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Johnson Valley has long served as a proving ground for serious off-road vehicles. Its mix of high-speed desert terrain and punishing conditions tends to expose weaknesses quickly, making it an ideal environment for development work. It was there, during prototype testing alongside professional off-road racer Loren Healy, that the guiding principle behind the 2027 Bronco RTR took shape: deliver genuine high-speed desert capability without the price barrier associated with flagship performance models.
That philosophy underpins the second phase of the motorsport-inspired collaboration between Ford and RTR Vehicles, culminating in the new Bronco RTR. Developed with RTR founder Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Healy, the model is positioned as a bridge between mainstream Bronco variants and the more expensive Bronco Raptor. The objective was clear: translate competition experience into a production vehicle that remains attainable for a broader group of enthusiasts.
Drawing on Ford’s recent successes at King of the Hammers, the Bronco RTR focuses on sustained high-speed performance in desert conditions – an area traditionally dominated by specialized trims such as the Raptor and historic desert racers. Key to this positioning is a high-clearance suspension setup paired with standard 33-inch tires, a combination not previously offered on a Bronco. This configuration delivers increased stability and driver confidence when maintaining speed over uneven terrain.
Within the Bronco lineup, the RTR occupies a distinct niche. While it does not match the outright specification or cost of the Bronco Raptor, it introduces hardware and tuning choices aimed specifically at enthusiasts who prioritize fast off-road driving. According to Healy, the brief was to find a balance point where performance, durability, and value intersect – resulting in a model that stands apart without encroaching on higher-priced offerings.
For buyers seeking additional capability, the optional Sasquatch package significantly elevates the vehicle’s suspension performance. When specified on the Bronco RTR, it includes the HOSS 3.0 suspension system with FOX Internal Bypass dampers as standard. Typically, this level of damping requires stepping up to higher trims and layering multiple options. In this case, Ford and RTR elected to simplify the process, making advanced suspension technology more accessible and better suited to absorbing high-speed impacts without sacrificing control.
Development testing in Johnson Valley also informed key drivetrain decisions. The Bronco RTR is offered exclusively in four-door form and is powered by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The choice of the smaller turbocharged engine was driven largely by weight considerations. A lighter front end improves agility in soft sand, allowing the vehicle to skim and change direction more easily – traits commonly associated with desert pre-runners rather than traditional rock crawlers.
To support sustained high-load operation, the 2.3-liter EcoBoost receives targeted upgrades. These include a high-capacity cooling fan sourced from the Bronco Raptor and a software-controlled, race-derived anti-lag system designed to reduce turbo response delays when accelerating out of loose terrain.
Beyond mechanical specification, the Bronco RTR incorporates distinctive visual elements that reflect RTR’s design language while retaining the Bronco’s functional focus. Available Hyper Lime accents, unique graphics, an RTR-specific grille with signature lighting, Evo 6 wheels, and heritage-inspired fender details differentiate it visually without compromising purpose.
As Ford’s Bronco chief program engineer Ed Krenz notes, the vehicle’s development followed the same rigorous approach used for the Bronco Raptor, albeit applied to a different market position. The result is a model shaped directly by desert testing and competition experience – engineered to endure demanding use and to offer high-speed off-road capability to a wider audience.
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- The 2027 i'am Became College Student, The 2027 Ford Bronco RTR Vs The 2027 Porsche Cayenne Turbo- Would be awesome to see Ford offering this RTR Bronco in Europe, or offer parts from it as aftermarket accessories 🤟🤟😍
- Just wondering why you suspended a man for simply speaking up about Djt protecting pedophiles? Djt is breaking the law and Americans still have 1st Amendment rights.
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