Ford Capri locked in for electric SUV rebirth
The Ford Capri is the latest in a long line of classic and beloved nameplates that is being reborn in a high-riding crossover or SUV form.
Overnight, Ford’s European division published the first teaser images of the forthcoming electric SUV that’s tipped to adopt the Capri name. It’s set to be revealed on July 10.
It’s the ‘coupe’ inspired counterpart to the Europe-only Ford Explorer, with both models riding on Volkswagen’s MEB electric vehicle (EV) architecture.
The two teaser images show the headlight and tail light designs of the Capri, along with subtle hints at the exterior design. For example, we can see there’s a rakish rear window that’s become synonymous with ‘coupe’ SUVs such as the Volkswagen ID.5.
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Supplied Credit: CarExpert
These two teaser images are part of a bizarre marketing campaign that saw an advertisement placed 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 teams has restored 1986 classic coupes. We promise to return your car fast, back from its glory, EV-ery time”.
Given the first-generation Capri coupe was launched 55 years ago in 1969 and production of the third-generation model ceased in 1986, these are two less-than-subtle hints about the upcoming SUV’s name.
The bottom of the ad encourages readers to message Ford’s WhatsApp for more information, which prompts the two teaser images.
The final message as part of the exchange says “now, you know all I can give you. Almost. The legend returns on July 10”.
Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The new electric Ford Capri will be based on the VW Group’s MEB platform which is shared with, among others, the Audi Q4 e-tron, Cupra Born, Skoda Enyaq, and Volkswagen ID.4.
It’s expected the Capri will be offered with the same electric motor and battery pack options as the Explorer and also be built in Ford’s Cologne factory.
If this is the case, it’ll mark a return for the Capri to Cologne, after all three generations of the original coupe were built there.
The Explorer EV is currently available in three single-motor rear-wheel drive options with power ranging from 125kW to 250kW. There are also 52kWh and 77kWh battery pack options.
Explorer EV Credit: CarExpert
At this stage it’s unclear if the new electric Capri ‘coupe’ SUV will be offered outside of Europe, as the Explorer is currently exclusive to the continent.
It won’t be the first time the Capri name has been used outside of the European-built coupe.
Mercury used the name for its version of the Ford Mustang from 1979 to 1986.
At the end of 1980s, the Capri name was revived once more for a Laser-based convertible, which as designed and built by Ford Australia and exported around the world.
The Australian Ford Capri was unfortunately a sales flop, launching at about the same time as the first-generation Mazda MX-5 which stayed truer to the sports car formula with its rear-wheel drive layout.
MORE: Could Capri be the next name revived by Ford?