MotorBiscuit has snagged these officially released images of the wide-body 2023 Bronco Raptor. Yeah, they have a bit of camo-wrap, but it doesn’t hide much. And we get a peek at the Raptor suspension as well. Surprisingly, that gets changed-up substantially. 

Those wide Raptor fenders aren’t just for looks

The wide fenders identify this as a Raptor without a doubt. And they’re not just for looks. They are needed to hide those 37-inch tall BFGoodrich K02 tires. This tire/wheel combo is an option on the F-150 Raptor. All of this gives the Raptor a substantial, no-nonsense look.

Another visual is the grille has FORD wedged into it rather than Bronco as lesser models have. It also features those three amber lights that are mandated because of the extra body width. The taillights look different than other Broncos as well. We love all of the visual deviations to clearly set the Raptor apart. 

Bronco Raptor suspension has been beefed up from a standard Bronco

The lower control arms are clearly visible and have been beefed up. No longer spindly castings, they’re heavier and look to move the wheel out slightly. That could be to accommodate larger CVs or to lessen angle extremes in moderate off-road conditions, or both. This could also mean the steering has been changed too. 

Dampers are also spaced out farther than standard Broncos. And those tubular control arms in the rear have given way to what looks like heavier stamped units. Clearly, all of this aids in closing any doubt that the Bronco Raptor is off-road serious. It also helps to harness the extra grunt from what’s under the hood.

Engine choice hasn’t been revealed, but expect about 500 hp

That would be either the 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 from the F-150 or the 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6 out of the Explorer ST. Either one would get a power increase of close to 500 hp to stand even with the Jeep Wrangler 392. Actually, everything Ford is doing with the Bronco has Jeep as its target as the expected comparisons and comments about them ramp up. 

Though Ford is doing some mix-and-match with the F-150 Raptor and possibly Explorer as expected, it does seem to be designing distinct components for the Bronco Raptor. We commend Ford on that. While your average Explorer or Escape buyer might not know or care, Bronco buyers are savvy about what makes their SUV tick, and it knows that. 

We’re expecting the Bronco Raptor to premiere next week at the LA Auto Show, and we’ll be covering that debut along with other new releases like the Acura Integra. Stick around because the SUV wars are heating up.