A spy shot of the 2021 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco is set to return in 2020 and we are getting closer to its final form every day.

In 2017, Blue Oval confirmed that the Bronco would return, but many details were left to speculation. Now we have a good look at what the 2021 Ford Bronco will look like thanks to spy shots of the prototype seemingly with production metal roaming the streets of Detroit.

These shots show a prototype of the revived Bronco, which is expected to arrive in 2020 as a 2021 model. The Bronco is clearly targeted at the Jeep Wrangler.

The Bronco prototype has features of earlier Broncos, including an upright stance, short overhangs, six-lug wheels, and a spare tire on the tailgate. The word "BRONCO" is spread across the grille beneath the camouflage; a teaser shot released a year ago showed the retro form of the car. Unlike the early Broncos, both two-door and four-door versions are planned for the new generation.

Don't be fooled by the roof camouflage. This particular model is said to be an open-air version without a roof. Yes, a removable top is likely to be available.

The new Bronco will be based on the T6 body-on-frame platform shared with the current Ranger pickup, albeit shortened for SUV use. The rear is a solid axle and a Dana rear differential is expected. An independent suspension in the front should aid ride and handling.

The spotted prototype's six-lug 17-inch wheels are mounted on 255/75R17 Bridgestone Dueller AT all-terrain tires. Early 2-door mules rolled 6-lug wheels wrapped with BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, which are much more aggressive for off-road use than Bridgestone.

Ford has already used the T6 platform in two SUVs. The other, a tough Jeep Wrangler-like off-roader, is marketed by the Brazilian company Troller, which Ford acquired in 2007; riding on a shortened version of the T6 platform, Troller may be closely related to the new Bronco, at least mechanically.

Inside, the Bronco features an upright dashboard with what appears to be an 8.0-inch touchscreen front and center. The dashboard appears to be very short, allowing the driver to easily reach out and touch the windshield. The upright A-pillars and large side glass should provide good visibility to the road and trails.

It is not clear what engines are planned, but we do know that a hybrid option will be offered. Solid bets include Ford's 2.3-liter turbo four and/or 2.7-liter twin-turbo six; don't expect a 5.0-liter V-8, which would be a good bet for a hybrid. The electric motor's low-speed torque will help with low-speed off-road driving, and the electric power take-off feature may be ideal for camping. Four-wheel drive would be offered, if not simply standard.

The Bronco would be built at Ford's Michigan assembly plant in Wayne, where the Ranger is built. Incidentally, this is the same plant that built the previous Bronco.

The Bronco will make its debut this spring or summer. Joining the Bronco will be a smaller, off-road oriented "Baby Bronco."