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Published 30 March 2023
By Shane O' Donoghue

Ford describes Capri name comeback as 'total speculation'

But no denial

Published 30 March 2023
By Shane O' Donoghue

Rumours that Ford may be about to revive the legendary Capri name have been described by a spokesperson as ‘pure speculation’.

According to Auto Express, Ford has pencilled in the Capri name to be added to the list of revived nameplates such as Puma, Kuga, Maverick and the recently-revealed Explorer. The publication sought to back up its claims by adding that Ford’s exterior design manager, Jordan Demkiw, had previously said that the company “will be expanding on other iconic names”.

However, if true, don’t expect any new Ford Capri to share anything with its earlier namesake, because the badge would be adorn a new electric SUV rather than a classic two-door coupé, according to the publication.

Ford Explorer

The new Ford Explorer was revealed in mid-March and is the product of Ford’s technical collaboration with Volkswagen that sees the American car company use the VW’s electric underpinnings and running gear, as featured in the ID.3 hatch, ID. Buzz and Cupra Born, among others.

The Explorer is similar in concept to the VW ID.4 electric SUV, so it’s an easy step to assume that a new coupé would effectively be Ford’s equivalent to the sportier ID.5.

An artist’s impression from Auto Express suggests how the new Ford SUV coupé could look. In essence it would follow the same concept as the ID.5, by featuring a more aerodynamic shape than the Explorer, with a lower-set roof that sacrifices outright practicality in favour of improved efficiency.

It could feature a quad-LED daytime running light signature, as previewed by a teaser image of Ford’s electrified range that was revealed in 2022.

Inside, the car would likely share the same interior layout as the Explorer, with a moveable 15in portrait-style touchscreen, LED cabin lighting and plenty of clever storage solutions.

No comment on future products

When asked about the return of the Capri nameplate for its forthcoming SUV coupé, a spokesperson for Ford told Driving.co.uk that it was “Total speculation” and suggested the reports were designed to boost website traffic. However, they refused to go as far as calling the report untrue, simply saying that Ford doesn’t comment on future products.

Whether it’s called the Capri or not, the fact that the new coupé-SUV will share running gear with the Explorer means we have a good idea about what powertrains will be used.

Rear- and four-wheel-drive variants are likely to appear, while battery sizes of up to 82kWh will be on offer. Rapid 170kW charging is also on the cards, which will offer charging speeds that will take a battery from 10-80 per cent capacity in less than half an hour.

Expect the coupé variants to carry a price premium over the regular Explorer.

Resistance to return of Capri name

1969 Ford Capri

The revival of the Capri name is likely to cause controversy with fans of the original coupé, which was built for three generations from 1969 to 1986. It was seen as the European equivalent of the Ford Mustang when it arrived at the end of the sixties, and proved to be an instant hit with baby boomers looking for an affordable and sporty car.

However Ford has recent form in reintroducing sporty badges on SUVs, with the Puma, and has already repurposed the Mustang badge on an electric model with the Mustang Mach-E (below). Both cars were well received by the general public and media alike, despite the initial outcry over re-purposing the names, which may embolden Ford to continue in that vein with Capri.

The best new cars coming in 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Explorer and Capri would form the middle tier of Ford’s electric SUV line-up in Europe, with the Mustang Mach-E continuing as the large model.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Puma will be launched as a pure-electric model in the near future to rival the likes of the Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka Electric.

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