This leak comes from a weird place.
Now, before we really dig into these rumored photos, let’s cover the most critical base. This does not share any specs, official or otherwise, about the engine that may end up in the 2021 Ford Bronco. These leaked photos, originally posted by Matthew Guy on Twitter, shows a few quick shots from auto parts store Canadian Tire’s selector screen, of all places. It shows the upcoming Bronco’s engine as none other than Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost, an engine also found in the Ranger and Explorer.
Since then, a member of the FullSizeBronco forum also posted these photos, but we’re still left wondering how exactly Ford plans to adapt this engine to an SUV like the Bronco. By that, I mean there’s a question mark over whether it would have the same power and torque as the Ford Ranger, if Ford actually plans to put this engine in the 2021 Bronco. Right now, the 2019 Ford Ranger produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It actually makes more power in the Explorer, with a 300 horsepower figure.
We have seen Ford Bronco prototypes riding on the Ranger’s platform, so it makes sense for the company to just use its engine as well. In fact, Ford has used its range of EcoBoost engines, from its tiny 1.0-liter on up to the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged unit found in the F-150 Raptor, F-150 Limited and the Lincoln Navigator, across its entire range. This could just be this particular auto parts chain assuming the Bronco will have the same engine as the Ranger.
No official word on engines…yet
At this point, Ford has not officially confirmed powertrains, or any other information for that matter, about the 2021 Ford Bronco. The iconic nameplate’s return has remained shrouded in secrecy, even to most automotive journalists.
I’m just speculating here, but I think it makes sense for Ford to use this engine in the standard Bronco, and reserve the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine found in the Ford Edge ST for a potential Bronco Raptor. All right, that may not be so much my speculation as my hope that Ford reserves one of its beefier engine — maybe even the 3.5-liter, dare we dream!? — for a Raptor-fied 2021 Ford Bronco.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
