Ford is building this sweet back-to-basics SUV in Brazil

Mon, 02 Jun 2014

We're use to forbidden fruit teasing us in Europe. Hatchbacks and diesels from Renault, Citroën, Peugeot, Skoda, SEAT and Alfa Romeo have been a regular torment that we've grown accustomed to over the years. This vehicle, though, is one piece of forbidden fruit we aren't entirely sure we can get over. We need it.

It's called the Ford Troller T4, and if you accidentally read that as either "reborn Ford Bronco" or "Americanized Land Rover Defender," we wouldn't be rushing to correct you. It's a basic, badass SUV, and is the first new vehicle to come from Troller since Ford gobbled it up in 2007. For those with longer memories, you'll recognize this vehicle from the concept that preceded it, the Ford T-R Concept. The production model remains remarkably true to the T-R, as well as past Trollers, but it's a slightly more modern look overall, with LED taillights, contrasting colors

You'll have to bear with us on the details, as we've been forced to rely on the notoriously literal Google Translate to convert the original Portuguese into English, which means some of the details were lost along the way.

Under that long, square hood sits a 3.2-liter diesel engine that's paired with a six-speed manual (are you listening Jeep?). There's no mention of power figures, although we're still so darn enamored with this brute's looks, we don't much care how fast or slow it is. Although it isn't explicitly stated, four-wheel drive is likely to feature heavily in the Troller. A high-mounted intake will aid its off-road abilities even further, while "adjustable crossbars," which we think is a swaybar disconnect, are also fitted. We can't see it from the trio of images provided, but the Troller will now also offer a new "sky-roof" system, which is basically a two-pane glass roof that brightens up the off-roaders cabin.

As of right now, the Troller is a purely Brazilian product. That said, a simple badge swap would make this an awesome successor to the oft-missed Bronco and would give Ford a legitimate competitor to the Jeep Wrangler. Here's hoping someone in Dearborn decides that this is a good idea. Take a look below for the full translated press release.

EVOLUTION, MODERNITY, DESIGN: A NEW GENERATION OF TROLLER T4 IS DISPLAYED IN SAO PAULO
Troller has expanded the expectation of the public to switch to the second generation of the main off-road utility Brazil
Fully national project, the New Troller T4 respects its heritage and vocation terrain
It is an entirely new vehicle set to exceed challenges
The Troller expanded the expectation of the public to switch to the second generation of the main off-road utility Brazil: New T4. Still revealed as pre-production model, the all-new vehicle Troller displays a personality marked by evolution, modern and attractive design, with robust and dynamic lines that reveal its propensity to face any kind of slopes and trails.

"It's a totally new vehicle set to exceed challenges - even more robust, with a mechanical fail-safe, modern and striking design together," says Wagner Conception, general manager of Troller. "Purely national project, the New Troller T4 respects its heritage and vocation terrain".

The model is produced in the factory Troller, fully remodeled. Located in Horizonte, Ceará, she received several investments to enhance their production processes and introduce advanced quality programs for the New Troller T4.

During its development, the utility rolled over 200,000 km under varying conditions of climate and terrain, in different regions of the country and on the slopes of the field Tatuí Evidence in São Paulo. The project also included about 53 thousand hours of virtual development and 22 thousand hours of virtual tests to meet the high standards of strength and reliability required of a legitimate off-road.

Handsome, muscular, need

Its design was based on the brand concept shown at the last Motor Show in São Paulo and voted the most beautiful "car show" exposure. The New Troller T4 surprisingly strong and spectacular visual muscular lines, a clear demonstration of how an off-road utility can also combine beauty and elegance.

The quality is noticeable in the finish, the bodywork tweaks and details. It is produced with special material called composite, high precision, thanks to innovative manufacturing processes.

The lines of the body reveal the proposal of a new streamlined design with various aesthetic and harmonic elements that highlight your look. The wide fenders integrated into the body, the bonnet with central large-sized, wide doors with sills at floor height and aluminum wheels 17 inches reinforce the rugged look of the vehicle.

The front grille with interwoven plots and LED taillights refer to modernity. In the center, the brand logo Troller seal the vehicle. With a creative palette of exterior colors, the New Troller T4 is also enhanced by the application of gray tint, identified as "London Grey" in parts of the body: the roof, bumpers, running boards, air outlet and accessories. The color contrast highlights the sporty character of the vehicle, showing who is always prepared to face different kinds of challenges.

Functionality, equipment and design

The New Troller T4 is a fully functional vehicle. It comes with front guard and running boards integrated into the design side of the body. On the roof, a great novelty is the "sky-roof", ie two paned windows that provide excellent illumination of the cabin and allow the external display.

He also brings baggage with adjustable crossbars, and a spoiler on the rear cover with integrated brake-light. The body of the New Troller T4 displays ground clearance and angles of entry and exit to further extend its off-road capability. Mixed-use tires, air intake in high position prepared for the installation of snorkel and winch are integrated basis for other equipment that contribute to its versatility.

The interior has a new design, with nice visuals and high quality materials, which also offer high resistance and easy cleaning for use in various situations, such as in and out in usual areas of mud and dust on the trails. The various options of bank regulation and the tools at hand easier to find a good driving position.

Original, radical and genuine

The New Troller T4 changed the platform, the exterior design and concept of the interior. But it has not lost its original, radical and genuine basis of available off-road, hallmark Troller, gaining even more strength with a new mechanical assembly.

The all-terrain performance is the key point of the vehicle. This attribute is now associated with other positive aspects such as drivability, driveability and comfort for running also in the city. Its 3.2 L diesel engine and manual six-speed transmission will bring a new perspective of power, torque and speed.

"The consumer wins a new generation Troller without losing its rich heritage, its DNA. Rare and very few vehicles in the Brazilian market segment have an impressive powertrain as the New Troller T4. Soon, we demonstrate the practical advantages of this vehicle" emphasizes the Executive Sales, Marketing and Service, Troller, Wilson Vasconcellos Son.

"The view of the first units aims to create an impact and give a positive response to the thousands of fans who await with great anticipation the arrival of the New T4" he says with pride.

Better, more car, more Troller

The Troller has established itself over the years as the leading brand of off-road Brazil. T4 is synonymous with strength and victory. In sports, he is winning important competitions in Brazil, as the Country Rally, and is attracting the biggest rally of regularity Country: Copa Troller.

Only Brazilian utility with the soul and pulse off-road, the Troller T4 new generation was much better. As highlighted communication created for their presentation: "Much more car. Further Troller ". Other product details will be disclosed at the time of its release.

By Brandon Turkus