Bronco Alleged to Come With Three Distinct Grilles
With Ford’s Bronco debut scrubbed on account of the coronavirus, its getting increasingly difficult for the automaker to keep things secret. While some of this is fine, as leaks help Ford maintain interest on its upcoming products, other details are probably items Ford was saving for its big reveal — which is still TBD.
We don’t know which camp the following falls under, but Ford Authority claims the body-on-frame SUV will come with three distinct looks or, to be precise, grilles. While two of the designs will be of a more contemporary bent, the third will harken back to the original Bronco.
From Ford Authority:
When it launches in 2021, the Bronco will offer three different grille designs, Ford Authority has learned from sources familiar with the project. The three grilles will each deliver a unique persona to appeal to a wide customer base.
The first 2021 Ford Bronco grille will be the “Modern” design, which constitutes the regular grille. This is the same black grille with “BRONCO” written across it that we previously saw in leaked photos earlier this year.
The second grille option will be the “Classic” face that features retro styling cues. It will deliver a nod to the Bronco’s past, albeit in a contemporary manner.
The third and final 2021 Ford Bronco grille option will be what’s referred to as “Custom.” This nose features a more shiny and upscale look when compared to the other two offerings.
We already have a pretty good idea what Modern (above) will look like, but the rest leave plenty to the imagination. Considering the look of the original Bronco, there’s nothing stopping Ford from applying letters to the grille in all instances. It could also be done in (faux) chrome, black or white without running afoul of tradition. They’ll also be around for the Bronco Sport (aka “Baby Bronco”).
While the outlet said the grilles are a sure thing, it did not know how how they would be made available through Ford. They could be isolated to specific trims or left as optional extras once you’ve opted out of the base model. Either way, some are bound to cost you a bit more money — especially if they actually improve the SUV’s outward appearance. Personally, we wouldn’t mind a throwback grille from the second or third generation (that’s pre OJ Simpson) with monster truck tires. That seems unlikely, of course, as Ford is usually in the business of trying to make money. Odds favor that “Classic” grille being reminiscent of the first-gen Bronco by a country mile.
[Images: Ford Motor Co; Fullsizebronco.com]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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I just hope they fix the engine option issue, two turbo engines sound beyond horrendous, if they’re too chicken to put the V8 that should be under the hood then a N/A 6 should be available.
My vote for the new Bronco is the nine slot WW2 Jeep Grill that Henry Ford patented, leaving Willys, (pronounced Willis), Jeep to use a seven slot grill.