So, the New Ford Bronco Raptor Is Here—Where's Its V-8 Engine?

We've talked quite a lot about the mid-engine C8 Corvette, even going so far as to name it our 2020 Car of the Year. We have lots of stories you can read about how it drives around town, on back roads, and on racetracks. The whole point of having a long-term 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 test vehicle, though, is to tell you what it's like living with the car day in and day out.After 10 months of "ownership," we've put together a list of the top six little details about the Corvette we think are great, the six that drive us crazy, and the six that are worth mentioning but aren't good or bad enough to make the other lists. Here are the good, the bad, and the whatevers of the C8 Corvette.

We got all excited when Honda introduced the new Euro-market HR-V (known in some parts of the world as the Vezel), but Honda was quick to tell us to calm the hell down—this wasn't the subcompact HR-V we were looking for. The U.S., Honda told us, would be getting a new HR-V all its own. Not to cast aspersions on our friends at Honda, but any time an automaker tells us something like this—any of them, not just Honda—we have to wonder if we aren't just being put off.Today, Honda released sketches of the North American-market 2023 HR-V (actually, they look like paintings, which is rather cool). And no, we weren't being put off—this definitely is a different vehicle. Look at the back doors, and what do you see? Door handles on the body. The new Euro-HR-V/Vezel has its rear door handles concealed in the door pillar, just like the current (and soon-to-be-outgoing) HR-V.From what the paint-sketches show, North America won the HR-V lottery, because if the real thing looks similar, it's going to be a much cuter critter than the HR-V going to Europe. We like the big blacked-out grille—it's rather Kia-esque, from the days when ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer was trying to make all of his Kias look like Audis. It's certainly a better look than the chromed confusion of the bigger CR-V. (Honda has a new CR-V coming for 2023, and we hope it looks this good.) Speaking of Audis (which we were, weren't we?), the new HR-V's bulbous back end bears quite a resemblance to that of the Audi Q3. We're hoping the swank exterior style is an indicator of what we'll see inside. We rather like the HR-V, and we've always thought a more upscale version would do well with buyers.And what lurks under that handsome skin? Honda's two-sentence statement accompanying the sketches helps little. As a rule we don't copy and paste press releases, but we'll make an exception, given the dearth of other info here: "Honda kicks off its Year of the Crossover with a sneak peek at the all-new sporty and versatile 2023 HR-V. The all-new HRV will launch in North America this year." Okay, so that yields no information. If we had to guess—which, obviously, we do—we'd predict that one of the new HR-V's powertrains will be the 212-hp hybrid powertrain from the Euro-market HR-V, which is based around a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine.We assume there will be a non-hybrid version, and as we've complained about the current HR-V's leisurely acceleration, it wouldn't surprise us if its 1.8 liter engine is replaced by something with a little more gumption, perhaps the 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated engine from the entry-level Civic and (if we're lucky) Honda's 1.5-liter turbo, also found in the spectacular new Civic.The fact that the sketches show the HR-V dashing through the snow with snowboards strapped to the roof rack indicates an all-wheel-drive option. That may seem like a no-brainer for an SUV, but remember that some entry-level sport-utes (Toyota CH-R and Nissan Kicks, to name two) don't offer AWD; today's HR-V does offer AWD, however.Whatever the final HR-V looks like and however it's configured, this teaser has done its job: We are genuinely excited to see what the real thing looks like. We don't need to tell you what a hot market segment the compact SUV field is, one chock full of new and credible contenders like the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Kia Seltos, and our pick of the bunch, the Subaru Crosstrek. We're looking forward to seeing how the new 2023 Honda HR-V stacks up.

