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Bronco Sport Storm Intercept Vehicle


Cyclone Cowboy

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Hi Everyone, I'm seeking feedback on a concept vehicle we are considering based on the new Ford Bronco Sport.

 

The vehicle would be used for storm interception, including storm spotting for the National Weather Service, storm photography and volunteer EMS work when needed. (I'm a tactical EMT). The use would cover the tornado season, hurricane season and the southwestern monsoon. Basically a true torture test in all kinds of conditions over many miles.

 

There are obviously a wide range of vehicles we could use, but a number of people have suggested the Bronco Sport Badlands. I have one reserved.

 

Any opinions or suggestions? We are also considering a Ford Explorer, but cost is a factor since most of the work we do is volunteer.

 

Thank you.

 

Warren

http://www.stormchaser.com

bronco-interceptor-2.jpg

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47 minutes ago, Cyclone Cowboy said:

Yes, price and availability were issues. Our Xterra is now over 130k miles, and although running strong, it's time to replace it. The only other problem with the bigger Bronco is highway driving. We do a lot of highway miles and I'm not sure the larger Bronco is best for that.

 

Go with the 2.0L Ecoboost for good power on tap....not sure the 1.5L would give you enough grunt when the storm chasin' demands it.

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10 minutes ago, twintornados said:

 

Go with the 2.0L Ecoboost for good power on tap....not sure the 1.5L would give you enough grunt when the storm chasin' demands it.


Great point. There's also some aftermarket support for that engine already since it's been around for a few years. Not a lot available for the new 1.5 yet. Not sure how much there ultimately will be either. 

Edited by fuzzymoomoo
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This is the concept for the Cyber-Orange Badlands, but the overwhelming response was that it looks likes a "school bus administration vehicle"...lol I wish the Cyber-Orange color had been more "hot wheels" golden instead of yellow.

 

I ended up going back to the black.

 

(Original image with permission by Matt St-Pierre - Motor Illustrated - Concept additions by Warren Faidley)

 

Ford-Bronco-Storm-Chasing-Concept-sm.jpg

Edited by Cyclone Cowboy
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  • 2 weeks later...

I do have a back-up plan in the event the Storm Chasing Bronco Sport does not work for some reason or it we are unable to obtain one in time for the storm chase season next year:

 

The Ford Explorer FX4 might also make a great storm chase / volunteer EMS vehicle. If they add the ST twin turbo and brakes, I'll buy it tomorrow!

 

Between the Raptor, ST's and Broncos, Ford is kicking butt right now in the automotive world!

 

https://fordauthority.com/2020/07/off-road-explorer-fx4-prototype-spied-testing-and-looking-rather-rugged/

Edited by Cyclone Cowboy
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On 11/18/2020 at 9:54 AM, Cyclone Cowboy said:

Amazing how much the new Bronco Sport looks like a smaller version of the old Explorer.

 

CH-02-sm.jpg.c037fd389bf0029f9a6796f4c52628ef.jpg


The Explorer is less than 12” longer.
 

The Bronco Sport is 4” wider, and almost 3” taller than the original Explorer. 
 

Vehicles have gotten big. 

Edited by sullynd
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