Originally developed as a compact off-road vehicle, Ford Bronco was developed into a sport utility vehicle in the 1960s. The next three decades saw the Ford beast dominate roads before it was discontinued in 1996. What followed was a 25-year hiatus of the Bronco nameplate. The American automotive company confirmed the return of the Bronco at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, and the yesteryear legend - now in its sixth generation - was reintroduced in 2021. On March 27, 2021, the first production Bronco, a First Edition, sold for $1,075,000, at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auto Auction. The entire amount was donated to a charity that the American automotive giant helped establish to help preserve forests. Fast-forward to 2022, the 2021 Ford Bronco model has generated plenty of hype among automobile lovers. We've seen multiple personalized variants of the Ford monster, but there's one customized model that's stood out compared to the rest. Dubbed as the Dark Horse, the said Ford Bronco model - a 6x6 model - has been generating plenty of buzz in the automotive circle recently.
Who is manufacturing the popular Ford Bronco variant? And why is it called the Apocalypse Dark Horse? Let's have a look. Here's why the Ford Bronco 6x6 is called the Apocalypse Dark Horse.
The Minds Behind The Ford Bronco Dark Horse: Apocalypse Manufacturing
Based in the United States of America (in Florida, to be precise), started with a vision. A vision to create 6x6 vehicles that could survive the endgame - if there were one - and be the most impressive presence on the road that money can buy. Think of a Batmobile in its toughest form, and that should give you a rough idea of what the makers at Apocalypse Manufacturing aspire to build: the most powerful performance monsters that look as cool as they perform. As per their official website, what started as a passionate idea was followed by countless hours of engineering, performance adjustment, and off-road testing before the 15-year-old outfit succeeded. We mentioned how their vehicles look as good as they perform and the Apocalypse Manufacturing team echoes that idea: to build trucks where looks and function dance with the devil in the pale moonlight. According to the manufacturer, the company has achieved top-level production results, while bolstering a second-to-none track record in delivering custom vehicles and fully standing behind each one of its jaw-dropping builds. As things stand, Apocalypse Manufacturing has not 1, not 2, not 3, but at least 140 customized power monsters trotting roads across the globe. Pretty cool, isn't it?
Why Is The New Apocalypse Manufacturing Model Called The Dark Horse?
Remember Big Shirley? Hassan Whiteside's fancy truck created plenty of hype last year. Apocalypse Manufacturing was among one of many companies that collaborated in the making of Hassan's car, in what he described as "a mixture of a bunch of crazy people that did a great job". Automotive Manufacturing is not new to the "crazy" that Hassan Whiteside spoke about. And with the new Ford Bronco variant, they're set to take it to a whole new level. According to their official website, the team at Apocalypse Manufacturing took a new Ford Bronco and converted it into a fully functional six-wheel-drive vehicle. Why is it called the Dark Horse? Because the Florida auto enthusiasts admire the new Ford Bronco's mean streak. What started as a four-door variant at the Florida warehouse, soon received an extra axle and a five-foot pickup bed. These key customizations stretched the Bronco from a total length of 189 inches to a mind-boggling 225 inches. The stock convertible roof was also replaced with a removable fiberglass hardtop. Thanks to a modified exhaust system, new software, and large injectors to its stock 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6, the Bronco's output was increased from 330 horsepower to 400 horsepower. Imagine all that power going to its 37-inch tires, with the Bronco receiving an additional 4-inch suspension lift. The brand-new upgraded upholstery is powered by tan and black leather that the company calls a King Ranch pattern. Driving with doors and roofs off should hardly be a problem regardless of the weather, thanks to the water-resistant nature of the marine-grade leather.
The First Of Many Ford Bronco 6x6 Apocalypse Dark Horse Models
The launch of the Apocalypse Dark Horse will be the start of something special. Here's what Joseph Ghattas of Apocalypse Manufacturing revealed in a recent statement:
"The Dark Horse came out better than we could ever have dreamt, with several inhouse upgrades that give it a style all its own while still keeping a huge chunk of its Bronco identity. In future builds for this model, customers could expect to see a 700+ horsepower supercharged V8 Coyote 5.0L motor upgrade, as well as a Kevlar coated exterior paint job."
What's next in store? The Apocalypse Dark Horse aka the first-ever Ford Bronco 6x6 model will be auctioned off by Barrett-Jackson on April 9 in Palm Beach, Florida. Everyone in the automotive circle is excited, and so are we.