Cars

Ford and Filson Collaborate on a Premium Bronco Edition

Ford is once again innovating in the automotive sector by teaming up with a renowned outdoor brand. Following their successful collaboration on the Super Duty with Carhartt, the automotive giant is now partnering with Filson, a Seattle-based outdoor apparel and accessories company, to introduce an exclusive, premium edition of the Bronco. This new venture aims to infuse the rugged Bronco with upscale craftsmanship and distinctive styling, targeting consumers who appreciate both adventure and luxury.

This partnership is poised to deliver a unique off-road vehicle, building on the Bronco's heritage while incorporating Filson's signature aesthetic and quality. The collaboration underscores Ford's strategy to diversify the Bronco's appeal, pushing it into a more premium segment of the SUV market. With a teaser already released, anticipation is high for the full unveiling, which is expected to showcase a blend of robust performance features and sophisticated design elements.

The Fusion of Durability and Elegance

Ford and Filson are set to unveil a new special edition Bronco, combining the robust, adventure-ready foundation of the Bronco with Filson's reputation for premium, durable outdoor goods. This initiative follows a previous, well-received one-off concept—the Ford Bronco x Filson Wildland Fire Rig—which highlighted both brands' commitment to conservation and rugged utility. Unlike its predecessor, this new Bronco will be a production model available to the general public, designed to offer a blend of luxurious touches and superior off-road capabilities. Early hints from a teaser image suggest a distinctive metallic green exterior, paired with a spare tire cover emblazoned with both brand logos, and aggressive fender flares indicating the inclusion of large, all-terrain tires, possibly akin to those found in Ford’s Sasquatch package. This suggests a vehicle that is not only visually appealing but also highly functional for challenging environments.

The strategic alliance aims to elevate the Bronco's market presence by positioning it as a competitor in the premium SUV segment, rivaling established brands like Land Rover and Ineos. While official details regarding powertrain options and pricing remain under wraps, the focus is clearly on a high-end experience, likely featuring Filson-branded interior components that reflect the outdoor brand's commitment to quality and classic American style. Given that a standard Bronco Badlands model with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine starts around $58,320, and the 2.7-liter V6 variant is priced slightly higher at $61,115, industry experts anticipate the Filson edition to command a price in the high $60,000s or low $70,000s. This pricing strategy would place it below the Bronco Raptor’s $83,080 MSRP, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking a luxurious yet capable off-roader without reaching the Raptor’s top-tier price point. The full specifications and pricing are eagerly awaited for the official reveal on June 3, with the model expected to hit dealerships in early 2027.

Anticipated Features and Market Impact

The upcoming Ford Bronco x Filson collaboration is generating considerable excitement, with expectations of a vehicle that seamlessly integrates the Bronco's legendary ruggedness with Filson's renowned premium outdoor aesthetic. This strategic partnership is more than just a branding exercise; it represents Ford's concerted effort to broaden the Bronco's appeal and position it firmly within the luxury off-road vehicle market. The choice of Filson, a brand synonymous with heritage and durability, signals a commitment to offering a truly distinguished product. The teaser imagery, revealing a sophisticated metallic green finish and robust off-road tires, suggests that this model will not only look the part but also deliver exceptional performance in demanding outdoor conditions. This approach is designed to attract a discerning clientele who value both adventure and refined craftsmanship, setting this Bronco apart from its contemporaries.

Building on the success of past brand collaborations, Ford is meticulous about the details of this new Bronco variant. While specific features are being kept under wraps until the official launch, it is widely anticipated that the vehicle will boast bespoke interior touches, incorporating Filson's durable materials and classic design elements, which could include unique upholstery, trim, and organizational solutions tailored for outdoor enthusiasts. The previous Ford Bronco x Filson Wildland Fire Rig demonstrated the potential for such a partnership, emphasizing functional design and rugged capability. This new production model aims to replicate that success on a commercial scale. With an expected launch in early 2027, the Filson Bronco is poised to carve out a niche in the premium off-road segment, offering a compelling alternative to higher-priced rivals and solidifying Ford's innovative strategy in an increasingly competitive automotive landscape.

Ram Hints at Rumble Bee Revival with New Teaser Video

Ram has ignited excitement among truck enthusiasts with a recent teaser campaign, strongly hinting at the reintroduction of its legendary Rumble Bee pickup. The latest video, featuring UFC President Dana White, offers a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come, showcasing a distinctive vehicle that appears to be a modern iteration of the fan-favorite.

