The Bronco Reborn

It seems apparent that somewhere within the ivory towers of the Ford offices, an executive looked out the window and saw one million Jeep JKs driving around and wondered how he could get in on that action. A short reach into the Bronco files and the idea was hatched. These are the days of futuristic applications of retrospective designs. Attribute it to baby boomers and their attempts to grasp the fleeting shadows of simpler days, or to Gen-X forty somethings like me tired of our homogenized Fischer-Price inspired designs, the fusion of new and old is what its all about.

 

Based on a concept released in 2012 by Brazilian manufacture, Troller, the R-X Concept is inching ever closer to reality. Ford bought Troller in 2007 laying the groundwork for such projects, something the blue oval desperately needs in this day and age.

 

With a 3.2-liter diesel engine, Dana axles, sway bar disconnects and an engine plumbed and waiting for a snorkel, the R-X Concept is an overlander’s dream come true. And a dream it will continue to be. Despite North America’s demonstrations that good off-road platforms are much-loved, and readily purchased, the R-X Concept is unlikely to ever make it here. Boo.

 

That’s okay. We didn’t want your stupid truck anyway.

 

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Christophe Noel is a journalist from Prescott, Arizona. Born into a family of backcountry enthusiasts, Christophe grew up backpacking the mountains and deserts of the American West. An avid cyclist and bikepacker, he also has a passion for motorcycles, travel, food and overlanding.