ford bronco Full OverviewOnce upon a time there was something called the Ford Bronco. People loved the off-roader, and to this day, they recount memories of adventuring in the family Bronco. The 2021 Ford Bronco has brought the nameplate back to the fore, but the original Bronco hit the scene in 1966 and galloped speedily until its ultimate demise in 1996. Unfortunately, after 30 years and various generational changes, the Ford Bronco was no more. Gone but not forgotten-especially that first-generation 1966-77 iteration—it's still sought after by restorers, off-road racers, and classic iron aficionados. It was one of Ford's most iconic nameplates.Fast-forward to 2021. Twenty-five years after Ford kicked its popular SUV out of its stalls, the forlorn Bronco returned. While many 2021 Ford Bronco owners still await their vehicle's arrival, we've had the chance to get behind the wheel of a few. Most recently we tested a two-door 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond powered by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 and backed by the seven-speed manual transmission. The exterior may look black from certain angles, but it's actually Antimatter Blue Metallic, a color Ford will not offer for model year 2022.Black Diamond vs. BadlandsBut wait, haven't we tested this two-door, 275-hp, 315-lb-ft 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder, manual-transmission 2021 Ford Bronco before? Yes, but that was the more-outfitted Badlands trim with different suspension goodies. For what it's worth, we also tested a four-door Bronco Outer Banks.How did the 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond stack up against the Bronco Badlands? After putting both on the scale, a weight discrepancy arose in the former's favor: the Bronco Black Diamond registered 4,491 pounds, the Badlands 4,732 pounds. That means the Black Diamond is 241 pounds lighter, a not-insignificant difference, and we wondered how much it would play a part in our track testing.The previously tested two-door Bronco Badlands galloped to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and ran the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 86.4 mph. The Black Diamond managed 0-60 in 7.9 seconds and trotted the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 85.8 mph. Those figures represent a 0.2-second difference in acceleration and a 0.6-mph difference in the quarter mile, both favoring the heftier Badlands. Why was the heavier car slightly quicker to 60? Likely because it rode on all-season tires with a bit more grip than the all-terrain rubber the Black Diamond wore.The differences equate to nothing in the real world and especially on the trail, as these are not high-performance track cars vying to shave every hundredth of a second. Rather, these Broncos are bricklike SUVs with removable tops and doors, meaty all-terrain tires, good ground clearance, heavy off-road components, and G.O.A.T. modes to help conquer impassable trails. They're just not quintessential traits when it comes to the track.We first tried to launch the Bronco Black Diamond at 4,000 rpm, and the engine bogged. Stepping up to 4,500 rpm also did not produce a good run. We were concerned an even more aggressive approach might break the drive train, but 5,000 rpm did the trick: The Bronco launched with some wheelspin, and the rear even kicked out a little bit. The manual transmission did not like quick, rushed shifting; it's happier with a gentler approach to the clutch. The engine felt lively enough to make the SUV feel light.HandlingWhen it came to our figure-eight course—which evaluates acceleration, handling, and braking, as well as the transitions in between—the 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond recorded a 28.8-second lap. We noted the Bronco was quite playful with the traction and stability control systems turned off, and we were shocked at the ease of heel-toe downshifting the SUV. The Badlands recorded a 29.6-second lap, 0.8 second slower than the Black Diamond.As expected, there was some nose dive and body roll when it came to hard braking and cornering. We likened the dive under hard braking to the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, a comparison that evoked a chuckle every time we experienced the phenomenon.On the RoadThe Ford Bronco Black Diamond we tested tracked nicely on the highway, wandering less than a Jeep Wrangler thanks to its independent front suspension rather than a live axle setup. Some off-road vehicles are really a handful to keep in one lane on the highway—a real white-knuckle experience—but that wasn't the case with the Bronco. Wind noise was our biggest complaint, as it was loud enough that we could barely hear the person riding in the passenger seat.The 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond doesn't come with the upgraded suspension of some other Broncos or modded off-roaders, so it wasn't able to soak up heavier hits on the road. Rather, we bounced and jolted our way through rough patches. We slowed down for dips and respected it for what it was: an entry-level true 4x4 off-roader that'll get the basic job done while being a perfectly capable on-road transporter. Those who want more may need to wait for the Bronco Raptor, which also isn't a trophy truck.We had the rare treat of driving the Bronco Black Diamond in some significant SoCal rain, and it was