Power is transmitted to the Bronco's wheels through a new six-speed PowerShift transmission that Hoare says ''significantly improves performance and fuel economy.''
The PowerShift transmission uses a layshaft architecture, which has more in common with manual transmissions than typical automatics, with gears arranged on two parallel shafts.
Within the PowerShift transmission, one clutch connects to the odd gears and the other clutch to the even gears. The dual-clutch layshaft has better mechanical efficiency than conventional automatic transmissions by eliminating the torque converter and the drag losses of an open clutch.
A typical four-speed FWD automatic transmission has approximately 68 percent mechanical efficiency, Hoare explains, versus 80 percent for a PowerShift transmission.
Combined with the Duratorq TDCi diesel, the PowerShift promises five percent better fuel economy than a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, and six percent better acceleration times.
The roof of the concept Bronco has two sections, the rear one of which can be removed for an open-air driving experience.
In another link with the original Bronco, Mays says, roll bar accents can be attached once the rear portion of the roof is removed, giving the look and feel of a Baja racer.
A monotone color scheme featuring a silver finish and bright anodized brushed aluminum accents flows from the exterior body panels to the exposed interior surfaces.
The two seats are trimmed in ginger-hued suede that looks and feels like a leather work glove, accented with same color leather inserts and a four-line stitching pattern often found on a tool belt.
The instrument cluster is made up of two round bezels, housing a speedometer and a combination odometer/compass. A lockable glove box features an integrated grab handle that gives the passenger something to grip when traversing rough terrain. Corrugated interior floor panels further communicate strength and durability, Mays explains.
''The Bronco concept is like your favorite pair of worn, faded jeans,'' Mays believes -- ''classic, familiar, comfortable and always in style.''
