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Not to be the type of person that says, “I told you so”, but sometimes it’s fun to be right, especially when you break news using an anonymous source.
Last week, I reported right here on Torque News some breaking news that the 2021 Ford Bronco would get the manual transmission option for the Sasquatch package. This was spurred on by a petition started by a member of the outstanding forum www.bronco6g.com.
Of course some at that group were skeptical of story and my breaking news and didn’t believe it. But I stand by my anonymous source inside Ford who told me about this. But enough gloating, let’s applaud Ford for listening to the people and giving them what they want.
Here’s how Ford’s confirmation went, with a breaking news press release on their website.
Bronco brand expands Sasquatch package to models with 7-speed manual transmission
Listening to reservation-holder feedback, Ford is expanding the availability of its high-performance off-road Sasquatch package to all-new Bronco two- and four-door models with a class-first 7-speed manual transmission.
“The Bronco community spoke and we heard them,” said Mark Grueber, Ford Bronco consumer marketing manager. “Our team moved quickly to add Sasquatch with a manual transmission – another example of our focus on giving customers the best possible off-road vehicles and accessories that we can.”
The increased availability of the Sasquatch package also makes the Ford Bronco the only 4x4 with a 7-speed manual and 35-inch off-road tires in its class.
Sasquatch plus manual unlocks even more off-road capability
While other brands save their best hardware for premium series models, Bronco is making off-road capability a priority across every two- and four-door trim level with the available Sasquatch package.
Checking the Sasquatch box adds class-first 35-inch Goodyear® mud-terrain tires mounted to 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, Dana front and rear electronic locking axles with 4.7:1 final drive ratio, and high-clearance suspension with a nearly two-inch wider track, position-sensitive Bilstein shocks and wider fender flares.
Sasquatch package will be available across the lineup, including Base, Big Bend, Black Diamond Outer Banks, and Badlands. It is standard on Bronco Wildtrak and First Edition models, while the Badlands series with available Sasquatch package and standard semi-active hydraulic front stabilizer bar disconnect results in the ultimate Bronco rock crawler.
“Capability is always a priority, and pairing Sasquatch with a manual transmission and available advanced 4x4 system gives it a maximum crawl ratio of 94.75:1, providing even more off-road capability across the line-up,” said Dave Pericak, Ford icons global director.
The manual transmission with Sasquatch package is targeted to be available in late 2021.
Watch this cool, quick video Ford did highlighting the MT in the Sasquatch package, as you can a Squatch clearly shifting in this video below.
Bronco Build and price goes live in October
As excitement builds around the Bronco brand of rugged SUVs, the Bronco two- and four-door build and price site will go live in October. Enthusiasts will be able to virtually create their ideal models and compare pricing for option groups. Reservation holders can create their dream off-road machine and print and save the information for ordering, which will begin in December.
The all-new two- and four-door Bronco goes on sale next spring.
Bronco Sasquatch features
My colleague Marc Stern wrote a nice piece about the Sasquatch trim. You can read it here.
I love the name of this package and it will undoubtedly be one of the most popular packages added when customers start ordering their Broncos next month. It will be even more popular now with a manual transmission option.
Other features of the Sasquatch package include 35-inch tires with 17-inch Beadlock Capable wheels, front and rear-locking differentials, Bilstein position sensitive monotube shocks, a 4.7 final drive ratio and high-clearance fender flares.
And, thanks to many Bronco enthusiasts the option expands to a seven-speed manual transmission.
Who says your voice can’t be heard. And once again, good of Ford to do an about face and add the manual. In the end, they will sell more vehicles as a result of hearing the call of the Sasquatch!
So let’s hear from you Bronco enthusiasts, surely you have to be thrilled with the news. Leave me a comment with your thoughts.
Jimmy Dinsmore has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade and been a writer since the high school. His Driver’s Side column features new car reviews and runs in several newspapers throughout the country. He is also co-author of the book “Mustang by Design” and “Ford Trucks: A Unique Look at the Technical History of America’s Most Popular Truck”. Also, Jimmy works in the social media marketing world for a Canadian automotive training aid manufacturing company. Follow Jimmy on Facebook, Twitter, at his special Ford F-150 coverage on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can read the most of Jimmy's stories by searching Torque News Ford for daily Ford vehicle report.
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