It costs around $200,000 and is limited to 50 copies. But, who really needs roads?
Ford Bronco Fans, although this isn’t the new Bronco, it isn’t a one-off race car. Yes, Ford is building a few of these Broncos for those who desire a wild Bronco that can conquer sand dunes with its V8 power. It won’t allow you to drive it to your local Cars & Coffee.
The Bronco Desert Racer is here! The photos show that this is not a regular production Bronco, with bigger tires and larger fender flares. Ford has yet to reveal all about this off-roader. However, where you would normally find a boosted engine of four or six cylinders the Bronco Bronco DR packs an 5.0-liter V8 that produces “at least” 400 horsepower (298kilowatts). The Ford F-150 borrowed the 10-speed automatic transmission that gets it to the ground.
Ford turned to Muiltimatic to get DSSV Dampers for high-speed travel off the beaten track. They have 80-millimeter bodies with Multimatic-designed billet aluminium lower control arms. Ford estimates that the Bronco-DR will have 55.1 percent more suspension travel frontally and 58.6% more rearwardly compared to the stock Bronco Badlands. This translates into 15.8 inches frontally and 17.4 inches backwards. The Bronco DR has a 47-degree approach angle and 37-degree departure angle and a 33 degree breakover angle.
The DR rides on big, 37-inch MudTerrain tires by BFGoodrich. The Bronco DR’s tires are held in place by Beadlock wheels. With a front track measuring 73.7 inches and a back track measuring 73.3 inches, it is able to maintain a steady speed.
You won’t find many creature comforts inside a race car. You will be able to access a complete safety cage that includes a pair of racing seats, a Motec C187 monitor, and other data-acquisition gear. It’s constructed on a Bronco four-door frame. However, it can be accessed from the rear with additional cooling systems, and a full-size spare. All body panels are made of fiberglass to reduce weight. This Baja-bashing Bronco weighs in at 6,200 pounds.
Baja will be bashed, or at least that’s the plan. Ford will be running the Bronco-DR in the 2022 Baja 1000. But this time, the automaker wants the chance to share the love. Bronco DRs 50 are being produced in late 2022. Each is intended for off-road and priced in the mid-$200,000 area.
Ford Performance Motorsports global director Mark Rushbrook stated that Bronco DR was created to provide hardcore off-road enthusiasts with a wild, turnkey 4×4 for desert racing events such as the punishing Baja 1000. “It all started with the Bronco four door – the platform, chassis and engine are production-true. Then we optimized every aspect of the vehicle and made it what hardcore off-road enthusiasts wanted.”