Ford is just a "wee bit" behind on building the new Ford Bronco. As a result, FoMoCo has been sending out swag and other incentives to keep the hype going.
This week, they brought some Broncos out to let reservation holders drive one on some off-road trails at Ft. McDowell.
Nice fun event. Easy trail drive. Less challenging than the Power Line Road I used as a
shortcut between New River Road and Table Mesa Road a few months back.
But fun. (Google lies, that Power Line Road was in no way an actual "road")
The Event had 7 Broncos, plus two displays. On of the 7 demos was a stick shift. Also, one of the displays is a
stick, so that gives them an extra manual if needed. I got to drive the display
which was a 2-Door Black Diamond 7MT.
Almost stalled out once on a steep incline, but got it back down into
1st in time. Used Crawl to smash over some dirt/sand piles. Plenty of
power with the 2.3 for off road use. Clutch felt smooth, though I would
prefer a slightly heavier feel. Feels like a modern stock Mustang
clutch.
NOTE: They are supposed to reserve the Stick Shifts for reservation
holders that ordered a stick. Have a copy of your DORA or order sheet
with you. (I had a copy on my phone)
They also give you a free Bronco hat. (I showed up wearing a Ford one)
There are a few uphills where you need to keep up your momentum. Also some sand pits. I never got stuck, so never got to try the rear locker, kept her in 4
-Hi the whole time and never played with any of the Goat Modes.