Ford Motor Co. is taking another step, or several steps, to build out the renewed Bronco brand.
It is adding marketing muscle behind the new 2021 Bronco Riptide concept vehicle, which was designed with a West Coast spirit and a full array of personalized accessories and from Ford’s catalog available for fixing up a new Bronco, which Ford hopes can break Jeep’s hold on the outdoor market.
“For this Bronco Riptide project, we imagined a customer who enjoys the open air and a free-spirited West Coast lifestyle,” said Missy Coolsaet, Bronco color and materials designer, in a statement.
“We wanted the vehicle to demonstrate how Bronco customers can personalize their vehicle, letting different types of customers visualize what they might want to do with their future Bronco.”
The original is roof off and doors removed, replaced with tubular doors and a surfboard rack and boards, creating on open-air, dune-buggy-type vehicle.
Color to match the ocean
The Velocity Blue exterior is meant to evoke tropical ocean hues, according to Ford designers. The Bronco Riptde also is equipped with marine-grade vinyl-trimmed seats in Black Onyx and Dark Space Gray and rubberized washout flooring.
The Riptide uses the Bronco’s four-door version equipped with Sasquatch Package for even more “Built Wild” capability. It also is equipped 35-inch mud-terrain tires mounted to 17-inch factory wheels with optional Ford Performance beadlock rings, Dana AdvanTEK electronic-locking front and rear axles, a high-clearance suspension system with Bilstein position-sensitive long-travel shock absorbers.
It also comes with the exclusive Bronco Terrain Management System with seven G.O.A.T. Modes designed to help ensure Bronco goes over any type of terrain.
Showcase for accessories
As a concept vehicle, the Riptide is specifically designed vehicle showcase Ford accessories available from Ford dealers. The accessories used specifically on Bronco Riptide include a Bestop mesh Bimini top, a Yakima bike rack for mountain bikes, and an LED lightbar and mirror-mounted off-road lights. In addition, a unique prototype front steel bumper gives the concept vehicle added Built Wild durability, Ford designers said.
The Riptide is powered by a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine with 10-speed automatic transmission featuring Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive and Trail Turn Assist.
“Thanks to the Bronco modular design, we were able to outfit the vehicle with adventure gear that allows for freedom and versatility,” said Coolsaet. “Whether heading off to the mountains or along the California coast, the Bronco Riptide custom vehicle is ready for adventure.”
In addition, going forward, Bronco customers can add the cost of factory- and dealer-installed accessories to their financing and roll it into their monthly payment.
