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| Best Concept Vehicle: Ford Bronco |
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By John Henley
Staff Writer
(Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2004 1:15 PM) |
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The Ford Bronco of days gone by was big, boxy and, let's face it, a little on the clunky side. That's all changed with the new Ford Bronco, a brilliant concept vehicle that had the collective mouths of our editorial staff watering. While the Bronco concept strikes a familiar chord to the original Bronco, the concept is much more appealing and contemporary. It is, in effect the perfect concept vehicle, blending important traces of heritage with progressive and forward thinking technology, hinting in a way, of things to come.
But there's more to the Bronco concept than its rugged good looks - this horse has some kick, thanks to a powerful 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi engine (direct from Ford's European powertrain line-up). The spunky diesel punches out 128 peak horsepower and 244 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm, which makes it an ideal powertrain for off-roading. You say that's not enough? Ford Engineers thoughtfully included a "Sneaky Pete" 50-shot of nitrous oxide to help satisfy the speed junkie in you. The 50-horsepower boost is claimed to lower quarter mile times by as much as three seconds, while improving trap speed by nearly 15 mph.
The rest of the drivetrain ain't no slouch either - it features Ford's new, PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission (complete with F1 style paddle shifters) that's coupled to a fully automatic Intelligent 4WD system.
"What's amazing," states Publisher Romero, "is how Ford so perfectly captured the essence of the original Bronco while keeping it fresh and exciting. The exposed hinges, the modular roof assemblies and the gorgeous interior all work together perfectly."
Combine all of this innovative technology into an attractive, 3100-lb vehicle, and you've got more than just a Bronco - you've got a thoroughbred stallion that's ready to run. We'd love to lasso one of these things for our own. 
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