Ford’s new Bronco Riptide concept is a modern-day Mini Moke

Ford hasn’t been shy about showing how many different versions can be squeezed out of the new Bronco – and this new Riptide concept showcases just how much the new 4x4 can be modified within the marque's own catalogue.

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The Riptide concept started out life as a four-door Bronco with the Sasquatch package added, which already includes the 35-inch mud-terrain tyres wrapped around 17-inch alloys and Ford Performance beadlock rings.

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The biggest difference is the removable doors have been replaced with open tubular doors, and Ford has also equipped the Riptide concept with front and rear e-lockers, high-clearance Bilstein long-travel shocks and the Bronco Terrain Management System – so beach-goers will have a harder time getting stuck.

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Finishing off the factory-added accessories on the Riptide is an LED light bar above the windshield and a Yakima bike rack, along with marine-grade vinyl-trimming on the seats and rubber flooring for easy cleaning.

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All of those extras fitted to the Riptide are already available through Ford to add onto any Bronco order, but the Riptide has debuted two new prototype parts we expect will make it into production very soon.

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There’s a new prototype steel front bumper fitted with fog lights and two hooks, as well as the system on the roof rack which allows surf boards to be strapped down.

“We wanted the vehicle to demonstrate how Bronco customers can personalize [sic] their vehicle, letting different types of customers visualize [sic] what they might want to do with their future Bronco,” said Missy Coolsaet, Bronco color [sic] and materials designer.

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The Riptide concept is powered by the 2.7-litre EcoBoost petrol V6 developing 231kW/542Nm when paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

At this stage it’s not clear if the Riptide will be added to the current Bronco range – but even if it isn’t, buyers can easily create their own by personalising their Bronco with the Ford optional parts catalogue and aftermarket suppliers.

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At this stage Ford Australia has no plans to make the Bronco range available in Australia.