Ford introduces the Bronco DESERT RACER with over 400 hp.

The Ford Bronco DR is based on the design of the production 4-door model, but this one-of-a-kind Bronco is designed to take the brand's knowledge and experience to the next level. The limited version of the DR was built exclusively as an SUV. It takes advantage of the impressive capabilities of a stock Bronco, upgraded with a third-generation Coyote 5.0-litre V8 engine (rated at over 400 hp), Multimatic Positional Selective DSSV shocks, a Multimatic roll cage and many other technical modifications.

Ford Bronco DESERT RACE

“The Bronco DR is our ultimate rally and off-road racing vehicle, designed to enable enthusiasts and off-road racing enthusiasts to take on the toughest of competitions,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports. "The collaboration between Ford Performance and Multimatic continues the Bronco heritage in desert rally racing, dating back to Rod Hall and Larry Minor and their unrepeatable Baja 1000 series victories in 1969," he added.

The Bronco DR prototype will debut in the SCORE Baja 1000 in 2022 in a red, white, black and blue Ford Performance livery to commemorate the Baja 1000's only win. dollars. Click here for more information on the Bronco DR.

Baja-focused off-road capability and incredible durability

In the spirit of the Bronco - Built Wild idea, the Ford Performance team created the Desert Racer to help endure days of torture in grueling terrain and high temperatures during the SCORE Baja 1000 in Baja California, Mexico.

“The Bronco DR exists to give die-hard off-road enthusiasts the quintessential Built Wild idea, a complete off-road vehicle ready to race across the desert, including the relentless Baja 1000,” said Rushbrook. “It all started with a four-door Bronco on a standard all-wheel drive frame, where we modified and optimized every aspect to create the vehicle that off-road enthusiasts dream of,” he added.

While final specifications will be available closer to the sale date, the Bronco DR has a long list of equipment specifically designed for extreme desert racing. Multimatic, a longtime Ford Performance partner, has upgraded the Bronco-exclusive High Performance Off-Road Suspension (HOSS) with DSSV shocks with 80mm liquid-cooled casings and Multimatic-designed aluminum lower arms. Compared to the four-door Badlands Series Bronco, the DR has 55.1% more front axle travel and 58.6% more rear axle travel for outstanding maneuverability in virtually any terrain.

The car with a takeoff weight of about 2812 kg has an approach angle of 47 degrees, a departure angle of 37 degrees and a ramp angle of 33 degrees. Such chassis parameters allow you to overcome even the most difficult off-road tracks. In addition, the 73.7" (1.87m) front track and 73.3" (1.86m) rear track keep the chassis stable on the road.

The Bronco DR is fitted with 37" BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 (37x12.5R17) all-season tires and beadlock rims. The tires are made with an advanced Krawl-TEK compound that improves traction on rocky and slippery surfaces, while Linear Flex Zone provides better traction when driving with low tire pressures.

A Finite Element Method (FEM) optimized Multimatic roll cage with integrated OE ACCRA tubes encloses a two-seater cabin equipped with a pair of bucket sports seats and a Motec C187 display with CAN data acquisition system – with optional access to cloud data. .

The Bronco DR features the tried and tested 10R80 transmission and Ford F-150 4×4 electric shifting on the fly. Torque is transmitted through independent 4.70:1 electronically locking front and rear differentials. The front driveshafts feature a unique RCV design that delivers massive torque with increased suspension travel.

Large air intakes at the front of the car and another in the roof provide extra air to the rear radiator. The 65 gallon (246 liter) fuel tank is located under the cargo area. The Bronco DR has four-wheel disc brakes from the production Bronco model with improved pads and a steering system with reinforced tie rod joints.

Built Wild is an innovative design that meets the demands of rallying.

Based on the sixth generation Bronco, the muscular fiberglass bodywork, with its low curb weight, helps maximize off-road performance while highlighting the brand's impressive history.

“This is not just a striped Bronco,” said Paul Wraith, Bronco lead designer. — We were inspired by extreme rally cars and went further. For this project, the Bronco team quickly found a keynote and developed a design with extensive use of virtual engineering tools. This is an off-road "rally car" built on the basis of a production car. We are glad that we were able to take part in this extremely interesting project,” he added.

Behind the molded fiberglass (RTM) body panels, the Bronco DR retains the frame and body structure of the four-door model. In order to optimize and reduce weight, the air conditioning system, some of the amenities of the standard model and all windows were removed. The side panels that replace the standard doors are inspired by the Bronco R. The tubular metal front bumper, as well as many other details, are reminiscent of the current production Bronco. The DR has, among other things, a factory grille, standard round headlights, taillights, etc.

Developing the Bronco Motorsport Legacy

Bronco's triumphant desert rally portfolio has grown over the years. The first generation Bronco had classy Baja 1000 wins in 1967, 1969 (the only overall 4×4 win), 1971 and 1972, and two overall Baja 500 wins in 1970 and 1973. Later generations of Broncos, 1978-1995, continued their legendary winning streak with nine Baja 500 Class 3 wins in 2004-2015 and 15 Baja 1000 Class 3 wins in 2002-2019.

The portfolio expanded again last fall when Shelby Hall, granddaughter of Rod Hall and Penny Dale, won the 2020 Rebelle Rally X-Cross in the Bronco Sport class and then repeated that success a month later, finishing 53rd behind the wheel. Bronco R.-International Baja 1000 prototype.

While the goal of the Bronco R was to test the powertrain, chassis and suspension design of the 2021 Bronco, the Bronco DR has a completely different mission to offer a turnkey off-road motorsport solution for the best off-road vehicles in its class. Its goal is to compete in world-class off-road competitions.

“This is a brand new build of the standard Bronco that is unique in its own right,” said Rushbrook. “The goal of this facelift was to capture the enthusiasm of Bronco fans and then capitalize on it by creating a high-performance desert car that is ready to compete as soon as it leaves the factory – something Ford has never done before,” he added.

Photo: Ford