Ford Capri is again however not as you realize it! Ford relaunches cult basic identify for brand new £42,000 electrical SUV

The Ford Capri is again… however not how we all know it.

The US automotive big has taken the daring determination to relaunch considered one of its best nameplates after a close to 40-year hiatus and it’s positive to ruffle a couple of feathers.

Why daring? Effectively, the ‘new Capri’ is not a low-slung, two-door sport coupe with svelte appears like the unique; as a substitute, the legendary identify badge now adorns a 2.1-tonne electrical SUV.

Ford says the battery powered Capri will price from £42,075 and ‘continues the story of the enduring cult basic’ and ‘will inject some soul into the world of EVs’.

The automotive maker’s announcement centred across the assertion: ‘The legend is again!’ – a phrase utilized by Eric Cantona in a podcast interview with Gary Lineker this month as it’s revealed the previous Manchester United participant’s current spate of viral stunts that includes a goat have been orchestrated by Ford to advertise Capri’s renaissance. 

The Capri is again… however this may not be the way you anticipated it to look. Ford’s iconic identify has returned after nearly 40 years away – however now it is getting used for an electrical SUV that bears little resemblance to the unique. Costs will begin from £42,075

Eric Cantona pictured with the 2024 Ford Capri having featured in a well-orchestrated viral social media marketing campaign hinting on the return of one of many nice automotive names of the seventies and eighties

Unveiled at the moment, Ford says the all-electric efficiency ‘sports activities SUV’ will ‘rewire Capri for the EV technology’.

It provides: ‘The brand new all-electric Capri is the automotive the enduring sports activities coupe was destined to turn out to be. No different household EV has heritage like this.’

It’s underpinned by the identical platform used for Ford’s different new electrical SUV, which coincidentally additionally makes use of one of many model’s former hero names, Explorer – and is an EV That is Cash has very lately examined. 

Each fashions are constructed on the firm’s Cologne manufacturing unit in Germany, which was beforehand the manufacturing residence for Fiesta earlier than Ford killed it off final summer time.

A Capri by identify however not scale: Ford says the battery powered 2024 Capri SUV ‘continues the story of the enduring cult basic’ and ‘will inject some soul into the world of EVs’. Nevertheless it may additionally rattle the cages of fans whereas doing so

Does the brand new Ford Capri electrical SUV actually mirror the two-door sports activities coupes of previous that share its identify? We’re not completely satisfied…

Look acquainted? Whereas some will argue this is not a Capri in any respect, questions can even be requested about whether or not it’s even a Ford. That is as a result of the automotive makes use of the Volkswagen MEB platform – one which underpins the VW ID.5 (pictured proper)

However sharing a platform with Explorer means the brand new Capri will not essentially be a Ford beneath.

Each use Volkswagen’s MEB electrical structure that underpins the similar-size VW ID.4 and ID.5, which is courtesy of a tie-up between the 2 automotive powerhouses in a cost-cutting, development-sharing partnership penned again in 2020.  

Nonetheless, bosses are adamant that it has been tweaked and fine-tuned to really feel like a Ford, particularly focussing on how the coupe-SUV crossover handles.

‘Bringing again a legend as revered because the Ford Capri is an enormous deal,’ admits Jon Williams, basic supervisor for Ford’s electrical automobile division.

‘We’re excited that the brand new all-electric Capri is able to deliver some swagger to the world of EVs and introduce an entire new technology of drivers to the spirit of a cult basic.’ 

‘A cutting-edge EV, designed and inbuilt Europe – Capri has soul that may solely come from a model with real heritage.’

Two ‘Prolonged Vary; variations can be found to order now, with the most cost effective beginning at simply over £48,000. However if you happen to wait till early subsequent yr, you will get your palms on a Customary Vary mannequin providing round 250 miles of vary for £42,000 

How a lot will the brand new Ford Capri price – and when can I order one? 

Order books have opened at the moment for 2 drivetrain choices: the £48,075 rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Prolonged Vary mannequin and the £56,175 all-wheel-drive (AWD) Prolonged Vary variant.

The previous’s drivetrain is made up of a 77kWh lithium-ion battery sending vitality to a single 282bhp (210kW) electrical motor on the rear axle.

This marriage affords a 0-to-62mph acceleration time of 6.4 seconds and most claimed vary of as much as 389 miles from a fully-charged battery.

The AWD has a barely bigger 79kWh battery pack linked to twin electrical motors – one on the entrance axle and one other on the rear – that produce a mixed output of 335bhp (250kW).

The additional efficiency knocks 1.1 seconds off the 0-62mph time (5.3 seconds) of the two-wheel-drive Capri however the compromise of the extra grunt is a shorter vary of 368 miles.

Each have an electronically-limited high velocity of 112mph. 

First deliveries are due within the UK earlier than the top of the yr, doubtless round November. 

The £42,075 entry-price ‘Customary Vary’ RWD mannequin will come early subsequent yr.

