Manoli Katakis 
Off-road SUV fans can jump for joy, or physically wait to jump a Ford Bronco Raptor, if they so choose. A recent report from the team at TFL Truck claims to have a source closely involved with the development of the 2021 Ford Bronco, and disclosed a few key details that enthusiasts will be happy to hear.
If the report is indeed true, a Ford Bronco Raptor is expected to fly into the off-road fray, with parts likely borrowed from the Ranger Raptor that is, strangely, sold outside of the North American market. That means Fox racing shocks, and electronic limited slip rear differential, a front bash plate, and steel underbody panels. Compared to the base model, the Ranger Raptor adds 6.6 inches of total width and another two inches of lift, increasing ground clearance to 11.1 inches. Considering that the upcoming Ford Bronco will utilize a shortened version of the Ranger’s T6 platform, we believe that the intel given to TFL is highly plausible.
Like its rival, the JL Jeep Wrangler, the 2021 Ford Bronco will reportedly offer a two-door and four-door model. And also like the Wrangler, the roof will be removable.
Last week, a strange leak revealed that the upcoming Ford Bronco engine lineup would start with the company’s ubiquitous 2.3L EcoBoost four cylinder turbo, which is currently found in the North American market Ford Ranger. We had a feeling that the engine served as the entry powertrain, and TFL’s sources have relayed that the 2021 Ford Bronco will also feature the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 currently found in the F-150 full-sized pickup truck.
In the F-150, the 2.7L EcoBoost delivers 325 horsepower and a stout 400 lb-ft of torque to the crankshaft. The Ford Bronco Raptor will likely receive this powertrain, but allegedly there has also been some validation testing involving the 5.0L Coyote V8 reserved for high-end F-150 models and the Mustang GT. We’re not sure if this will ultimately happen, but Ford has already been criticized by F-150 Raptor owners and would-be buyers for leaving out a V8 engine, and it’s more favorable soundtrack. Ultimately, that may play into whether or the Ford Bronco Raptor gets a V8 or not.
