By Tim Bartz, Ford Video Guy If you’ve been waiting to order a new Ford Bronco, we recently got some incredible insights from our latest dealership wholesale call. Ford gave us a peek behind the curtain regarding scheduling, and there are some massive changes coming down the pipeline for the upcoming 2027 model year. Let's dive into exactly what you need to know before you build your next rig. Mark Your Calendars: 2027 Order Banks Open Soon The question on everyone's mind is always, "When can I actually place my order?" According to the latest notes, Ford is tentatively planning to open the order banks for the 2027 Ford Bronco on October 13th. Ford also mentioned opening the Ranger and Mustang order banks on that exact same day. Historically, managing that many order banks on a single day is difficult for the system, so they may space them out—but for now, keep your eyes on mid-October. Say Goodbye to These Two Colors One of the biggest clues we get about what's changing for a new model year is when certain paint options "balance out" early. For December production, Ford is balancing out two notable colors: Velocity Blue and the Raptor-exclusive Shelter Green. When a color isn't available for the final month of the current model year's production, it is almost always a guarantee that it's being discontinued for the following year. If you've been dreaming of a Velocity Blue build, your window is closing fast. A Powertrain Shakeup: Is the 2.7L Engine Done? This is where things get really interesting. Ford has advised dealers to shift Outer Banks orders away from the 2.7L engine and toward the 2.3L engine to get them scheduled faster due to constraints. Even more telling, Ford told us to focus on the 2.3L engine for the Badlands with the Wildtrak package. If you remember the original Bronco launch, you had to have the 2.7L engine to get the Wildtrak package. The fact that the 2.3L is now an option there signals a huge shift. My prediction? The 2.7L EcoBoost is likely going away entirely for 2027, and we are going to see the 3.0L engine step in as the replacement. We saw Ford make this exact same engine swap with the F-150 lineup, and the writing seems to be on the wall for the Bronco. An Insider Ordering Strategy So, what should you do if you're on the fence? Do you lock in a late 2026 build to guarantee you get what you want, or do you wait to see the official 2027 specs? Here is a little trick: do both. Go ahead and place your 2026 order right now. Ford won't actually start scheduling those late December production dates until the week the new order banks open. Once the 2027 order guide officially drops on October 13th, you can review the new changes. If you don't like the new lineup, your 2026 order is safely in the system (assuming your dealer has the allocation). If you decide the 2027 upgrades are worth it, you can simply cancel the '26 order and place a new one. For a brief window, both order banks will be open, giving you the ultimate flexibility. We’ll keep bringing you the updates as soon as they drop, so keep checking back. Stay positive, be kind to one another, and we'll catch you in the next update! Tim Bartz has worked for Long McArthur Ford since 2001. He is considered an expert when it comes to Ford product information and news.

By: Tim Bartz, Ford Video Guy If you’ve been keeping a close eye on the latest lineup of Ford’s off-road vehicles, you might have noticed a rather controversial trend making a comeback: the steel wheel. Whether you're looking to order a 2027 Bronco Sport or a full-size 2026 Ford Bronco, it seems like Ford is leaning heavily into "steelies" for their standard trims and black appearance packages. But why the sudden shift, and what does this mean for buyers? Let’s break down exactly what’s happening with Ford's wheel choices, what you need to look out for when placing your 2027 orders, and how dealerships are handling the steel wheel resurgence. The 2027 Bronco Sport: Decontenting the Big Bend Let's start with the Bronco Sport. For the 2026 model year, the popular Big Bend trim came standard with a sharp-looking alloy wheel. However, for 2027, Ford has shaken up the lineup. Ford had the base trim when it launched but removed the trims in the last couple years, making the Big Bend the entry-level trim. But there's a catch: it now rolls out of the factory on standard steel wheels. The alloy wheels you might be expecting are now an "optional" upgrade. **Buyer Beware:** If you are ordering a 2027 Bronco Sport Big Bend and you don't want steel wheels, you must remember to explicitly check that optional wheel box on your build sheet. If a vehicle gets scheduled without it, dealerships can sometimes go into the system and add the option before production, but it's best to get it right from the start! The Steel Wheel Trend on the Full-Size Ford Bronco The push for steelies doesn't stop at the Bronco Sport; we are seeing it across the full-size Ford Bronco lineup as well. The Base Bronco: It's no secret that Base Broncos come standard with steel wheels. Many buyers actually prefer this (more on that later), but it sets a precedent for the trim levels above it. The Black Appearance Package: Available on the Big Bend and Outer Banks trims, this package is a fantastic value. It features sleek graphics, a black-painted Badlands-style grille (repurposed from the original Wildtrak), and aggressive 32-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires. The downside? It comes mounted on standard steel wheels. The Freewheeling Edition: Even the highly stylized, retro-themed Freewheeling Edition comes equipped with black