word on the street | The Latest News, Rumors and Changes in the Truck World

All-New 2021 Bronco Available  in Fun, Assorted Sizes

 Ford finally unveiled the 2021 Bronco—including a classic two-door and first-ever four-door—the flagship of an all-new family of rugged off-road vehicles.

The all-4×4 Bronco brand is Built Wild and ready to deliver thrilling experiences with its heritage-inspired style, engineering and smart off-road technology, plus innovative features to help outdoor enthusiasts create adventures in the most remote corners of the world.

“We created the Bronco family to elevate every aspect of off-road adventure and equipped them with class-leading chassis hardware and exclusive technologies to raise the bar in the rugged 4×4 segment and take people further into the wild,” said Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer. “They’re built with the toughness of an F-Series truck and performance spirit of Mustang—and come wrapped in one of the most stunning and functional off-road designs that’s true to the original Bronco design DNA.”

The all-new Bronco re-enters the scene with an all-4×4 lineup with production beginning in early 2021 and first models arriving in Ford dealerships next spring. Bronco owners can choose from an extensive lineup of more than 200 factory-backed accessories for maximum personalization, enabling dealers to provide outfitting-on-demand for each customer’s individual adventure needs.

Just like the first-generation Bronco, nicknamed G.O.A.T., the mission of the all-new 2021 Bronco is to deliver maximum 4×4 go-anywhere, anytime capability and confidence. Bronco incorporates off-road mapping and drive technologies to give novice adventurers as much fun as hard-core off-road experts, while its Built Wild durability makes for lasting performance in the harshest of conditions for generations to come.

As with the five generations before it, the all-new 2021 Bronco two-door and four-door models will be built at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. More detailed information, including vehicle specs, accessories and full pricing and options, will be provided closer to launch. MSRP for the base two-door Bronco is $29,995, including $1,495 destination and delivery.

Jeep Introduces New 6.4L V-8 Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept

 The last time the most recognizable vehicle on the planet was offered with a V-8 engine was in the 1981 Jeep CJ, with its 5.0-liter V-8 that delivered 125 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque.

Jeep enthusiasts have been clamoring for a V-8-powered production Wrangler in recent years, and the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept is an indication they may soon get their wish.

The Jeep brand has introduced its new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, powered by a 6.4-liter (392-cubic inch) V-8 engine that delivers 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of less than five seconds. Dana 44 axles, a full-time two-speed transfer case, electric front and rear axle lockers, 37-inch mud-terrain tires and a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit from Mopar combine with suspension enhancements, a more robust eight-speed transmission and the massive V-8 power plant to deliver the ultimate fun-to-drive Jeep vehicle with more off-road capability than ever in a Jeep Wrangler.

“Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts have been asking us for a Wrangler V-8 and our new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept proves that we have the ability to make that happen,” said Jim Morrison, head of Jeep Brand–FCA North America. “From the recently introduced 29-mpg Wrangler EcoDiesel to our award-winning Jeep Gladiator, and the upcoming Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, Jeep is clearly listening to its customers. We are anxious to gauge their reaction to this new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept, a vehicle that delivers an incredible and unmatched level of fun-to-drive performance and capability, on- and off-road.”

To accommodate its 6.4-liter V-8 engine and a stronger eight-speed transmission, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept features upgraded engine mounts and a modified frame. Suspension upgrades include new aluminum, monotube Fox shocks for improved damping and heat dissipation. A two-mode exhaust alters the performance sound at the touch of a button.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept boasts even more capability courtesy of third-generation Dana 44 axles, a Selec-Track full-time two-speed transfer case, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle locking differentials and 37-inch mud-terrain tires that wrap around custom 17-inch bead-lock wheels that hold the tires to the rims under extreme lateral loads, allowing for reduced tire pressure operation and added traction.

A factory Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit from Mopar makes way for additional suspension articulation and improved approach, breakover and departure angles. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept also features Rubicon rock rails, steel bumpers with a Warn winch and a steel belly pan–all added to help navigate the toughest off-road terrains.

The more robust eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4×4 transfer case improve overall drivability, and massive amounts of low-end torque allow for a 3.73 gear ratio, which delivers improved highway efficiency and a greater range of off-road capability.

American Powertrain Announces Pfitzner Gear Upgrades for Tremec Magnum 6-Speed

 American Powertrain, the world’s largest TREMEC dealer, now offers Pfitzner Gear upgrades for TREMEC Magnum 6-speed transmissions. Pfitzner Performance Gear sets have a well-deserved reputation for producing the most durable automotive gear sets in the world. This accolade has been achieved through innovative design, technologically advanced engineering and market-leading manufacturing processes.

Made of motorsports-grade billet steel, the Pfitzner Gear upgrade designed for Magnum 6-speeds incorporates a unique PPG synchro tooth design for fast engagement. The gear material is custom heat treated for optimal performance, and torque capacity is unlimited for automotive use. Custom gear ratios are also available. The gear set also has quick change input shafts allowing you to swap between GM and Ford applications without costly gearbox tear down.

Pfitzner Performance Gearbox is also the only manufacturer to offer a motorsports-proven high performance 6-speed sequential system upgrade. The Pfitzner Gear TREMEC 6-Speed Sequential Gear System is offered for TREMEC T56, TR-6060, Magnum and Magnum XL.

American Powertrain, a TREMEC Elite Distributor located in Cookeville, Tennessee, manufactures and sells ProFit modern overdrive transmission systems, Science Friction clutches and flywheels, Hydramax hydraulic clutch systems, X-Factor crossmembers and thousands of powertrain accessories for muscle, sports, street rod and race cars.  For more information, visit American Powertrain at www.americanpowertrain.com or call 931-646-4836.