"Plus the Ford Bronco has numerous details like exposed door hinges and U-shaped door handles," he said. "If we brought it into production, this two door Bronco would fit in just under Escape both in terms of both size and price. It is ideal for work or play; or for just plain making a statement."

The Concept is powered by a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, common-rail Duratorq diesel mated to Ford's new six-speed "PowerShift" transmission. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

The concept sport-ute also has a few surprises. First it is powered by a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, common-rail Duratorq diesel along with Ford's new six-speed "PowerShift" transmission and "Intelligent" four-wheel drive system, that is designed to offer far better traction and vehicle stability than the original Bronco while providing better fuel economy (12 percent over four-speed transmissions) and smoother operation. The intercooled turbodiesel engine originates from Ford's European vehicles and delivers 128 hp (130 PS) and delivers peak torque at 244 lb-ft (330 Nm) at only 1,800 rpm. Imagine that kind of power for towing and off-roading.

By pressing the top button marked NO2 on the dashboard, the driver of the Bronco concept will give the engine a nitrous oxide kick, delivering a temporary boost of 50 hp and increasing top speed 16 to 24 km/h (10-15 mph). (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Plus, the engine was designed to provide an overboost, an extra surge of power, for climbing hills with 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque for limited amounts of time under full throttle.

Bronco Gets Nitrous "Kick"

There are more surprises for this concept, such as the use of nitrous oxide (N2O) to give the Bronco even more of a "kick" of power.

For moviegoers who saw "The Fast and the Furious" in 2001 and the sequel last year, you get the idea that N2O gives vehicles a performance boost. It was actually first applied in World War II when Allied aircraft used it for emergency bursts of airspeed and altitude climbing ability, and it grew into the hotrodding community by the 1970s.