This can characteristic a smaller 52kWh battery, 168bhp single electrical motor and vary of round 250 miles. It would have a high velocity restricted to 99mph.

Ford’s designers say the SUV’s svelte form has helped it to attain a higher battery vary. The furthest it might go on a full cost is as much as 389 miles. That is primarily based on the £48,075 RWD Prolonged Vary mannequin

The pricier £56,175 possibility is the AWD Prolonged Vary, which has a barely bigger battery capability and two electrical motors as a substitute of 1. The additional efficiency knocks 1.1 seconds off the 0-62mph time (5.3 seconds) of the two-wheel-drive Capri however the compromise of the extra grunt is a shorter vary of 368 miles

There are two trim ranges to start with: commonplace ‘Choose’ and a higher-grade ‘Premium’. The previous has 19-inch wheels whereas the latter will be upgraded as much as 21-inch rims if you happen to so want – although the larger wheels do barely influence the battery vary, which patrons will want to bear in mind.

Clients may have six color choices to select from: Agate Black; Frozen White; Magnetic Gray; Lucid Pink; Blue My Thoughts; and the eye-catching Vivid Yellow used for almost all of the disclosing photos and pictures.

Commenting on its unveiling at the moment, COO of the ‘Ford Mannequin e’ electrical division, Marin Gjaja, mentioned: ‘If you would like the proper instance of how Mannequin e is reworking the Ford enterprise in Europe, look no additional than our new all-electric Ford Capri.

‘A cutting-edge EV, designed and inbuilt Europe – Capri has soul that may solely come from a model with real heritage.’

The Ford Capri was launched in 1969. It survived by means of three generations of the sporty coupe. Right here is an advert for the unique

When it was first proven to the general public in January 1969 on the Brussels Motor Present, it was marketed as an inexpensive, quick and enjoyable coupe. Manufacturing for the automotive started two months earlier on the Halewood plant in Liverpool to make sure each UK vendor would have no less than one Capri on its forecourt by the point gross sales began, such was the stir of demand it created

Does it actually pay homage to the unique Capris?

Ask a bunch of Ford fanatics what their favorite mannequin is from the model’s glittering historical past and lots will identify the Capri.

When it was first proven to the general public in January 1969 on the Brussels Motor Present, it was marketed as an inexpensive, quick and enjoyable coupe.

Manufacturing for the automotive started two months earlier on the Halewood plant in Liverpool to make sure each UK vendor would have no less than one Capri on its forecourt by the point gross sales began, such was the stir of demand it created.

Costs began from £890 in 1969, which equates to round £18,375 at the moment, in accordance with That is Cash’s inflation calculator. That is greater than half the £42,075 beginning worth of the brand new one.

The 2-door coupe immediately grew to become successful within the early seventies, with the blue-oval model promoting a staggering 400,000 models within the first 24 months.

Penned by a group led by American automotive designer Philip T. Clark, the Capri was initially meant to be named ‘Colt’ – a reference to the well-known Ford Mustang within the hope it would mirror the American pony automotive’s huge success on the opposite facet of the Atlantic. And largely, it did.

The one millionth Ford Capri – an RS2600 – pictured coming off the manufacturing line on the Saarlouis manufacturing unit in Germany in 1973

Manufacturing of the Ford Capri ended with the Mk3 in 1986. After a 38-year hiatus, its comeback is being celebrated with important fanfare by the automotive maker

The Capri gained recognition throughout Europe as one of the inexpensive and in style sports activities vehicles, incomes the moniker of ‘the working man’s Porsche’. 

On sale till 1986, the 17-year manufacturing run ended with the Mk3 model and a grand complete of 1.9million gross sales. 

And so they’re now collector’s merchandise, with values hovering lately.

The very best worth paid for one at public sale modified palms in June 2022 when an fanatic paid £74,250 for the ‘Holy Grail’ of Capris – a 1972 RS3100 prototype, which is a one-of-a-kind model of the souped-up basic coupe.

Final summer time, a pair of Ford Capris that featured in cult Seventies ITV present ‘The Professionals’ that have been pushed by characters Raymond Doyle (performed by Martin Shaw) and William Andrew Philip Bodie (performed by Lewis Collins) additionally bought as a two-vehicle lot for a whopping £186,000.

Celeb followers of the Capri embody TV chef Jamie Oliver and former One Path member and now solo singer, Harry Types.

Well-known Fords: This pair of Carpis that featured on TV screens in hit TV present ‘The Professionals’ bought final yr for £186,000 as a twin public sale lot

LEFT: Jamie Oliver’s Mk1 Capri was featured within the Channel 4 present Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night time Feast, and nonetheless has the window stickers to show it. Pictured right here with co-host Jimmy Doherty. RIGHT: Harry Types is among the many followers of the enduring Capri. Pictured right here in 2014

Has Ford achieved sufficient to make the Capri seem like its predecessors? The headlights are mentioned to imitate these of previous fashions

Facet by facet with a Mk3 Capri (left), it is clear to see that the Ford design group confronted an not possible process to reimagine the previous mannequin. Even the sloped roofline does little to encourage a nostalgic response because of the automotive’s huge proportions and jacked-up journey top

Ford’s designers revealed sketches of the automotive and the way it was penned to duplicate the unique two-door coupe. There’s nonetheless solely very delicate hyperlinks between the 2

Does it seem like the Capri of previous? 

