
Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn revealed the 2024 Bronco Raptor black appearance package in front of owners at the Bronco Off-Roadeo Texas under darkened skies caused by a total solar eclipse on Monday.
The Black appearance package comes with a Shadow Black painted roof complemented by matching mirror caps, a painted roll bar, and fender flares, all in the same shade. The goal is to create “striking contrasts” with the Raptor’s paint catalog. Bronco Raptor also comes with a matte black steel bumper, skid plate, and tow hooks.
The Shadow Black painted roll bar is meant to be reminiscent of the contrasting roll bar on the sixth-generation concept Bronco SUVs and the painted skid plate comes in response to current Bronco Raptor customers who have painted the skid plates themselves.
The total cost of the package, which includes unique Raptor body-side and hood decals, is $4,995 MSRP, which customers can order at the end of April.
“Customers choose Bronco Raptor for two reasons: its high-performance off-road capability and its distinctive appearance,” says Jason Hyde, Bronco brand manager for Ford. “The Black appearance gives them a look that stands out on any trail and under any sky, even a total solar eclipse.”
The black appearance package follows the code orange package introduced in 2023.
In other news, Ford and Battelle, a company based in Columbus, Ohio, delivered four upgraded Ford Expeditions to the United States Department of State (DoS) for testing, evaluation, and certification.
Battelle conducts research and development, designs, and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers.
Its logistics, operations, and ground systems business line has been working with Ford for two years to design and produce a large sport utility vehicle for DoS, on behalf of the Diplomatic Security Service.
Battelle upgraded the Expeditions with armor and technology to meet specific protection mission requirements while leaving the original showroom appearance.
Battelle’s version of the Ford Expedition is meant to be a cost-effective alternative to other vehicles of similar size and performance capabilities. The armored Ford Expedition designs are Battelle’s first up-armored domestic vehicle.
“We are really proud of these vehicles,” says Jim LaBine, ground systems senior program manager for Battelle. “We look forward to the feedback and to offering these affordable alternatives to other organizations and government agencies seeking armored vehicles manufactured in the United States.”