steel wheels if you opt out of the Sasquatch package. Ford has actually tried this before. When the Black Diamond trim was first introduced, it featured standard steel wheels. Ford quickly realized that the market wasn't thrilled, and within a couple of years, they swapped the standard wheel to a premium five-spoke matte black alloy. Will history repeat itself? Dealership Upgrades: Getting the Look You Actually Want The reality on the dealership lot is clear: appearance sells. Vehicles outfitted with steel wheels—whether it’s a Maverick XL or a Bronco Big Bend with the Black Appearance Package—tend to sit on the lot longer. Customers simply prefer a better wheel. To give buyers what they want, dealerships often take matters into their own hands. A popular swap? Ford Ranger Raptor wheels. Because the Ranger Raptor shares the same wheel bolt pattern as the Bronco, dealers frequently source these wheels, or high-quality gloss black aftermarket options, and mount them directly to the factory tires. It instantly elevates the vehicle's curb appeal without sacrificing the quality of the rubber. The Silver Lining: The Perfect Blank Canvas It isn't all bad news. For a specific type of buyer, factory steel wheels are exactly what they want. The Base Bronco, with its standard steelies, serves as the ultimate blank canvas. A massive segment of the off-road community wants to purchase the most affordable trim possible so they can completely customize their wheel, tire, and suspension setup exactly the way they want it. Why pay extra for factory alloys if you're just going to rip them off and install custom beadlocks on day one? Are You Team Steel Wheels? With the 2027 order banks expected to open up shortly, buyers have a decision to make. Are you going to embrace the rugged, utilitarian look of the steel wheels, or are you upgrading to alloys the second you get the chance? Let us know your thoughts! Do you think Ford should bring back alloy wheels for packages like the Black Appearance Package? Drop a comment below and join the discussion. Tim Bartz has worked for Long McArthur Ford since 2001. He is considered an expert when it comes to Ford product information and news.

By Tim Bartz, Ford Video Guy For Episode 256, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tony Cavalli, the CEO and owner of Ford Raptor Nation, to talk about an event that is going to absolutely shake the desert this fall. We’re talking about the 3rd Annual Ford Raptor Rally in Lake Havasu, Arizona, happening October 16–17. But this year, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the journey. Tony and the Raptor Nation team are launching the Road to Raptor Rally, and let me tell you, you are going to want to be a part of this. What is the "Road to Raptor Rally"? This isn't just a standard meetup. The Road to Raptor Rally is a nationwide, community-driven push to Lake Havasu built around one massive goal: 100 Raptors rolling into the rally together. We are talking about multiple regions and multiple convoys all converging on a single destination. Whether this is going to be your very first Raptor Rally or you’ve been out in the dirt with us before, this is your chance to be part of the largest community-driven journey to the event yet. Tony and his team are actively building out: Regional convoy routes (Shoutout to the New Mexico Raptor Run crew who are already getting their route locked in!) Strategic meetup points and fuel/rest stops along the way. Exclusive content opportunities to show off your build. Giveaways and massive community experiences leading right up to the rally weekend. Why Raptor Nation is More Than Just a Group One of the best parts about having Tony on the stream was hearing his vision for what Raptor Nation stands for. If you own a Ford Raptor, you know it's a lifestyle. But Raptor Nation takes it a step further. As Tony said on the stream, this isn't just another group—it's a movement. Their mission is simple: Uplift your fellow Raptor owners. Share your adventures, knowledge, and hard-earned lessons. Help light the way for those just starting their off-road journey. There are no egos, no politics, and no judgment here. Just a passionate team of off-road enthusiasts committed to separating Raptor fact from fiction. Whether you’re Baja battle-hardened or just picked up your first Gen 3, when you ride with this convoy, you are part of the pack. How to Join the Convoy to Lake Havasu Are you ready to battle against normality and ride with the only place where all Raptors stand united? Here’s your game plan for October 16th and 17th: Get Your Crew Ready: Start reaching out to your local Raptor buddies. Find Your Regional Convoy: Check out Raptor Nation’s channels to find the convoy route closest to you. If you're in the Southwest, check out groups like the New Mexico Raptor Run to get on the roster. Prep Your Rig: Make sure your truck is dialed in. (And hey, if you need parts, accessories, or a whole new Raptor, you already know to check our inventory right here at Long McArthur!) Let's Ride! I couldn't be more pumped for what Tony and the Raptor Nation crew are putting together. If you want to hear our full deep dive into the upcoming rally, be sure to head over to our YouTube channel and catch the replay of Episode 256. Looking to order your next Ford Raptor, Bronco, or F-150? Long McArthur Ford offers nationwide shipping and an incredibly smooth ordering process. Check out our website to see what's on the lot today! Tim Bartz has worked for Long McArthur Ford since 2001. He is considered an expert when it comes to Ford product information and news.