Manoli Katakis 
Just yesterday we reported that Ford Motor Company trademarked the “Warthog” name for automobile use. There’s been rumors that the name would be a future variant of the new Bronco 4×4 SUV, and based on our fond memories of playing the Halo video games, we’re inclined to believe it. Especially with the evidence of a trademark filing. Just as well, a Ford Bronco Raptor is also expected to be in the works. And, would you look at that? Company officials are now officially teasing the Ford Bronco Warthog (or Raptor) taking off in the middle of the desert.
There’s just enough of the underbody being teased to realize that the suspension system of this Ford Bronco Warthog is beefed up a bit, even from the mighty Bronco Wildtrak and Bronco Badlands. The main giveaway are trailing arms that accommodate for a longer travel suspension. And while the Bronco Raptor would be the perfect name for this machine, anybody that’s jumped the Warthog through the open multiplayer landscapes playing Halo will know that the Warthog name is perfect for a gung-ho SUV capable of floating through the vastness of a Nevada desert, not unlike the Ford Bronco R racing truck.
We at MC&T have also theorized that a peculiar Ford Bronco accessories concept that’s been making rounds could be hiding either the Bronco Warthog or Bronco Raptor in plain sight. This concept features a unique lower fascia, 37-inch tires, beadlock capable wheels, and a two-inch lift.
Whatever it’s called, just don’t expect eight cylinders under the hood. As we first reported last week, Ford Bronco engineers don’t seem very keen on utilizing a V8 engine at any point, despite Jeep hyping the 6.4L Hemi-powered Wrangler 392. Reasons range anywhere from emissions regulations, to the sheer nose weight of any Bronco with, say, a DOHC V8 Coyote engine under the hood. We’d like to fantasize that a 7.3L pushrod Godzilla engine would possess the lightweight design and plenty of low-end torque for it to be favorable, but that engine seems reserved for Super Duty use.
Instead of a V8-powered Ford Bronco Warthog or Raptor, look for a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that’s currently found in the Ford Explorer ST, which is capable of 400 horsepower in that application. A Ford Bronco Hybrid to compete with the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is also expected. But for now, just hang on, as Ford leaves us with this hanger of a photograph.
