FThe auto world has been abuzz since Ford first offered preliminary information about the new Bronco at the 2018 Las Vega National Dealers Meeting. Originally anticipated for the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2019, the release date has once again been rewrapped in mystery.

While Ford does plan to release its all-new Baby Bronco in 2020, it’s still unclear at this time if it will carry an official 2021 model year designation. Those eagerly awaiting the second coming can hope for a glimpse at the June 2020 Detroit Auto Show. At that point, there could be an added bonus of a beefier Ford Bronco Raptor reveal.

Just what to expect under the hood of the new 2020 Ford Bronco

With rumors still the only active source of information with the sixth-generation Bronco, it’s all conjecture at this point. Speculation, however, feels reminiscent of the expectant excitement Christmas morning holds.

You may find a 2.7-liter, V-6 Ford F-150 engine with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque under the hood of the 2020 Baby Bronco. That kind of power definitely shows up for work during an off-road performance. The forecast, however, offers an added bonus of a possible 2.3 turbo-four or a high-performance 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V-6.

Maintaining its commitment to environmental protection, Ford is expected to follow suit by offering a hybridized version of the new Bronco.

If you enjoy the feeling of control a manual shift affords, the Bronco could pull out all the stops with a 10-speed manual transmission with standard RWD. There’s a strong possibility of an optional 4 X 4 all-wheel-drive package.

The Bronco’s updated appearance

There are a few hints emerging of what to expect with the new Baby Bronco’s appearance. Like its competitor SUV, the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco should typically feature a four-door design with a two-door option. With either door configuration, it should seat five.

Names for the Baby Bronco, such as Maverick and Scout, have been bandied about.

Continuing with the Wrangler theme, the Bronco will also provide a removable roof and doors to better enjoy the open-air, off-road experience. However, the latch release removal system for the doors offers greater accessibility than the Wrangler’s screw and bolt system.

Housed on a solid steel boxed frame, the Bronco’s chassis is expected to resemble that of the Ford Ranger. In fact, both models will be built at the same Michigan facility.

A nod to the past

Ford has announced that the Bronco will be manufactured in the same Wayne, Michigan, plant where the 1966 to 1996 Broncos were built.

The rumored starting price for the Baby Bronco is in the neighborhood of $30,000.

What’s this about a new Ford Bronco Raptor?

As with its more compact cousin, the more powerful Bronco Raptor is shrouded in mystery. Sources have hinted at a 2.7-liter twin-turbo Ecoboost engine that opens up with 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. There’s also talk of housing an optional 5.0L Coyote V-8 motor.

The Raptor is one of the variations under consideration for the 2020 Bronco release date.

June 2020 Detroit Auto Show

With hopes of the Ford Bronco’s long-awaited reveal hanging in the balance, the 2020 Detroit Auto Show offers added excitement. The event runs from June 6th to the 20th at the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit. It’s a rare opportunity to be among the very first to see the latest auto designs. The unparalleled exhilaration of test driving the newly unwrapped packages creates a singular experience.

In the meantime, speculating about what Ford has in store for us with the reimagined Ford Bronco keeps the energy level high.