- **Q: What is the range of the Icon EV Bronco?
**
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
First Drive: This All-Electric Bronco Restomod Blends Balance With 500 HP of Brawn | Hyundai's Remote Smart Parking Assist: A Game-Changer for Tight Spots | NASCAR Xfinity Series at Charlotte Roval: Preview, Lineup, and How to Watch | First Drive: This All-Electric Bronco Restomod Blends Balance With 500 HP of Brawn | Hyundai's Remote Smart Parking Assist: A Game-Changer for Tight Spots | NASCAR Xfinity Series at Charlotte Roval: Preview, Lineup, and How to Watch
Motors / Cars
First Drive: This All-Electric Bronco Restomod Blends Balance With 500 HP of Brawn
Icon 4x4, renowned for its meticulous classic vehicle restorations and high-end restomods, has ventured into the electric vehicle space. Partnering with EV conversion specialist Moment Motor Company, Icon founder Jonathan Ward has developed...
Key Insights
- **Powerful Performance:** The EV Bronco boasts a single 500 hp electric motor delivering 440 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds.
- **Substantial Range & Battery:** A 105 kWh battery pack provides an estimated range of 175-200 miles, housed in IP67 waterproof enclosures with full thermal management.
- **Advanced Engineering:** Features include a longitudinally mounted motor, Currie axles with locking differentials, Reiger adjustable suspension, Brembo brakes, and electro-hydraulic power steering.
- **Classic Meets Modern:** While retaining the classic Bronco look and feel (including a large steering wheel), it integrates modern tech like OTA updates, a central touchscreen with CarPlay/Android Auto, and EV-specific gauge displays.
- **Premium Pricing:** This is a limited-edition offering, with the first 10 units starting at $449,000.
- **Why this matters:** This project signifies a major player in the high-end restomod world embracing electrification, potentially setting a benchmark for blending classic car charisma with cutting-edge EV performance and usability. It caters to a niche audience seeking unique, high-performance vehicles that bridge automotive eras.
In-Depth Analysis
The Icon EV Bronco represents a careful fusion of old-school charm and modern engineering. Instead of a simple body swap, Icon and Moment Motor Company opted for a unique powertrain layout, mounting a single 500 hp motor longitudinally and driving solid front and rear axles via CV joints. This setup, combined with a 105 kWh battery split between the front and rear, achieves excellent weight distribution – so precise that Icon even corner-balanced the prototype. The roughly 5,400 lb curb weight is managed by advanced Reiger suspension dampers and Brembo brakes, providing surprisingly composed handling for such a vehicle, though the raw power requires careful modulation, especially in 'Sport' mode.
Significant effort went into integrating the EV systems seamlessly. Classic-style gauges display EV data, while a central touchscreen offers deeper system control, vehicle settings, and modern infotainment features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even the power steering retains a classic feel, using an electric pump to power a traditional hydraulic steering box. Challenges remain, particularly in refining Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH), as the silent EV powertrain reveals squeaks and rattles previously masked by a V8 engine. The prototype driven was considered '90 percent there,' needing final touches on sound deadening and interior finishing.
This EV Bronco is not merely about electrification; it's about creating an approachable yet exhilarating driving experience that respects the original's character while leveraging modern tech like OTA updates and fast charging capabilities (around 100kW peak). It's aimed squarely at collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate Icon's craftsmanship and desire a unique, high-performance classic EV, reflected in its $449,000 starting price.
FAQ
- **Q: How fast can it charge?
**
- **Q: How much does the Icon EV Bronco cost?
**
- **Q: Is it capable off-road?
**
Takeaways
- This vehicle demonstrates how classic car aesthetics can be merged with high-performance EV technology, offering a unique blend for wealthy enthusiasts.
- The collaboration highlights the specialized expertise required for high-quality EV conversions of classic vehicles.
- While extremely powerful (0-60 in 4.5s), the driving experience retains classic truck elements and requires driver focus.
- Expect to see more high-end classic EVs as technology matures and demand grows, though prices remain substantial.
Discussion
This Icon EV Bronco pushes the boundaries of restomodding. Do you think electrifying classic icons like the Bronco enhances or detracts from their legacy? Let us know your thoughts!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources
Source 1: First Drive: This All-Electric Bronco Restomod Blends Balance With 500 HP of Brawn
Source 2: ICON’s EV Bronco restomod is a crazy $449k electric beast and we drove it
Disclaimer
This article was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Yanuki makes no representations or warranties regarding the reliability or completeness of the information.
This article may include links to external sources for further context. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.
Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any decisions based on the information presented.