In recent years, the popularity of off-road-focused SUVs and trucks has exploded, to the point where pretty much everything is available with some sort of package that adds a lifted suspension, meatier tires, and even body cladding to the most mundane crossovers one can imagine. But this movement has also spawned another interesting trend – 6×6 conversions, which have long been applied to vehicles like the Ford F-150 Raptor. It was only inevitable that a Ford Bronco 6×6 was on the way, and now, the very first one has arrived – Apocalypse Manufacturing’s “Dark Horse.”
Apocalypse has been building 6×6 versions of the Jeep Wrangler for years and most recently applied the same six-wheeler treatment to the Ram TRX, so it was only a matter of time before it created a Ford Bronco 6×6. Dark Horse started life as a regular four-door Bronco with Ford’s 2.7L EcoBoost V6, which received some upgrades including a tune, bigger injectors, and an exhaust to coax 400 horsepower from the twin-turbo powerplant, which undoubtedly helps move its extra weight around.
From there, Apocalypse extended the Bronco from its factory 189-inch length to 225 inches, using a mixture of steel and fiberglass to create a five-foot bed. The convertible top is also ditched in favor of a custom fiberglass slantback hardtop, which is removable. Underneath, the Bronco 6×6 is fitted with the company’s custom middle tandem axle that helps power all six wheels, which is the case when Dark Horse’s “auto” mode is activated. Under normal conditions, it drives the four rear wheels, but the SUV is capable of determining when the front two might need to be activated, too.
On the outside, Dark Horse has been treated to a round of upgrades including 20-inch SFJ alloy wheels, 37-inch Patagonia tires, a four-inch lift with a steering stabilizer, a Kevlar-coated front steel bumper, and steel sidesteps. Inside, the marine-grade vinyl interior has been redone in a King Ranch-style two-tone leather.
In the future, Apocalypse Manufacturing plans to offer a number of other upgrades for its Ford Bronco 6×6, including a supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that cranks out over 700 horsepower, as well as a Kevlar paint job. In the meantime, the very first build, seen here, is going up for grabs at Barrett-Jackson’s upcoming Palm Beach, Florida auction, though a lot number hasn’t been assigned as of this writing.
Photos: Apocalypse Manufacturing
Source: Ford Truck Enthusiasts
