The iconic Ford Capri is being reinvented as an electric coupe-SUV, based on the new Ford Explorer EV
Oh, you were disappointed when Ford slapped the Mustang and Puma names on some SUVs? Well, we hope you’re sitting down: Now they’re coming for the Ford Capri name.
Last March, we revealed that the beloved Ford Capri nameplate would be returning after a nearly 40-year hiatus.
Now, based on some new teaser images we’ve come across, the reborn Capri will finally be revealed to the world on 10 July.
The clues are from a vintage-looking advert that has appeared for a business called ‘Comeback Cars’. The ad states, “we bring back icons to their legendary status, rewired for a new era. With 55 years of knowledge, our team has restored 1,986 classic coupes. We promise to return your car fast, back from its glory, EV-ery time.”
Passionate Capri fans will have noticed the two direct references to the history of the iconic coupe of the 1970s and 80s.
The “55 years of knowledge” refers to the time since the Mk1 Capri was launched in 1969, while “1,986 classic coupes” is a nod to the year that production of the Mk3 Capri ended.
At the bottom of the advert, curious readers are encouraged to message the company’s WhatsApp for more information. After a brief exchange with a virtual chatbot, it shares two images featuring a headlight signature – which Ford has teased previously – and a rakish, coupe-esque roofline.
The final message you receive from the chatbot says, “now you know all I can give you. Almost. The legend returns on July 10.”
However, the new Ford Capri will not be a low-slung, two-door coupe like its ancestors. Instead, as we learned last year, it will be a coupe-SUV in a similar vein to the Cupra Tavascan or BMW iX2.
The new Capri is set to utilise the Volkswagen MEB platform used exclusively for EVs under a joint deal between Ford and the VW Group. It’s the same architecture that sits underneath the Tavascan, as well as the Skoda Enyaq, Audi Q4 e-tron, and the recently launched Ford Explorer SUV, among others.
We expect the Ford Capri will be offered with the same selection of batteries and motors as the Explorer too.
That means base models could have a 52 kWh battery and 125 kW (168 bhp) electric motor, while range-toppers will be packing a 250 kW (335 bhp) dual-motor setup and 79 kWh battery.
Prices for the Ford Explorer start from $86,975 (£45,875), but the added kudos of the Capri name and it being a coupe-SUV means the starting price will be probably closer to $90K (£48,000) or even $95K (£50,000).
Either way, don’t expect to see it in Australia
Ford has made clear the Explorer is a Europe-only offering, and the Capri will likely be the same.
Ellis Hyde & Automotive Daily