That's a stretch. There is a timeline they follow with all their vehicles and releases. When they tell us won't make a bit of difference on how the vehicle is.
Ford would not use a uni body from the 2000's for a test mule and this is not the 2019 or 2020 escape body. This is something different. You can tell by the parallel window opening/molding top and bottom. This matches pretty well with baby Bronco picture.
You're right, I forgot all about the first generation Sport Trak. I was thinking about the second generation Sport Trak with it's independent rear suspension. That was quit a bit different.
I feel the Explorer hybrid system is what they're going to put in the bronco. It seems to be a relativity straight forward system. Time will tell on reliability.
True but they were built on different platforms. That's what stampede was referring too. It makes no sense to make two separate trucks on the same platform. (Even the Mazda rebadge Ranger was almost identical. )
Another possible engine option is the 3.3 V6 Hybrid power train. We Know we are getting a Hybrid option. Parts commonality is very important to keep costs down so it make sense that this ends up in the Ranger and Bronco. Here is a good video on how the system works.