Anticipation Builds: The Return of a Legend

Unveiling the Buzz: A Black and Yellow Reveal

The new promotional footage from Ram prominently features a customized Ram 1500, sporting a striking black and yellow paint scheme. A prominent bee graphic adorning the rear quarter panel leaves little doubt about the model's heritage, all but confirming the revival of the iconic Rumble Bee. This visual cue has sent ripples of excitement through the automotive community.

Dana White's High-Octane Showcase

Adding to the intrigue, UFC President and CEO Dana White takes center stage in the teaser, demonstrating the vehicle's prowess with exhilarating burnouts. This marks the second time White has been featured in Ram's recent promotional efforts, with the initial teaser providing a more enigmatic preview. The latest video, however, offers a much clearer view of the forthcoming truck, fueling further speculation and anticipation.

A Glimpse of Power: TRX-Inspired Design

While an official announcement is still pending, the truck showcased in the teaser bears a strong resemblance to the aggressive bodywork of the SRT TRX, albeit with a noticeably lowered stance. Although specific engine details remain under wraps, many observers are confidently predicting the inclusion of the formidable 777-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, a powerhouse unit found in the current SRT TRX model.

The Resurgence of SRT: A New Era for Street Trucks

The timing of these teasers, coupled with Ram's recent decision to revitalize the SRT brand under the leadership of Tim Kuniskis, strongly suggests that the American automaker is indeed preparing to launch a new, high-performance street truck. With two compelling teasers already in circulation, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the full reveal, which is expected to happen in the near future.

See More

2027 Infiniti QX60 Review: A Refined Three-Row SUV with Room for Improvement

The 2027 Infiniti QX60 emerges as a compelling contender in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, designed to accommodate families with its spacious three-row seating. While it projects an image of sophistication with its sleek aesthetics and well-appointed interior, its driving dynamics reveal a somewhat mixed performance. The QX60 prioritizes an upscale on-road experience for daily commutes, aiming to blend comfort with practical utility. However, the decision to equip all models with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while contributing to decent fuel efficiency for its class, introduces a less refined and less potent powertrain that may not fully meet the expectations associated with a luxury vehicle.

Infiniti's QX60 stands out for its elegant interior, offering a plush cabin experience adorned with premium materials and excellent sound insulation that effectively isolates occupants from external disturbances. The front seats provide eight-way power adjustments and heating as standard, with options for ventilation, a massage function, and heated second-row seats to enhance comfort. The top-tier Autograph trim further elevates the experience with integrated headrest speakers for directed audio and navigation prompts, ensuring a personalized sound environment for the driver. The flexible seating arrangement allows for either seven passengers with a standard bench or six with optional captain's chairs in the second row, catering to various family needs. Even the third row, while compact, is suitable for adults on shorter journeys, though it offers limited charging access.

From a mechanical perspective, the 2027 QX60 is driven by a 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option on lower trims and standard on the Sport and Autograph models. While adequate for everyday driving, our road tests indicated that the powertrain could be more responsive, occasionally exhibiting a surging initial accelerator response and a tendency for the transmission to quickly shift into higher gears, demanding more assertive input for passing maneuvers. Despite its comfortable cruising capabilities, the ride quality was noted to be firmer than anticipated for a luxury SUV. Performance metrics showed a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds for the Luxe AWD variant, placing it slightly behind competitors like the Volvo XC90 B6. Nevertheless, its impressive towing capacity of up to 6000 pounds surpasses that of rivals such as the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90, highlighting its utility. Fuel economy estimates from the EPA are competitive, with the front-wheel-drive model achieving 22 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and a combined 24 mpg.

For the 2027 model year, Infiniti has implemented minor adjustments to the QX60. These include a return to 18-inch wheels for the base model, the removal of adaptive headlights from the Autograph trim, and the introduction of an optional rear bench seat for the Sport version. Additionally, the Deep Bordeaux exterior paint option has been discontinued. Infiniti backs the QX60 with a comprehensive warranty package that includes a longer powertrain coverage than many competitors, extending to six years or 70,000 miles, alongside a three-year or 30,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan. The vehicle also boasts a robust suite of standard driver-assistance features, such as automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offer advanced options like adaptive cruise control with hands-free highway driving assist and a 360-degree exterior camera system, enhancing both safety and convenience for drivers.

In conclusion, the 2027 Infiniti QX60 presents a well-rounded package for those seeking a stylish and versatile three-row SUV. It excels in interior luxury, practicality, and towing capabilities, while also offering competitive fuel efficiency and a strong warranty. Although its engine performance and ride comfort might not be class-leading, its attractive pricing and comprehensive feature set make it a noteworthy option in the premium mid-size SUV market.

See More