The Ford Bronco Riptide Is a Custom SUV Built for the Beach
While many Ford fans await delivery of their new Bronco, the blue oval is cranking out radical concept vehicles based on the off-roader. First came the Ford Bronco Overland Concept, complete with rooftop tent and other camping goodies. Next, Ford teamed up with Filson to give us the unique Bronco Wildland Fire Rig. Then, an entire convoy of Ford Bronco Concepts crashed the Easter Jeep Safari!
One of our favorite things about the new Bronco is the sheer number of factory-backed and dealer-installed options available for the new 4×4. Ford decided to build a concept vehicle highlighting these factory options; the new Bronco Riptide concept inspires Bronco buyers to customize their own SUV. Ford’s theme for this beach-ready special project is “Spontaneous outdoor adventures.”
Ford’s Riptide Began As A Bronco Sasquatch
Ford offers seven models of the 2021 Bronco, each model customizable with numerous options packages. The Ford team chose a four-door Bronco outfitted with the top-trim off-roading features: The Bronco Sasquatch Package for the Riptide project’s base. Interestingly, the Bronco team has based numerous concept vehicles on Sasquatch-Package-equipped bases, including the Ford Bronco Overland and the Bronco Wildland Fire Rig.
The Sasquatch Package includes high clearance suspension and high clearance fenders, engineered to fit 35-inch Goodyear BSW Mud-Terrain tires. Ford wraps these aggressive tires around 17″ black high-gloss painted aluminum wheels. The rims are beadlock capable, a feature highlighted by the rim’s warm alloy beauty ring.
The Bronco Sasquatch rides on Dana axels with AdvanTek electronic lockers, in both the front and the rear. The SUV also features Bilstein position-sensitive long-travel shock absorbers.
Ford’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine–capable of 330 horsepower–powers this 4×4. The Riptide also has a 10-speed Select Shift automatic transmission. In addition, several driver aids improve the Bronco’s off-road performance: Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist, and Trail One-Pedal Drive.
One other feature of the SUV is the exclusive Bronco Terrain Management System with seven G.O.A.T. modes to deal with any type of terrain a Bronco driver might encounter. Drivers of the Bronco Riptide will likely be using the Terrain Management System’s sand mode most often.
Overhead Racks Over a Soft Top
Ford wanted to highlight a special Bronco feature with the Riptide build: overhead racks do not interfere with the vehicle’s optional soft tops. So, the team selected a Bestop mesh Bimini top. Then they bolted prototype crossbars to the SUV’s sport bars. Engineers designed these crossbars to hold the two Almond surfboards that ride atop the Riptide.
Ford sought to highlight the Bronco’s modular design with several other accessories available to all customers. One available accessory is a Yakima bike rack (in some photographs, the Riptide carries Santa Cruz mountain bikes). The Riptide’s off-roading lights include both mirror-mounted trail lights and a RIGID LED light bar on the roof–perfect to light up your beach bonfire.
One of the most eye-catching features of the Bronco Riptide is the vehicle’s open, tubular doors. We cannot think of a better way to catch some fresh air while off-roading in the sun.
The Riptide does wear one exclusive accessory: The expedition-ready steel front bumper is a prototype designed just for this special project.
The Ford Bronco Riptide is Ready for Sun and Sand
Ford painted the Bronco Riptide in a color called “Velocity Blue.” The team says the finish is reminiscent of “tropical ocean hues.” The interior colors are Black Onyx and Dark Space Gray.
One of the best Bronco features of this beach-ready 4×4 is its easy-cleaning interior. The SUV features rubberized flooring and marine-grade vinyl seats. After hitting the trails, you can remove the drain plugs in the floor and hose out the interior of the Riptide.
Missy Coolsaet, Bronco color and materials designer, reveals, “For this Bronco Riptide project, we imagined a customer who enjoys the open air and a free-spirited West Coast lifestyle.” We have to say, Ford nailed it. Given a chance to drive the Bronco Riptide, our first stop would be the sand dunes of California’s famous off-roading destination: Pismo Beach.
Sources: The Drive, Car and Driver