fun. We slipped the transfer case into 4-Auto and selected Slippery mode just to ensure we didn't get sideways on freeway entrances. Traction was ample, and although we didn't need to, we liked knowing we could have forded a couple feet of water should the need arise.As for the stick shift, the clutch was user-friendly and easily mastered by any seasoned manual driver within about four stoplights. It's technically a seven-speed, but one of those gears is a 6.588:1 crawler gear. The manual option, however, isn't compatible with some Bronco tech options such as trail control, trail turn assist, and trail one-pedal drive. Those features require the 10-speed automatic. The manual versus an automatic debate for off-roading is something we won't tackle in this piece, and besides, both sides are 100 percent sure they are correct.What Makes the Bronco Black Diamond Cool?There are half a dozen Ford Bronco trims, and the specifics of each can be mind-boggling. Ford describes our Black Diamond tester as "next-level outdoor adventure," and it falls third from the bottom of the lineup after the base and Big Bend models. For being relatively low on the pecking order, it had a rad feature palette for less than $40,000. However, opting for the 2.7-liter turbo V-6 EcoBoost engine ($1,895), 10-speed automatic ($1,595), and the four-door ($2,345) quickly elevates the price.Solid DetailsFirst, check out those wheels. Those are 17-inch glossy black steelies, and they're standard on the 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond. Sure, the base Bronco—which may have already disappeared—has 16-inch silver steelies, but the black is oh-so-spot-on. The Black Diamond also offers an optional aluminum wheel for people who aren't down with the steelies. The tires, 265/70R-17 General Grabber A/TX's, aren't too shabby for a modest trim. Many would consider Grabbers an upgrade.Next, the interior. The Ford Bronco Black Diamond barely misses the cut for the larger 12.0-inch screen, but we can live with the 8.0-incher. But our attention was drawn to the interior material, a Dark Space Gray with Black Onyx marine-grade vinyl paired with rubberized flooring—complete with drain plugs that make the whole interior less vulnerable to water. The vinyl felt super soft, plush, and inviting, not at all like the plasticky vinyl you may be thinking of. It looked classy, too.Finally, a few random traits distinguish the Bronco Black Diamond: It is the lowest trim to have seven G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes, it comes with standard rock rails and underbody protection, and it features the heavy-duty powder-coated modular steel front bumper and powder-coated steel rear bumper. You'll also appreciate auxiliary switches in the overhead console.Two-Door Family LifeFull disclaimer: We sold our four-door Jeep Wrangler upon news of kiddo number two. Our first born has still not forgiven us for selling "her" Jeep; we stand firm that its replacement, a Ford Raptor, is a roomier fit for family life.Hence, we found no surprises when squeezing a family of four into the two-door 2021 Ford Bronco tester. It was tight, and the car seat process was cumbersome (but it always is). But it worked, despite our larger Chicco car seats filled by preschool/early elementary children. But it wasn't necessarily pleasant. Getting out of the Bronco after securing the seats took some ninja skills, as does hoisting children into those seats and tightening their belts. The driver and passenger seats were perpetually in the way.As for luggage? Pack light. With just a backpack per person, your cargo room disappears quickly. The kids were afforded a nice view, as they were seated relatively high; merely an arm's length away, they might as well have been driving. The smaller child was confused as to why he had no door, despite our assurance there was none and that it was OK."Bronco" may be much easier for toddlers to say than "Wrangler," but the truth is, both SUVs—and even the larger four-door versions—are marginal tools when it comes to family life.All the FeelsDriving the 2021 Ford Bronco Black Diamond felt fun, sporty, and adventurous, almost nostalgic but modern. It felt youthful, vibrant, and it has an impact across a wide swath of the population: A mom during school drop-off noticed it. We couldn't quite tell how Jeep Wrangler drivers or old-school Bronco purists perceived us, but we imagined the best. Competition raises the bar, and the Wrangler needs a strong rival. And we all needed the Bronco's return, even if just for the grins.Looks good! More details?SPECIFICATIONS 2021 Ford Bronco 2-Door Black Diamond (Advanced) BASE PRICE $38,340 PRICE AS TESTED $38,935 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 4-pass, 2-door SUV ENGINE 2.3L Turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 POWER (SAE NET) 275 hp @ 5,700 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 315 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,491 lb (55/45%) WHEELBASE 100.4 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 173.7 x 75.9 x 72.9 in 0-60 MPH 7.9 sec QUARTER MILE 15.8 sec @ 85.8 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 135 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.71 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.8 sec @ 0.57 g (avg) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 17/19/18 mpg ON SALE Now Show All