2023 Ford Bronco 'Desert Racer'

This is a 2023 Ford Bronco Desert Racer. It is finished in a custom Canepa-created color using Porsche’s NATO Green, with a removable color matched hardtop, over a black interior. It is powered by Ford’s “Coyote” V8 engine, producing 418 hp, with all-wheel drive running through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

This is a new vehicle, with no mileage accrued after the Baja build. 

Engine: Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 (target output of over 400 horsepower)

Transmission: 10R80 10-speed automatic

Drivetrain: Part-time selectable 4x4 with permanently locked hubs

Axle Ratio: 4.7:1

Suspension:

• Front: Multimatic Positional Selective DSSV Dampers (80mm bodies), 400mm (15.8 inches) of travel
• Rear: Multimatic Positional Selective DSSV Dampers (80mm bodies), 443mm (17.4 inches) of travel

Safety:

• Multimatic-designed safety cage with integrated Ford OE tubes

Wheels and Tires:

• 17x8.5 Beadlock wheels
• 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 all-season tires
• Approach Angle: 47 degrees
• Departure Angle: 37 degrees
• Breakover Angle: 33 degrees
• Ground Clearance: 300 mm (approx. 11.8 inches)
• Approx. Race Weight: 6,200 pounds

Unique Upgrades and Features:

• Competition-level Cooling System: Rear-mounted radiator for enhanced cooling in the harsh desert environment.
• Heavy-duty Lower Control Arms: Multimatic-designed billet aluminum lower control arms.

Race-Spec Interior:

• MoTec C187 display with data acquisition for essential race data.
• Recaro race seats and safety harnesses.

When Ford announced that it was bringing the Ford Bronco back to production, it was a moment of both joy and apprehension for the many longtime fans of the model. So many people longed for a simple rugged vehicle, but that came with the concern that it would wind up on some new crossover or luxury SUV that only sought to capitalize on the famous badge. But fans were rewarded with a modern take on the classic Bronco ethos, a rugged all wheel drive body-on-frame vehicle that is a successful modern interpretation of a capable offroader.

And while it is a solid platform straight from the factory, creating a version that was as capable in competition as some of its predecessors required some upgrades. That solid platform became the foundation for a vehicle that evokes the best Bronco Trophy Trucks from the 60’s and 70’s - trucks that could run the famous Baja 1000 race and survive. Driven by racing legends like Parnelli Jones and successful actor/racer James Garner, the early Baja Broncos earned their place in history even while not being truly based on their production counterparts. But this Bronco, while blessed with some of the best off road suspension tech in the world, is still a regular street Bronco at its core - and all the more impressive for it.

Taking a standard four door Bronco chassis, Canepa started with a full Multimatic suspension upgrade - a company famous for its digressive spool shock valve technology for both off road and track applications. The installation of Ford’s “Coyote” V8, a DOHC motor with 418 hp, is a naturally aspirated engine that supplants the smaller four- and six- cylinder turbo engines available in regular production Broncos. Powerful but simple, it is graced with a high-capacity cooling system built to endure intense heat in dusty racing conditions.

The custom bodywork features extensive clearance for both the wheel travel, and minimal overhang and height for impressive breakover angles. The color is from Porsche’s catalog, NATO Green, and includes the body colored removable roof. The interior features Recaro seating and a Momo steering wheel, and is stripped down for lighter weight and ease of cleanup, emphasizing the intent for the truck to be utilized in dusty harsh off road environments.

As one of just 50 to be produced, this Bronco DR is an excellent opportunity to own a unique vehicle that has enormous capability, and built with components from companies experienced in the arena.