The 2021 Bronco is apparently keeping to its classic roots, if this headlight is any indication. (Photo credit: Bronco6G.com)
Part of Ford’s move away from sedans toward sport utilities has included a very slow tease of the return of the Bronco, which the world is supposed to get a look at in the early part of 2020; however, details about it have been slipping out in recent weeks.
The latest is a not-so-spy shot that turned up in the forum, Bronco6G, where someone posted a picture of the headlight from the new SUV. Using a classic nameplate apparently also means trying to retain a classic look, which this new round headlamp certainly does.
The post doesn’t offer much in terms of technical details, but it’s a very clear shot of what could certainly be seen as fitting into the overall aesthetic of the next midsize SUV that Ford plans to roll out.
(Ford confirms Bronco debut plans)
The light uses a large circular reflector housing with a chrome ring and center line, Autoblog.com notes. The line seems important as it appears to match up with a horizontal running light and/or turn signal that hangs off the edge of the chrome ring. Additionally a single vertical marker light sits on the outside edge, and the entire thing sits inside a black housing with a large clear lens that should all disappear when tucked into the Bronco’s grille.
In early November, the automaker posted several photos of the Bronco R going through testing in Nevada, reading the beast for the SCORE Baja 1000 as Ford has been named Official Truck and SUV of SCORE-International Off-Road Racing.
The collaboration between Ford and SCORE officially began with the running of the SCORE Baja 1000, and extends through the end of the 2022 SCORE World Desert Challenge Series season.
The prototype racer was by an all-star team that includes defending Baja 1000 Trophy Truck champion Cameron Steele, Bronco R aims to prove out the upcoming production Bronco’s powertrain and architecture.
“Working with SCORE makes great sense based on our truck, SUV and off-road heritage, and especially with some of our future Ford trucks and SUVs including the reveal of the new Bronco next spring,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance motorsports. “Vehicles like our F-150 Raptor and all-new Bronco are built to live and play in the sand of Baja.”
In the meantime, Ford is certainly continuing to hype the arrival of the new Bronco. The automaker opened a Ford Bronco store on Amazon.com featuring an assortment of Bronco-themed items ranging from apparel and novelties to toys, collectibles and some unique vintage Bronco parts.
(Ford Investing $1B, Adding 500 Jobs to Expand SUV Production)
“The Bronco fan base is such a loyal one, and they love their Bronco gear,” said Casie Ocan͂a, Ford global brand licensing manager, brand & integrated marketing. “It’s great to be able to corral this merchandise and make it available and easy to buy at one site.”