Doubt it will have any effect at all. All the automakers have agreed to adhere to CAFE regulations even though there is no longer a penalty for not meeting the standards.
Agreed, it's funny how we both thought of the bronco. It's radical, but I've always wanted to see a V8 bronco, like a bronco raptor r. Maybe with these changes Ford will consider making something like that for a few years.
But offering more v6 broncos would also be really cool.
ZF has upgraded their 8-speed for hybrid and PHEV applications with electric motor rated up to 160 kW (215 HP). One BMW SUV tested by Car and Driver had 145 kW (194 HP) electric motor augmenting the 3.0L twin turbo inline six, providing 0-60 just under 4 seconds; due largely to combined power output of 483 HP.
So I’d say much higher power can definitely be done even if it requires a new or redesigned transmission. Having said that I still think a clean-sheet approach creating a RWD/longitudinal e-CVT for much larger and heavier vehicles might be a better option (except maybe for higher costs). IMO much depends on whether Ford thinks there will be high demand for hybrid, PHEV and EREV pickups in the future; and also for how long before BEVs replace them. For Ford to invest heavily there has to be demand for extended period.
Also keep in mind that the F-150 hybrid is rated at 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, so I'm guessing they might be hitting the practical limits for torque output in the 10R transmission too.
I've seen discussion says it's based on the same platform Ford territory uses...So def a unibody vehicle. Not really related to Bronco except for the same boxy shape and probably not really off-road capable I assume😂
The electric motor inside in F-150's R10 transmission is only 47 HP but the Ranger PHEV has the same R10 transmission setup and it's electric motor is 100 HP. Don't know if it could be increased further.
If anything it would lead to quick and easy things that can be turned back down like selling more V6 Broncos or 2 door Broncos.
That is the first thing that pops into my head.
https://fordauthority.com/2025/07/trump-bill-allows-ford-to-get-away-scot-free-with-cafe-violations/
Apparently this will go into place starting in September. It's hard to say how much of an impact this sort of thing will have. Internally, Ford's probably still planning on meeting those efficiency targets anticipating for them to be reinstated at some point in the future.
But who knows, it could influence some of Ford's future product decisions.