The brand-new Ford Bronco is nearing production, as evidenced by a new batch of spy photos that reveal an advanced prototype undergoing some snowy off-road testing. The photos show the vehicle in the latter stages of development, featuring bulky cladding to hide the styling features underneath. However, don’t be confused. This is indeed the new Bronco, the Blue Oval brand’s upcoming off-roader product – something which General Motors currently has no answer for.
As covered in a recent post from our sister publication, Ford Authority, the new Ford Bronco will be offered in a variety of body styles, including a two-door, a four-door, and a pickup, essentially following the same product lineup as the Jeep Wrangler.
Unfortunately, General Motors will be sitting on the sidelines for this one. Several years ago, GM did have something in the works to answer the new Ford Bronco, with plans to build a new body-on-frame midsize SUV. In fact, GM was even benchmarking the Jeep Wrangler at one time, as we’ve covered previously.
The new project was originally slated for joint development with the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado. Unfortunately, the plan was canceled about a year ago, including both the Ford Bronco rival and the new platform.
Essentially, GM ended up reorganizing its resource allocation and product line towards electric vehicle development and autonomous vehicle research, which meant non-core products like the new off-roader SUV hit the dustbin.
Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison
As such, the new Chevrolet Colorado, and by proxy, the new GMC Canyon, will simply continue on a slightly updated version of the current GMT 31XX platform called GMT31XX-2.
With that in mind, the overhauled 2023 Chevrolet Canyon and GMC Canyon won’t be a huge leap forward, but will instead be akin to the Cadillac CT4, as compared to the preceding Cadillac ATS.
Meanwhile, General Motors will sell a new Hummer pickup EV at GMC dealerships.
https://fordauthority.com/2020/01/new-spy-shots-provide-best-look-at-upcoming-ford-bronco-breaking/
There’s still plenty to learn about the new Ford Bronco, so make sure to head over to Ford Authority to check it out in detail. In the meantime, subscribe to GM Authority for ongoing GM news coverage.
This post was created in collaboration with our sister publication, Ford Authority.
Comments
Looks like a tall Flex.
OMG….it does look like a taller Flex.
Or Kia Soul?
If done properly, Ford will have a real winner here. GM, are you watching? Jeep, are you planning for the future or will you just let Ford eat your lunch on this one?
GMC needs to be the lead on this. Many have said this already, but GM needs to just do it. Maybe bring back the Jimmy?? in a very off-road worthy SUV/truck?
It will be huge…20 may be even 25,000 a year
whoo hoo……..and then they’ll probably discontinue it after 5-6 years.
See FJ Cruiser.
25k is not huge.
If priced right and under the Jeep. If the doors and roof come off as expected it will do well.
Today women are flocking to the Wrangler that used to buy Mustang convertibles.
The life style vehicle is growing in this country be it a a Wrangler to a Slingshot. People want something that gives them the ability to more than just drive to work.
GM needs to have something ready. GMC has been wanting this kind of deal but GM keeps stopping it. This may get them the green light.
This is an increasing market and where many Camaro, Mustang and Challenger buyers are going as the younger gen want more than speed. This is something the load their snow boards into.
If priced and done right you could move 100k of these.
My hope is GMC revives the H4 concept at a lower price.
Just look at all the Trackers and Sidekicks that were sold 20 years ago. That market is back again.
“This is essentially Ford’s equivalent of a General Motors IREV”
What is a GM IREV?
Unless they’re betting on Hummer?
Ford is Super Smart on this one and as a GM fan It upsets me that the General has nothing for this vehicle/Segment.
Makes me so upset. Chevrolet is basically Becoming the American Vanilla Toyota that happens to have the Camaro (who knows what the future holds) and The Vette. Nothing for Off road lovers. Nothing for Hot Hatch lovers. No little roadster like a Miata.
Ford will sell as many of these Broncos as they can make. The Wrangler once again has another American Competitor.
See Colorado ZR2. Add topper if you so desire.
@Steak
I like the ZR2 but one thing that GM missed the Boat on was adding a Turbo Or Super Charger. Also, GM has nothing that is anywhere near a Wrangler or the upcoming Bronco.
@Momolos bruh why the hell would they add any of those things to the Colorado. The jeeps barely have alot of horsepower anyway to feel once your foot is down. And the Bronco is going to have a 4 cyclinder ecoboost. So buddy stop expecting things out of this world when you damn should know its not gonna happen
@Matt
I somewhat hear what you are saying but if Customers stop demanding and expecting more, then we would all be driving different version of lats Say a Camry.
If we the customers do not demand more, why would the Companies offer more?
It is called Capitalism. They have to cater to us the Buying Public.
Just my two cents.
Also on a side note, I did say that the ZR2 is not a Wrangler but whatevs Lol
I still think GM needs a Bronco/Wrangler type vehicle.
What a goofy looking little guy lol
It will do ok maybe but Ford seems to be botching everything they have launched in the last year. I can’t imagine this will be any different.
Certainly an ugly looking thing….I would take one if they are giving them away…….
The brand new Bronco and F-150 will destroy GM’s market share in the truck space.
I love the way this looks so far, body panels remind me of my old Scout. Front fender looks very simple and rounded (could be some body lines hiding in the camo hard to tell). Shape of the doors is pretty similar as well, hood even sits a little proud between the fenders as well. So far looks to have a little more of the old school rounded look than the super boxy Jeep. Obviously can’t tell for sure though with the camo and the padding hides a lot as well.
The Wrangler and Bronco are the modern “muscle” car. The will serve as halos and garner high margins.
I guess Blaizer is nice but it follows a faux SUV strategy used by the Korean imports. Same with Trailblazer and the fake towing hooks. Is Blazer even needed with the similarly sized Traverse on the road?
GM must either position GMC as Jeep/Ford fighter or continue losing overall market share with Chevy, GMC and Buick stepping on each other. Barra is achieving short term margins with C1 platform over use. Long-term GM will pay a price because the excell at nothing and metorocrity will fail in such a competitive environment as we see with Cadillac.