Powerful Ford Bronco Warthog in development

A Michigan-based parts supplier to the car industry has revealed the eagerly anticipated performance flagship version of the upcoming Ford Bronco will carry the new 'Warthog' nameplate.

According to a leaked email from Axis Automation, posted on the Bonco6G forum, the fastest version of the upcoming butch SUV will be named the 'Bronco Warthog' and will not carry the Raptor name used on the Ranger and US F-150 pick-up.

Adding credibility to the rumour, the Blue Oval reportedly filed a trademark to use the 'Warthog' name back in September.

Set to be unveiled in 2021 ahead of its debut in 2022, the fastest Ford Bronco is tipped to feature a motorsport-inspired suspension that will borrow components from the current Ranger or F-150 Raptor.

Under the bonnet, instead if a V8 the Ford Bronco Warthog is likely to be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that's currently used in the US Ford Explorer.

Expect at least 300kW and around 600Nm of torque.

Channelling its power to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, Bronco Warthog should hit 100km/h in less than 6.0 seconds.

Before the Bronco arrives, an off-road Sasquatch will be introduced that has been previewed by a recent SEMA concept.

A plug-in hybrid version will also be offered.

Frustratingly for Aussie fans, the new-generation Ford Bronco won’t be available Down Under. It is among the growing list of Ford no-shows produced only in left-hand drive, despite being underpinned by the Australian-designed T6 ladder-frame chassis that's shared with the Ranger.

Meanwhile, in US the 2021 Ford Bronco – available in both two-door and four-door guise, priced from less than $US30,000 – will enter production around March, with sales set to kick-off in June.