker Dana 28. Even though this is not a true second generation model, these are commonly known as the 'second generation' Bronco II.

by Dan Vaughan