2021 FORD BRONCO REPORTED TO COME WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION

33 Inch Tires Are Said To Be On The Way, Too

by Manoli Katakis October 2, 2019, 8:30 am

While there has been a number of exciting enthusiast cars that have debuted recently, like the Toyota Supra and the C8 Corvette, we can’t help but notice that the manual transmission is continuing its disappearing act, even in sports cars. While it may not be entirely surprising to see this upsetting trend, there remains a safe harbor for the DIY gearbox. Sports cars buyers may not be able to row their own gears anymore, but off-roading enthusiasts might soon have another manual-equipped truck to choose from. According to a report by The Fast Lane Car, the upcoming 2021 Ford Bronco will be available with a manual transmission.

Ford has yet to confirm any of the information in the report, so keep that in mind. The information reportedly comes from a TFL viewer who reached out after having a conversation with a Ford dealer. The same conversation apparently hinted at the Bronco’s use of 17-inch wheels wrapped around chunky off-road tires measuring 33 inches in diameter. The sidewall measurements on various test mules spied in the wild have been wearing tires measuring 285/70/R17.

Both the reported choices in manual transmission and in tire size could really pit the Ford Bronco as an upcoming direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler, which offers both pieces of equipment. Ford will also look to rival Jeep in the accessories front for the Bronco with a partnership with Yakima.

We also have reason to believe Ford is going after the Wrangler’s open air experience as well, thanks to numerous reports surrounding patent filings Ford has made for removable roof panels, and doors. This reintroduction of the Bronco could bring the first direct competition to the Wrangler since the Toyota FJ Cruiser left the market back in 2014. The rumored retro styling of the Bronco, along with what we can only assume will be solid off-road performance makes it a lot more like the FJ than one might think.

While Toyota still has a stable of off-road ready SUVs like the 4Runner, none of these models comes with a manual gearbox. Perhaps the Bronco will be able to capitalize on FJ owners who are looking for something to replace their aging off-road SUV, but are still looking for retro looks and body-on-frame design.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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