Rumor: New Ford Bronco Raptor stranded with an inferior engine

After announcing the resurrection of its iconic Bronco SUV, Ford never followed up with any kind of technical specifications or availability dates, leaving us guessing. Now, a rumor has emerged that suggests that the company might be struggling to equip the production car with a good enough engine.

Things are looking quite simple for the entry-level Bronco, which is almost guaranteed to hit the market with the affordable 2.3-liter EcoBoost mill rated close to 270 hp (200 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque. Ten-speed automatic transmission should make it enjoyable to drive, and a higher spec may ship with the same 2.7-liter V6 as the Ford F-150. The latter produces 325 hp (242 kW) and 542 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque.

It is the range-topping Raptor spec that may wind up with an inferior engine under the hood, the source claims. Whilt it would be reasonable to expect it to ship with a 3.5-liter V6 good for 450 hp (336 kW), that engine may simply not fit under the hood. In that case, the Bronco Raptor would have to hit the assembly lines with the same 3.0-liter V6 as the Ford Explorer and the Lincoln Aviator. While still capable of around 400 hp (300 kW), this engine model is not particularly associated with performance cars.

The Ford Bronco Raptor should reach the market within a year or so after the main Bronco launch.