While the automotive universe seems agog with the all-new retro-inspired Ford Bronco, which the Dearborn-based automaker unveiled in America just yesterday, few probably realize that they might have seen it—or at least its concept car version—in the 2018 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson monster gorilla movie, Rampage.
In the action flick, the character played by Johnson drives a dusty and unassuming-looking silver SUV that oddly looks like no other car you’ve seen. The Rock never refers to the vehicle nor even takes a look at it as he jumps out of it. Eagle-eyed viewers, however, will notice the “BRONCO” name on the grille. But what even some viewers might know is that the retro-futuristic vehicle used in the movie is actually a Ford Bronco concept car dating back to, get this, the 2004 Detroit Auto Show—an event I actually went to.
Ford has always positioned the Bronco as a lifestyle/recreational off-roader that blends F-150 toughness with Mustang performance (or at least, spirit). The all-new Bronco re-enters the scene—after a 24-year hiatus—with an all-4×4 lineup with production in Michigan beginning in early 2021 and first models arriving in U.S. Ford dealerships the following spring. That’s early 2022. In America. So if you’re wondering if it’ll make it to the Philippines, don’t hold your breath.
The new Bronco comes as a two-door truck, like the original model, or a first-for-Bronco four-door model. Both models boast frameless door windows and removable roof panels for a completely open-air experience. The handy frameless doors can be removed as well and come with their own protective door bags for storage. The four-door model comes standard with a cloth soft top but can be ordered with both soft and hard tops. Exclusive cowl-mounted mirrors maintain sideview visibility when the doors are removed.
Reminiscent of the first-generation model, the new Bronco sports square proportions, short overhangs and a wide stance. The side profile features a flat, no-nonsense surface with clear-cut edges and robustly flared fenders. Large, open wheel wells are a modular design with a quick-release attachment for simple customization.
Earlier reports speculated that the Bronco will be based on the Ranger/Everest platform. We haven’t confirmed that yet although the Bronco does have the Ranger Raptor’s 10-speed automatic and its multi-mode Terrain Management System with its delightful Baja Mode for high-performance off-roading. The Bronco does the Raptor one better with its G.O.A.T Mode.
The Bronco doesn’t have the Ranger Raptor’s bespoke Fox racing shock absorbers but does have equally high-tech long-travel, position-sensitive Bilsteins with end-stop control valves for off-road toughness and reduced harshness. Both Fords share a front independent/rear solid axle with coil spring suspension layout. Perhaps the biggest mechanical difference is that the Bronco uses 2.3- and 2.7-liter EcoBoost gasoline engines only and has an available 7-speed manual transmission option, at least for the U.S. market.
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The one in Rampage is an 04/05 concept for the Bronco btw.
Yes, we said it was a concept car from the 2004 Detroit Auto Show in the article (last sentence of the second paragraph).