Manoli Katakis 
First off, no. This isn’t the Ford Bronco Raptor. It’s arguably better. Because it’s an unhinged racing truck that doesn’t have to adhere to the rules of the road. In effect, the Ford Bronco DR (short for “Desert Racer”) has a howling, growling Coyote V8 race engine, the biggest Mutimatic DSSV dampers we’ve ever seen, and bad intentions toward the SCG Baja Boot. We’ll see this new race Bronco compete for the first time at 2022 Baja 1000. But it’s not just a one-off build exclusive to Ford Racing. Instead, customers with deep enough pockets will be able to buy one, too.
Ford Bronco DR: Baja 1000 Intentions, V8 Power
The 2023 Ford Bronco DR has a dry race weight of about 6,200 pounds and features an approach angle of 47 degrees, a departure angle of 37 degrees, and breakover angle of 33 degrees. The front track measures 73.7-inches, with the rear measuring 73.3-inches. Providing traction is a set of 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 all-season tires (37×12.5R17) and beadlock wheels. The Baja-winning tires feature an advanced Krawl-TEK compound for improved grip on rock and slick surfaces, while a Linear Flex Zone provides better grip in aired-down driving situations. A Multimatic FEA-optimized full safety cage with integrated OE ACCRA tubes encases the two-passenger cockpit, which features a pair of race seats and Motec C187 display and CAN data acquisition system, with optional cloud-based data access.
All of that of course is drowned out by the noise of a free-running Coyote V8 engine, expected to produce around 400 horsepower. But you won’t see this V8 Ford Bronco on the road; it’s meant for racing purposes only, and off-roading events otherwise that don’t have to worry about pesky rules decreed by NHTSA, or DOT.
The Ford Bronco DR is fit with the tested and proven 10R80 transmission and electric shift on the fly transfer case from the Built Ford Tough F-150. Torque is transmitted via independent electronically locking front and rear differential with 4.70:1 final drive ratios. Front half-shafts are unique RCV designs to ensure robustness for added torque capacity and suspension travel. Large air intakes on the upper sides and another on the roof provide additional cooling air to the rear-mounted radiator. A 65-gallon fuel tank rides below the cargo area. Bronco DR carries over the four-wheel disc brakes from the production Bronco and adds upgraded pads, while the electric power-assisted steering system with upgraded inner tie rod joints makes for increased articulation.
2023 Ford Bronco DR Price
The convenience of owning this turn-key race truck will set customers back $200,000 USD. Production will begin in 2022 as a 2023 model year vehicle, with a run of only 50 models getting the green light. So, if you want one, start pinching your pennies now.
Customers can apply to own a 2023 Ford Bronco DR on Ford.com, with more details on the allocation process to come. Sounds a little like the Ford GT process, if you ask us. So stay tuned.
