Skip advert
Advertisement

Rally-ready Ford Bronco DR revealed with 395bhp V8

Ford unwraps the Bronco DR race car, built to tackle the Baja 1000 with motorsport-derived components and V8 power

Ford has revealed a motorsport-focused, off-road-only variant of its Bronco SUV. Called the Bronco DR, or Desert Racer, it’s been heavily modified to tackle the gruelling Baja 1000 off-road race, with more power than any production Bronco in history. Just 50 examples are planned, but as with the rest of the Bronco line-up, the DR won’t be available to UK customers.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The DR is intended as a turn-key Baja racer, and uses the chassis and body structure from the roadgoing Bronco, albeit with some significant revisions. The exterior has been redesigned with more muscular, fibreglass body panels to save weight. 

The wheelarches have been widened in order to house 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres, and under the skin, the Bronco DR uses a suspension system designed by Multimatic - builder of the Ford GT supercar. This comprises heavy-duty, reinforced dampers with fluid cooling channels and new billeted-aluminium lower control arms. The inner tie-rod joints have also been upgraded, and the changes result in 55 per cent and 58 per cent more suspension travel than a four-door ‘Badlands’ Bronco, for the front and rear respectively. 

Ford has also shaved off some kilos with the removal of the Bronco’s air-conditioning system, other interior luxuries and window glass. The doors have also been replaced by fixed side panels. 

Weighing in at around 2.8 tonnes in competition trim, the Bronco DR also features a full roll cage, designed by Multimatic, and a pair of racing seats. The standard Bronco’s semi-digital instrument panel remains, alongside a Motec motorsport display.

Powering the four-wheel-drive off-road racer is Ford’s 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8, producing 395bhp. This drives through a 10-speed automatic gearbox and electronically locking front and rear differentials. The front driveshafts have been redesigned to work with the extra suspension travel and engine torque. 

An enormous 246-litre fuel tank has also been installed for the long stints at Baja, along with air intakes on the sides and roof of the car to cool a rear-mounted radiator. The Bronco DR uses the same braking system as the standard car, albeit with new brake pads. 

Initially, 50 units of the Bronco DR will be available, priced at around $250,000 (£184,000) apiece. Each will wear a distinctive red, white, black and blue Ford Performance livery, in tribute to a Baja 1000-winning Bronco in 1969. 

Click here to read about the 415bhp Hennessy VelociRaptor Ford Bronco...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The best ever popemobiles
Best ever popemobiles

The best ever popemobiles

For nearly 100 years Popes have had bespoke transport – here we chart the astonishing history of the popemobile
Best cars & vans
8 May 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
28 Apr 2025
Fast Fords won’t die: ST and RS performance brands will have a role in the EV future
Ford Focus ST - front cornering

Fast Fords won’t die: ST and RS performance brands will have a role in the EV future

Hot Ford models have been falling by the wayside but we may see some iconic badges return soon
News
11 Apr 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU
Luca de Meo - Renault 5

Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU

Renault and Stellantis bosses demand changes to the emissions rules driving up new car prices
News
15 May 2025
Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy
Best electric cars header

Best electric cars 2025: the top 10 best EVs you can buy

Thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle? Here are the EVs that should be on your shortlist, and why…
Best cars & vans
14 May 2025