330kW Ford Bronco plug-hybrid coming
Jeep Wrangler rival rumoured to get electrified EcoBoost 3.0-litre powertrain that could pump out as much as 330kWFord is secretly developing an advanced new plug-in hybrid powertrain for its all-new Bronco that’s so powerful that the electrified variant could be badged as the Ford Bronco Raptor.
According to US blog
, sources working for Ford have confirmed the plug-in version will centre around an electrified 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 turbo-petrol engine that currently powers the Explorer ST and the Lincoln Aviator.Engineers are said to be in the process of tailoring the twin-turbo engine and 10-speed automatic transmission seen in the Aviator PHEV, which entails retuning the high-output (363kW/854Nm) plug-in hybrid powertrain to produce around 330kW and well in excess of 900Nm.
If true, the plug-in Ford Bronco hybrid, which should have a pure-electric range of around 50km, will be significantly quicker than the upcoming Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 – even with its 6.4-litre V8 Hemi under the bonnet. Jeep is also working on a Wrangler PHEV.
According to other rumours with that level of power and torque and a 0-100km/h sprint of less than five second on the cards, Ford execs are planning to badge the plug-in Bronco as a Raptor.
If so, the fast Bronco flagship will come with a higher-performance chassis, sportier styling and advanced electronics.
Originally, the plug-in hybrid Bronco was set to make its debut next year, but these plans have been pushed back to 2022, says The Fast Lane – the same year a hybrid version of the Ford Maverick ute will launch.
The Maverick has already been ruled out for Australia, but the Bronco could be back on following the recruitment of a new chief for Ford’s Australian and New Zealand operations.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
