Lucas Bell 
Ever since the all-new 2021 Ford Bronco made its debut, fans have been patiently waiting for a more hardcore variant to arrive. For months now, rumors have pointed towards the jacked-up SUV carrying the Bronco Warthog nameplate, thanks in no small part to a trademark filed by the automaker. This name always seemed somewhat off, as Ford’s own Raptor moniker is already so synonymous with off-road capability and fun. This has even led to a discussion as to whether or not there might be two more variants of the SUV coming to market. According to a new report from Motor1, it appears that the upcoming off-roader will indeed be called the Ford Bronco Raptor.
Ford Bronco Warthog Or Raptor?
According to Motor1, the news comes by way of one of their spy photographer’s sources close to the Ford Motor Company. That said, the publication was quite clear to caution that this information should only be regarded as a rumor at this time. This of course is due to the fact that the automaker themselves has remained silent on the issue thus far. Regardless, the source-of-a-source was more than happy to put the Bronco Warthog vs. Bronco Raptor debate to an end for the time being.
Based on what we’ve come to learn about the upcoming SUV as of late, the Ford Bronco Raptor nameplate is indeed quite fitting. Thanks to some recent spy shots uploaded here at MC&T, we know that the Bronco Raptor is destined to wear the same 37-inch BFGoodrich tires as the new F-150 Raptor pickup. The images appear to show some familiar Fox Racing dampers as well, identified by their orange body color. Combine this with the taller ride height, massively flared fenders, and the “FORD” lettering in the grille, and all of the F-150 Raptor signature design elements appear accounted for. That is except for the 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque producing 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. Word is that a 3.0L EcoBoost shared with the Ford Explorer ST will find itself under the hood of the Bronco Raptor, and will likely find itself powering the 2023 Ranger Raptor, also.
Is The Warthog A Special Bronco Raptor Package?
As Ford prepares to finally get the first batch of 2021 Ford Broncos delivered to customers, we expect to learn more about this upgraded variant soon. It is expected that the Ford Bronco Raptor will make its debut later this year, at which point we will finally be able to put this nameplate issue to rest. Unless of course, there’s both a Raptor and a Warthog in the works.
As told by 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor engineers themselves, off-road desert driving would be more optimal with 35-inch tires compared to 37-inch tires. Various teaser photos and spy photos have depicted this future SUV with both. With that in mind, perhaps the Raptor will come with standard 35-inch tires, while the Warthog is a sort of rock-crawling package that adds the 37s. Ford’s marketing team would likely be comfortable with introducing a new name in this way, as well.
We hope to know soon for sure.
This might be the ugliest car I’ve ever seen. Why does it look like it’s covered in wrapping paper? That looks absolutely terrible. What the ever-loving crap is wrong with this car. You can ruined muscle cars for me. Why does it have rectangles on it? This jeep might’ve looked better if you displayed it in an art museum along with that banana peel because it looks so stupid the only thing good about it is that people can interpret it as modern art.
It’s called a camouflaged prototype, and it’s done that way so engineers can drive them on the road without revealing what the vehicle looks like.