According to several dealers who talked to Automotive News, Ford
unveiled a Bronco prototype at a conference in February. They said the SUV
features a retro design with round headlights and a rectangular grille
featuring prominent “Bronco” badging.
More interestingly, dealers confirmed the Bronco
will have removable doors and a hard top which can be stored in the cargo
compartment. Unlike the Wrangler, the Bronco will have its side mirrors mounted
to the A-pillars so drivers will still have mirrors even when the doors are
removed.
Dealers were reportedly shown a two-door prototype,
but were told a four-door variant is also in the works. The latter will likely
prove popular with consumers as the four-door Wrangler has been credited with
significantly boosting sales. Little else is known about the model, but dealers come away pretty impressed.
One told Automotive News that the Bronco is “going to be a game changer.”
Another said it was “twice as cool as I thought it would be.”
Besides showcasing the Bronco prototype, Ford said
it’s working on a “family” of off-road vehicles. The lineup will include the
so-called Baby Bronco and a small unibody pickup. The Bronco will reportedly
arrive in late 2020, approximately three months after its smaller sibling. The
pickup, on the other hand, isn’t slated to be launched until at least 2021.
Besides unveiling the Bronco, dealers were
reportedly shown the Mustang-inspired electric crossover and the Baby Bronco.
Photos of the latter model leaked out of a previous dealer meeting and they
showed the crossover will have boxy styling, a contrasting roof and circular
headlights with distinctive daytime running lights.
