Well, thank the Lord that didn’t take as long as the production of the actual Bronco. Here it is, Ford’s Raptor-ized Bronco, available with much greater dispatch than the original berm-basher. And what a monster it’s turning out to be, with more power, more features, and, best of all, more G.O.A.T. — Goes Over Any Type of Terrain — capabilities than the already-competent base model.
The first thing to note is that, contrary to speculation, the hyper-motored Bronco will not be powered by the same 450-horsepower 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 as the F-150 Raptor. Rather, Ford is liberating the 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 from the Explorer ST and turning up the turbo-boost for a final output specified for now only as being 400-plus-hp. As to why Ford would develop a new engine rather than just squeeze in the existing twin-turbo V6, we can only guess the big-block simply can’t be shoehorned into the Bronco’s engine bay while the 3.0L — essentially a bored-and-stroked 2.7L “nano” version of the EcoBoost V6 — could.
What we do know is that, unlike the garden-variety V6s, the Raptor’s 3.0L feature a compacted-graphite-iron block for more durability; and the ten-speed SelectShift automatic — complete with shift paddles — returns with unchanged gear ratios.
If the engine upgrade sounds a little less — let’s call it — dramatic than we might have hoped for, the chassis’ upgrades to Raptor status are extremely comprehensive. Most impressive is that, unlike some of its competition, which come in separate trims for high-speed desert racing and slow-speed rock-crawl off-roading, Ford says its G.O.A.T. — Goes Over Any Type of Terrain — Modes selector lets Raptor handle both with equal aplomb.
For instance, with lessons learned racing in the Ultra4 class, the hi-po Bronco features Fox 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers with Live Valve technology, a wider track, and all-new control arms front and rear. This last bumps suspension travel up to a Baja-ready 325 millimetres in front (a 60-per-cent increase over the base Bronco) and 350 mm in the rear (a lesser, but still substantial, 40-per-cent increase). As well, its approach and departure angles — 47.2 and 40.5 degrees — are a significant improvement over the base four-door, even with its premium 35-inch tires; and its 30.8-degree breakover angle is a whopping 4.5-degree improvement over the base model. Heavy-duty bash and skid plates offer continuous protection from the front bumper to the transfer case.
The chassis underpinning the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Photo by Ford
The chassis underpinning the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Photo by Ford
The chassis underpinning the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Photo by Ford
The chassis underpinning the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Photo by Ford
The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor’s 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 Photo by Ford
Attending to its high-speed desert-racing duties, Ford has widened the front track by some 210 mm; and the rear by an additional 10 mils. Ground clearance, meanwhile, has been raised a substantial 12 mils to 333 millimetres. Completing that G.O.A.T. transition are the BFGoodrich 37-inch KO2 all-terrain tires (37×12.50R17LT), the largest of any production SUV in North America and specifically tailored to high-speed desert use.
The solid rear axle, meanwhile, has been upgraded to a semi-floating Dana 50 Heavy-Duty AdvanTEK; while the Dana 44 AdvanTEK front drive unit adds upgraded half-shafts to withstand the Raptor’s greater speed and torque. Making sure all this newfound high-speed ability doesn’t tie the Raptor’s chassis in knots is the fully boxed high-strength steel frame, while B- and C-pillar reinforcements strengthen the Bronco’s upper body. All told, Ford is claiming a 50-per-cent increase in total body-in-prime torsional rigidity over the standard Bronco four-door model. It’s also worth noting that the Raptor gains a new “Baja” mode with a turbo anti-lag calibration “to maximize performance over high-speed desert runs.”
All this boosting of performance, of course, deserves some styling bona fides, and the Raptor-ized Bronco doesn’t disappoint. Along with the standard-for-a-mid-model-makeover new taillights and headlamps, the most dramatic difference are the “Built Wild” composite fender flares, which result in the Raptor being a monstrous 250 millimetres wider than the standard four-door Bronco. Vents in the hood let the boosted engine breath, and heat extractors reduce the load on hard-working brakes. Up front, the heavy-duty modular steel bumper features tow hooks and easily removable end caps to increase off-road clearance.
Inside, Ryan Olsson, design manager says, “the Bronco Raptor interior was designed around what we know hardcore off-road racers want in a vehicle.” That includes an all-new Performance View instrument cluster; the unique steering wheel with paddle shifters; and fingertip access to Raptor-specific controls.
The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Photo by Ford
The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Photo by Ford
The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Photo by Ford
The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Photo by Ford
The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Photo by Ford
The 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor Photo by Ford
There’s also race-ready sport seats with substantial bolstering and Ford Performance Code Orange splashes on everything that could be painted, including the G.O.A.T. Modes rotary dial, dash vents, door netting, steering wheel stitching and Bronco logo on the instrument panel. The Raptor also comes standard with SYNC 4 infotainment and a 12-inch touchscreen, while the Lux package adds 10-speaker B&O audio system and Adaptive Cruise Control.
The Bronco Raptor will only be available (at least initially) in four-door guise, and customers can begin ordering Bronco Raptors in March, with delivery said to begin in the summer.
Keyword: First Look: 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor