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The Bronco has come back this year after a pretty lengthy hiatus and it looks like it’s time for the performance version of it. Of course, we are talking about the most capable off-roader Ford has to offer, a model that will come with the famous Raptor badge. It has already been spotted a couple of times and even though it still wears a bit of camouflage, we can see that the Blue Oval company prepares a lot of upgrades over the standard model. We expect that the new version will debut in the second half of 2022, as the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor.
At this point, we already know that the new model will come with a lot of styling upgrades. Furthermore, we also expect to see a lot of mechanical upgrades, which will make it even more capable than the current model. Naturally, this includes the powertrain too.
2023 Ford Bronco Raptor Design
Design-wise, the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor will be heavily based on the standard versions. However, it will also come with a full load of upgrades. In terms of aesthetics, we count on the company’s typical approach when it comes to Raptor models. We can already see a completely new, blacked grille, with big “Ford” lettering instead of the “Bronco” lettering that characterizes standard models.
Besides the attractive black mesh grille, the new model will also come with lots of details that have an impact on both aesthetics and off-road performance. For example, we will see new 17-inch wheels, with available 37-inch BFGoodrich K02, as well as things like skid plates, tow hooks and similar things.
2023 Ford Bronco Raptor Off-Road Performance
Of course, this model will be all about off-road performance and, therefore, it will come with all kinds of upgrades compared to the standard model. First of all, the suspension setup will be more serious. We count on performance shocks, as well as on other suspension upgrades, including higher ground clearance. Furthermore, the test mule features a notably wider track, which will provide additional stability.
As we already mentioned, the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor will come with new 17-inch wheels and available 37-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires. Still, these tires will be optional, while the base models will come with 35-inch units. Of course, a whole lot of other upgrades are about to come, starting from locking differentials, sway bar, upgraded 4WD system and many other things.
Interior
When it comes to interior design, we don’t expect to see such intense upgrades. The overall cabin layout will remain the same and we presume that the Raptor could be offered in both 2- and 4-door body styles. In any case, the cabin design will remain the same, though we may see upgrades in terms of exclusive upholstery and a couple more exclusive features.
As we are talking about the most expensive version of the SUV, there is no doubt that the list of standard equipment will be pretty long. That means that many of the features that are optional in standard versions could become standard. Some of the things that come to mind are dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, a 12-inch touch screen, navigation, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, additional USB ports, and wireless device charging. Other than that, the list of standard equipment should include satellite radio, USB ports, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rearview camera etc.
2023 Ford Bronco Raptor Engine
Of course, it is hard to imagine a good off-roader without a capable engine, especially if we consider that the new 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor is about to compete with Wrangler Rubicon 392. The most capable Wrangler comes equipped with a mighty 6.4-liter V8 engine that’s good for 475 horsepower.
So, we presume that there are few potential engines for the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor. One of them could be the company’s new 3.0-liter V6, which can be found in models like Explorer, which puts out around 400 horsepower.
That seems like a solid amount of power but it’s still way below the Wrangler’s unit. That’s why many believe that the new Bronco Raptor could use the same engine as F-150 Raptor. That would be a well-known 3.5-liter V6, which puts out 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. That engine should offer the same level of performance, thanks to the massive torque.
The engine would come in pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission and, of course, 4WD would be standard.
Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor will be ready for the second half of 2022. When it comes to the price, it’s still early to talk about the exact numbers. Still, if we consider that the V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon costs around 73.500 dollars, we may presume that the new Bronco won’t be much cheaper than that.
