Ford Bronco Riptide Is The Ultimate Surfer's 4x4

The all-newFord Broncoprovides endless opportunities for adventure and the automaker wants to owners to take full advantage. And sometimes, a few suggestions are in order. This is one of them. Meet the Bronco Riptide Project Vehicle, the latest concept from the outdoorBuilt Wildbrand. Past concepts include the Bronco OG andBronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig.

This custom-built SUV, which is based on the four-doorSasquatch Package, was designed with "West Coast fun" in mind (clearly evident with the surfboard and rack) thanks to an array of factory-backed accessories. For starters, Ford removed the SUV's roof then replaced the conventional doors with tubular units. The Velocity Blue exterior paint color is no coincidence; it's meant to "evoke tropical ocean hues."

The interior features marine-grade vinyl-trimmed seats in a cool Black Onyx and Dark Space Gray. There's also rubberized washout flooring to make cleaning ultra-easy after a day spent at the beach. Other outdoor-minded components include 35-inch mud-terrain tires mounted to 17-inch factory wheels equipped with Ford Performance beadlock rings, Dana electronic-locking front and rear axles, and a high-clearance suspension system with Bilstein shock absorbers. The Bronco Terrain Management System with its seven G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes is another must-have.

Ford also tacked on a few other accessories customers can purchase from dealerships, like a Yakima bike rack, a RIGID LED lightbar, and mirror-mounted road lights.

We're also digging the front steel bumper Ford says is still a prototype for now. Another prototype feature we'd love to see reach production are the crossbars bolted to the sports bars that make mounting overhead racks possible without it getting in the way of the soft tops. "Thanks to the Bronco modular design, we were able to outfit the vehicle with adventure gear that allows for freedom and versatility," said Missy Coolsaet, Bronco color and materials designer.

"Whether heading off to the mountains or along the California coast, the Bronco Riptide custom vehicle is ready for adventure." The 2.7-liter EcoBoost turbo-four is found under the hood, paired to the also familiar 10-speed automatic. Bronco owners or future ones who like what they're seeing here can simply head over to the accessories catalog and have some fun.