A 2021 Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch package and a seven-speed manual? Ford said in July it won't be so, disappointing at least several thousand Bronco fans, who digitally petitioned Ford to produce such a spec. Yet a report published Friday claims Ford has heard petitioners' cries for a manual Sasquatch, no doubt delighting the two or three actual Bronco buyers who signed the petition. Once again, though, it ain't so, as Ford has formally denied plans to produce a stick-shift Sasquatch.
Rumors of Ford's change of heart first surfaced via TorqueNews, which, citing a source within the automaker, claimed a three-pedal Sasquatch would come after all. "According to a source at Ford, the company has done an about face and will offer the seven-speed manual with the Sasquatch package," the outlet alleged.
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But when The Drive reached out to Ford for confirmation or denial of this report, the Blue Oval issued the latter.
"Speculation on the writer's part," remarked a Ford spokesperson. "Lineup and powertrain offering configurations are as announced on July 13."
By as-announced, Ford means the seven-speed will remain available only with the Bronco's lesser engine option, the 2.3-liter Ecoboost. Upgrading to either the 2.7-liter engine or Sasquatch package, with its beadlock-capable 17-inch wheels, 35-inch tires and off-road suspension requires accepting a 10-speed automatic transmission. This in turn suggests the top-performing Bronco Raptor with its anticipated Sasquatch-plus equipment will also be unavailable with a manual—another disappointing development, but not an unexpected one with how few Americans can operate three pedals today.
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