Ford Bronco concepts

WHEN news broke that an all-new Ford Bronco will be built in the USA later this decade, it triggered memories of a few Bronco concepts from previous years.

Back in 2004 a Ford Bronco concept was revealed at that year’s North American International Show. Powered by a 128kW/330Nm 16-valve 2.0-litre common-rail Duratorq TDCi engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the 2004 Concept maintained the upright, boxy lines of the original. It also kept the short wheelbase and trademark round headlights.

A winch and guide rollers sat up front, while exposed door hinges, cowl vents and flared wheel wells were notable exterior features.

This concept never saw production.

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Perhaps one of the most popular concepts was actually designed by a fan forum. The 2020 Ford Bronco renderings, designed by Bronco6g (www.bronco6g.com), fuses the many Bronco styles over the famous nameplate’s lifespan.

Utilising the classic round headlights and square inset front grille from the first-gen Bronco, the 2020 concept is “a modern body-on-frame next-generation Bronco that retains a tall, boxy, tough, no-frills design with a strong focus on utility and off-road capabilities”.

The fan-made renderings show how Bronco aficionados wanted the new model to look. Is it better than the official pics? Tell us on Facebook.

Credit: www.bronco6g.com

The 2016 Ford SVT Bronco “concept” makes the list for the fact that it stirred debate and looked pretty cool. However, it was just an elaborate April Fool’s prank by Fourwheeler.com.

Credit: www.fourwheeler.com

This final one is a bit left-of-centre, but we thought we’d throw it in anyway. It’s a Ford Bronco concept created by Jonathan Fan. The Bronco concept was featured at Art Center 2013.

Credit: www.formtrends.com

News of the all-new Bronco made waves when Bill Johnson, chairman of UAW, responded to claims made by Donald Trump that Ford was sending all of its manufacturing to Mexico.

Johnson admitted that small-car manufacturing is going to Mexico, but it is being replaced in Detroit by more exciting products.

“We hate to see the products go to Mexico, but with the Ranger and the Bronco coming to Michigan Assembly, that absolutely secures the future for our people a lot more than the Focus does,” Johnson said.

The famous nameplate was last seen at Ford dealers in 1996, following a 30-year history. A second-gen Bronco – based on an F-series chassis – was assembled and sold locally between 1981 and 1987.

The all-new Bronco will be built in the USA later this decade.

Any other Bronco concepts come to mind? Shoot them through on our Facebook page!