It is not about fuel economy or emissions.
Soon after the Bronco was revealed in 2020, we began to see Ford Bronco Raptor test cars. Spy videos showed no V8 noise at all. The Bronco is now officially revealed and has Ford’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. Even though the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon392 packs a powerful V8, some might wonder why Ford did not opt for a V8 under the Bronco Raptor.
There is plenty of evidence that supports a V8-powered Bronco. This is not because it’s the main competitor. Wrangler Rubicon 392 produces 470 horsepower (352 kilowatts), while Ford promises over 400 hp (298kW) from its twin-turbo V6. Blue Oval engineers would need to tweak the EcoBoost to defeat Jeep in a power fight. But, Ford already has a V8 in its Bronco DR. Ironically, the power output of the 5.0-liter V8 at more than 400 hp is not clear, while the Bronco DR will have a limited production run. It is not street legal.
Bronco Raptor has been made street legal and Ford is expected to build as many of them as possible. It’s simpler for Ford to make them, so a V6 is used under the hood. Derek Bier, Ford Performance Vehicle Engineer, explained to MC&T that the Bronco assembly lines are already ready for a variety of engines, including the turbocharged 2.3-liter four cylinder and the 2.7 liter EcoBoost V6. The 3.0-liter engine is an offshoot from the 2.7. It can be added to existing manufacturing processes by plug-and-play. It’s an economical choice for mass production and offers more power.
Ford’s Explorer ST uses the 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, which produces 400 horsepower on the dot. Ford claims that the Bronco Raptor will get a true dual exhaust system and additional cooling. It is still unclear how much, but all signs point to the Broncoraptor being an outstanding off-road vehicle, thanks to its extensive suspension and driveline upgrades.