Ford has introduced the 2023 Bronco DR (Desert Racer), which will be produced in very limited numbers.
The vehicle was developed for the 2022 SCORE Baja 1000, and is intended for off-road use only (it won't be street-legal). The DR is equipped with Ford’s famous Coyote 5.0-litre, naturally-aspirated V8, and the carmakers says it will “generate more than 400 hp.”
The exclusive High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension system will also be upgraded, and there's an added bonus of Positional Selective DSSV Dampers with 80 mm bodies and finned fluid cooling channels. Ford says the aim is for 55.1% more front suspension travel over a road-legal Bronco Badlands, and 56.8% more suspension travel at the rear.
The DR off-roader sports a 47 degree approach angle, a 37 degree departure angle, and a breakover angle of 33 degrees. 17-inch beadlock wheels have been installed, wrapped in 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 all-season tires. Apparently, this will provide great traction on rock and slick surfaces and they'll be well-suited to aired-down driving as well.
Paired with the Coyote V8 is a 10R80 transmission and transfer case from the Ford F-150. Power is sent through electronically locking front and rear differentials with 4.70:1 final drive ratios. The brakes from the road car are seen again here, but the Bronco DR has sport upgraded pads.
Read More
The body features resin transfer moulded fibreglass panels, with a tubular metal front bumper and a single-piece grille. All glass and air conditioning are removed. The Bronco DR features a special racing livery and large air intakes.
Ford chief product platform and operations officer Hau Thai-Tang, says “Bronco DR is our ultimate turnkey off-road racing SUV, engineered to put enthusiasts behind the wheel of a desert racing force.”
“This collaboration between Ford Performance and Multimatic continues the Bronco desert racing legacy that dates back to Rod Hall and Larry Minor’s never-repeated overall Baja 1000 win in a stock Bronco in 1969.”
Ford confirmed that just 50 examples will be available to private customers.
