Ford has made one thing clear regarding its all-new Bronco: it doesn't need a V8 to achieve greatness. Although enthusiasts would love nothing more than to have eight-cylinders under the hood, they'll have to rely on the aftermarket to achieve that. The 2021 Ford Bronco may not even drastically benefit from V8 power in terms of overall performance and off-roading. But before we get into all that, does the Mustang's Coyote 5.0-liter V8 even fit in the Bronco's engine bay?

It turns out Ford doesn't even know for sure. "Haven't even looked," said Eric Loeffler, the Bronco's chief engineer in an interview with Ford Authority. This V8 produces 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque in the Ford Mustang GT, and the Bronco's optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 offers 310 hp and 400 lb-ft, so there's quite a power difference.

The Bronco's base engine, the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, meanwhile, is good for a respectable 270 hp and 310 lb-ft. This latest piece of Bronco engine news really isn't that shocking. Just a couple of months ago, Ford clarified a V8 Bronco won't be happening because of increasing emissions regulations. This confirmation immediately opened an opportunity for aftermarket firms, among them PaxPower and Hennessey Performance.

The former actually announced plans last summer for a $30,000-$45,000 upgrade that will see them stuff that Coyote V8 under the Bronco's hood. So yeah, it is possible for that engine to fit; Ford simply doesn't care much about the issue.

PaxPower will offer two versions, one naturally aspirated with 400 hp and 400 lb-ft, and a second with 758 hp thanks to a Whipple supercharger. As for Hennessey, it too will utilize the Coyote V8 and supercharger combo for a total of 750 hp on tap. But here's something else to consider: neither tuner has actually built a working prototype as of yet. PaxPower even acknowledged the V8 conversion process isn't easy and requires some creative engineering skills.

Meanwhile, Ford is busy preparing its own hardcore version of the Bronco, the Bronco Raptor. As the F-150 has proven so well, V8 power isn't required.