Ford published its fourth-quarter and full-year reports for 2019 on February 4. While there was nothing noteworthy about the financials per se, the company announced that it will be bringing in five new models in 2020, of which two are highly anticipated.
One is the F-150 Hybrid, and the other, well, the 'baby' Bronco. There isn’t a lot of info about these vehicles yet, but both of them have been spotted in the wild wearing heavy camouflage. The F-150 Hybrid isn’t expected to bear a lot of changes for this iteration, but the 'baby' Bronco will grab all the attention when launched.
Ford Will Introduce Five New Models In 2020
Other than the F-150 Hybrid and the 'baby' Bronco, Ford will be introducing electrified versions of the Lincoln Corsair and Ford Escape, plus the “first of 30 market-specific Ford and Lincoln vehicles.” Speaking of the 'baby' Bronco, Ford hasn’t given any details yet. The Bronco is set for a 2020 Spring Launch, but what about the 'baby' Bronco? Well, Ford said it will be introducing the mini-SUV this year.
Now, Baby Bronco is obviously not the official name, but Ford has filed for multiple trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office that could be the variant monikers, special editions, or concepts, and one of them could be for the petite version of the Bronco.
The 'Baby' Bronco Will Most Likely Be Called “Maverick”
According to Bronco6g, the little off-roader could feature the "Maverick" badge. Now, it may or may not have the Bronco prefix to it.
The website added that "this latest leak was discovered by a Bronco6G member who was searching for key part numbers and discovered several Ford part numbers for Maverick, which is listed as a 2020 model year vehicle. With the reveal of the Maverick Bronco taking place in mere months, and production set to begin in August 2020, the name is surely set in stone by now.”
Ford Has Used The Maverick Nameplate In The Past
Originally, it was used for a compact car sold in the 70s. Later, Ford went on to slap the term on a re-badged Nissan Patrol in Australia in the 80s and 90s, on the re-badged Nissan Terrano sold in Europe in the 90s, and even on the European version of the Ford Escape sold in the early 2000s. Imagine a Military Green 2021 mini-Bronco mimicking the one from the 60s with a Maverick badge. How cool that would be?
The 'baby' Bronco, or the Bronco Maverick, was spotted at a dealer meeting and a photo from there leaked and was posted by many internet outlets. However, Ford got them to take it down, threatening legal action if they failed to do so. The pic's still available on the internet if you give it a good search.
TFL previously said that it looks pretty much like the one Dwayne Johnson used in the 2018 Rampage movie, which itself was based on the Bronco concept model introduced back in 2004.
Here’s What We Know About The 'Baby' Bronco So Far
-* It will be based on the Ford Escape.
-* It will be boxy and angular.
-* Given its nature, we're not sure if a plug-in hybrid powertrain will be offered at launch.
-* The other two options include a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine that makes 180 horses and 177 pound-feet of torque and a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged mill that churns out 250 horses and 275 pound-feet of torque.
-* The Escape’s 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle range could, however, be offered, since it comes with an 88-kW electric motor that could provide added torque. It will be a good add-on to an “off-roader.”
-* It will be built alongside the Ford Ranger, so a lot of Ranger components could be used on it.
-* A manual transmission could be offered as well.
-* It could have a removable top and doors like the Bronco.
2020 Ford Escape Drivetrain Specifications
|
S, SE, SEL |
SEL,Titanium |
SE Sport, Titanium |
SE, SEL, Titanium |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Configuration |
Aluminum block and head, In-line 3 cylinder |
Aluminum block and head, In-line 4 cylinder |
Aluminum block and head, Atkinson-cycle I-4 |
|
Bore and stroke |
3.31 x 3.54 in. |
3.44 x 3.27 in. |
3.50 x3.94 in. |
|
Displacement |
91.4 cu. in./1,497 cc |
122 cu. in./1,999 cc |
152 cu. in./2,488 cc |
|
Compression ratio |
10.0:1 |
9. 3:1 |
13.0:1 |
|
Horsepower (targeted) |
180 hp |
250 hp |
198 hp |
|
Torque (targeted) |
177 lb.-ft. |
275 lb.-ft. |
N /A |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed auto with SelectShift® with paddle shifters |
PowerSplit: Electronic Co ntinuous Variable Transmission |
Another Day, Another Patent For The Bronco
The patent suggests that a telescoping section would extend from the base of the A-pillar and would protect the occupant. In normal driving conditions, the telescoping sections would be in a retracted position.
In the event of a crash, the sensors would detect whether the doors are in place or not and activate an inflator that would cause the telescoping piece to deploy. This telescoping section could be "plastic, metal, or any suitable material, including a combination thereof." So, if the 'baby' Bronco also features removable doors, this feature could be carried over from the larger Bronco.
Final Thoughts
The 'baby' Bronco could debut in the first half of 2020, ahead of the Detroit Auto Show, and deliveries could begin by the end of the year.
Do you think “Maverick” is the best name Ford can give to the 'baby' Bronco? Or would you prefer some other trademarked name like Scout, Sport, or Adrenaline? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.