Ford Unveils Two New Options for 2025 Bronco SUV Lineup
Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn has unveiled two new options to 2025 Bronco SUV lineup â€" the Bronco Stroppe Special Edition and Bronco Free Wheeling appearance package.
The new Bronco Stroppe Special Edition is a legendary Baja 1000-winning name returning to the Bronco lineup.
A successor to the original Stroppe Baja Bronco from the †̃60s and †̃70s, this new limited-edition Bronco pairs the desert-racing spirit of the original with todayâ€TMs off-road capability to create what the automaker calls "a special high-performance Bronco SUV."
"When you purchased a Stroppe Baja Bronco in 1971, it rolled out of Bill Stroppeâ€TMs factory ready to tackle the Baja 1000," says Jason Hyde, brand manager for Bronco. "That capability was at the core of our development process for the new Bronco Stroppe Special Edition, including Fox Internal Bypass Dampers designed for performance and improved control during high-speed desert running, a standard EcoBoost 2.7-liter V-6 engine, and Baja G.O.A.T. Mode."
The Bronco Stroppe Special Edition is available exclusively as a two-door model and takes the place of the Wildtrak in the Bronco lineup. It also includes a standard stabilizer bar disconnect, High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension 3.0 (HOSS 3.0), and 35-inch Goodyear Territory RT tires.
The 2025 Bronco Stroppe Special Edition paint is a modern take on the original Calypso Coral, Wimbledon White, and Astra Blue livery of the Stroppe Baja Broncos. The new Stroppe heritage paint colors include Oxford White and Code Orange on the body â€" the first time Code Orange has been used outside the Raptor family â€" with an Atlas Blue painted hardtop. A standard functional matte black hood mitigates sun glare when bounding through the desert at high speeds, just like the original Baja Broncos. Additionally, the Bronco Stroppe Special Edition includes the following changes:
Bronco Stroppe Special Edition stands out with a white instrument mid-panel, first introduced on the Bronco Heritage, but adds Code Orange accents throughout the cabin. That includes the "Bronco" wordmark on the dash, the bezel of the G.O.A.T. mode dial, the insides of the grab handles, and in the contrast stitching on the dash topper and seats. The center console also adds a unique Stroppe Special Edition badge.
"Weâ€TMve been hinting at the return of a Bronco Stroppe Special Edition with our competition Broncos since returning to the Baja 1000 with the Bronco R in 2020," says Gordon Platto North American design director at Ford. "That combination of Code Orange, Oxford White, and Atlas Blue, and matte black was chosen very deliberately on our race vehicles. Itâ€TMs an iconic design and the history behind it is so important to the modern Bronco."
Ford is also introducing a new line of merchandise inspired by the Bronco Stroppe Special Edition. The new items are available for purchase at the Ford Merchandise store .
Interested buyers should visit Ford.com to register their interest in a Bronco Stroppe, which will be available in January 2025.
The 2025 Bronco Free Wheeling appearance package was inspired by Fordâ€TMs Free Wheeling trucks, vans, and Broncos of the †̃70s and †̃80s, according to the automaker.
From the late 1970s to the early 1980s, the Free Wheeling package was available for the Ford F-100, F-150, Bronco, Econoline van, and added graphics with red, orange, and yellow gradients, painted steel wheels, and black finishes on the grilles, mirrors, and bumpers.
Inside the vehicle featured red and orange pin striping on the dash and seat stitching.
The 2025 Bronco Free Wheeling honors that vibrant and confident style.
"Bronco has always been about fun and capability since day one and Free Wheelingâ€TMs looks kick that up a notch with its sunset inspired beach vibes," says Steve Gilmore, chief designer of Ford Vehicle Personalization.
"Weâ€TMve modernized the new Bronco Free Wheeling in line with todayâ€TMs fashion and graphic trends, including seats that mimic the color palette of the exterior stripes and unique pops of color that come together in an optimistic way."
The 2025 Bronco Free Wheeling is available as an optional appearance package for the Big Bend trim, adding reflective red, orange, and yellow graphics on the body sides, silver door handles, and a silver grille with a "BRONCO" wordmark that has a red outline and white center.
The Free Wheeling includes standard 17-inch gloss-black steel wheels, while the optional Sasquatch package (pictured) adds 17-inch gloss-black wheels with a machined lip that includes red pockets. All Bronco Free Wheeling SUVs feature unique seats with a mix of Marine-Grade Vinyl and fabric upholstery.
Along with the return of Free Wheeling, an optional premium Shadow Black painted roof is available, along with the standard soft top and available molded-in-color removable hardtop.
In Other Ford News: Ford Performance, Fordâ€TMs division in charge of its high-performance production and racing vehicles, has started a new program called the Ford Performance Junior Program intended to unearth the next generation of racing talent.
The Junior Team program is designed to bring together some of the most exciting new drivers and guide them toward a possible career in sports car racing around the world as part of the extended Ford Performance sports car family.
"At Ford Performance, we are always on the lookout for fresh new racing talent and with the new Ford Performance Junior Team program, we think we have a great solution for the future," says Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsport. "This program is all about creating opportunities for the next generation of Mustang racing talent. We want to give these drivers the tools and support they need to reach their full potential, and weâ€TMre excited to see what they can achieve."
Ford Performance will evaluate participants from series such as Mustang Challenge, Mustang Cup, and Mustang GT4 series globally. Key factors in the selection process will include: average stats compared to other leading drivers, current performance, feedback from sanctioning bodies, temperament, and year-over-year driving improvement. The program will be open to drivers globally and be available for a select group of drivers in any one calendar year.
Evaluations for the first Ford Performance Junior Team class is underway and continues through December. Those selected will contacted and contracted prior to the announcement of the inaugural class.
The first driver selected for the program is the 2024 Mustang Challenge Dark Horse Class champion, Robert Noaker.
Noaker and other in the program will receive mentoring from factory Mustang GT3 racing drivers, along with coaching during selected race weekends. Ford Performance engineers will support the program with simulator sessions to refine driving skills and provide additional seat time.
Outside of the racecar, Ford Performance will offer regular coaching on the physical and mental demands of being a professional driver, along with training in sponsorship, social media, and participation in Ford-sponsored experiences.
For the 2025 season, the goal is to prepare development drivers for the next level of competition, with support throughout the year. Additionally, the program could include opportunities to test the Mustang GT4 or GT3.
"We have a fantastic team of seasoned drivers, teams, and engineers, who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of racers," says Kevin Groot, sports car program manager for Ford Performance Motorsports. "Weâ€TMre excited to share our knowledge and experience with these young drivers and help them achieve their dreams."
