Why Is Ford Pushing Steel Wheels on the New Bronco and Bronco Sport?

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 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.

By Tim Bartz, Ford Video Guy For Ford Maverick enthusiasts, the pursuit of enhanced street performance and an aggressive stance has led directly to the highly anticipated SV300T package. After months of speculation regarding exactly what it takes to turn a standard Maverick into a track-inspired powerhouse, the official specifications and pricing have finally been released. As central Kansas’s premier source for Ford news, Long McArthur Ford in Salina is breaking down exactly what this package includes, which models qualify, and the true cost of the upgrade. Compatibility: Who Can Build an SV300T? The SV300T is not a one-size-fits-all upgrade. Because the Air Design body components are specifically molded to the updated styling, this package is exclusively compatible with 2025 or newer Ford Mavericks. Furthermore, the foundation of your build matters. To equip the SV300T package on an incoming 2027 order, you must start with one of the following configurations: XLT EcoBoost All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Lobo (AWD) Note: This kit is not compatible with front-wheel drive or Hybrid powertrains. While the 2027 XLT AWD comes standard with the FX4 off-road package, buyers should strongly consider adding the optional 4K Tow Package. Doing so equips the truck with upgraded cooling fans, which perfectly complement the heavy-duty intercooler included in the SV300T kit. The Hardware: Performance and Aesthetics The SV300T is a comprehensive overhaul designed to optimize both handling and curb appeal. Performance Upgrades Suspension: Maverick Lobo-spec lowering springs, performance shock system, stabilizer bar, and upgraded bushings. Powertrain: A high-capacity intercooler and a specialized turbo upgrade kit complete with custom calibration. Exhaust: A black-finished 2.0L Sport Borla exhaust system for an aggressive engine note. Optional: Buyers can separately add a heavy-duty brake kit featuring larger rotors and two-piston calipers. Appearance Components Wheels & Tires: 20x8-inch wheels available in Black or Bronze, equipped with matching center caps, black lug nuts, and a recalibrated Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Body Styling: A precision-engineered Air Design front chin splitter. Accents: Custom hood and side graphics, alongside tailgate lettering in either Black or Bronze. The SV300T Price Tag Transforming a Maverick into an SV300T requires a premium investment. When ordered directly from the factory and routed through Penske for complete installation (which covers all parts, labor, and the new tires), the SV300T package costs $15,595. To put that in perspective, a well-equipped 2027 XLT AWD starts around $32,000 to $33,000. Adding the SV300T package pushes the total vehicle cost to the $50,000 threshold. It is an undeniable leap in performance and exclusivity, but buyers will need to weigh that cost against factory performance trims. The price for the SV300T kit for the 2027 Ford Maverick Lobo has not been revealed yet. It should be lower since it will not include the Maverick Lobo-spec lowering springs, performance shock system, stabilizer bar, and upgraded bushings. Those features are already include in the Lobo. As well as the front chin splitter is not available on the Lobo because of the factory lower fascia. We will keep you updated on the price for the Lobo and when ordering will be available for the package on a 2027 Ford Maverick. Tim Bartz has worked for Long McArthur Ford since 2001. He is considered an expert when it comes to Ford product information and news.