Overlooking the 2024 Capri’s electrical drivetrain for one second, there’s little or no concerning the form of the brand new mannequin that triggers the reminiscence to its predecessors of the identical identify.

Ford says it has a ‘soulful coupe SUV design’ that ‘continues the story of the enduring cult basic’.

Nonetheless, to aim to reimagine the unique Capri’s model in SUV type was at all times going to be an not possible process for Ford’s design group – even the sloped roofline does little to encourage a nostalgic response because of the automotive’s huge proportions and jacked-up journey top.

Ford says the brand new 2024 Capri has a ‘soulful coupe SUV design’ that ‘continues the story of the enduring cult basic’

The black blade panel spanning the rear – flanked at every finish by the brake mild clusters – can be a nod again to sporty RS variants of the previous

The place they’ve tried to implement components of the unique Capri is within the finer particulars.

Just like the headlight, as an illustration, which includes a pair of oval LEDs per cluster as a reference to its predecessor.

The black blade panel spanning the rear – flanked at every finish by the brake mild clusters – can be a nod again to sporty RS variants of the previous. 

Thomas Morel, who headed up the outside design for Capri, mentioned: ‘It is not each day that you’ve got the prospect to revamp an icon. 

‘We wished to deliver this spice into the following technology.’

Whether or not Morel and his fellow designers have achieved that is one thing we count on to generate loads of debate amongst Quick Ford aficionados and collectors. 

Ford drafts in soccer legend Eric Cantona for collection of ‘goat’ viral stunts to advertise Capri’s return – however why?

Ford has used Eric Cantona and a goat (Capri translating from Italian to goat) to advertise the arrival of the brand new electrical SUV in a collection of viral stunts. However why?

What has Eric Cantona bought to do with the brand new electrical Ford Capri? Erm, that is a superb query and one we’re struggling to reply…

However Ford successfully used the French Manchester United legend to drum up a social media frenzy forward of the EV’s unveiling.

It began with adverts positioned in plenty of print publications final month below the bogus firm identify ‘Comeback Vehicles’. The interactive advert – which directed readers to a WhatsApp chatbot – featured Cantona’s well-known 1995 quote: ‘When the seagulls observe the trawler, it is as a result of they assume sardines can be thrown into the ocean.’

It was shortly adopted by viral social media posts together with a clip of Cantona strolling a goat down the road in a hilarious video – by which he is carrying a Ford-branded cap – and pictures shared of a flag being flown at Glastonbury exhibiting the eccentric footballer-turned-poet with the animal.

All have been stunts orchestrated and planted purposely by the automotive maker.

Cantona’s exploits over current weeks have not gone unnoticed, nevertheless it has been troublesome to hyperlink a number of the viral social media appearances to the return of the Ford Capri

Apparently, the hyperlink is that Capri interprets from Italian to ‘goat’. There’s additionally the plain reference to ‘Best Of All Time’. However the place Eric Cantona comes into the equation, we’re not too positive.  

Showing on ‘The Relaxation is Soccer’ podcast – hosted by Gary Lineker alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards – on 4 July, Cantona was quizzed concerning the current goat appearances. In his response, Eric mentioned: ‘When a goat follows his hero in his automotive it is as a result of the ruler on the race observe returns.’ After eradicating his headphones to go away the podcast present, Cantona signed off with: ‘The legend is again,’ in a nod to the Capri’s relaunch.

The raft of oddball promotional exploits finally got here to a detailed earlier this week when Ford UK’s official X account shared a video of Cantona trying to plug an EV charger right into a Mk3 Capri. On the again window of the automotive have been the phrases ‘THE LEGEND IS BACK’ accompanied by at the moment’s date, ‘10.07.24’.  

2024 Ford Capri is not any light-weight

Whereas the unique Capri in 1969 tipped the dimensions at round a tonne, its electrified successor arriving some 55 years later is greater than double its bulk.

The introduction of stricter guidelines round crash safety, mandated security options and trendy luxuries in at the moment’s vehicles means there’s little level evaluating previous with new – particularly throughout such a big gulf in time.

However the Capri SUV is not any light-weight even by 2024 requirements because of its electrical drivetrain.

The lightest (Capri RWD) measures in at 2,098kg, whereas the heaviest (Capri AWD Premium) is 2,190kg.

It means the Capri – marketed as a sporty coupe – is just a fraction lighter than the present Vary Rover.

When it comes to dimensions, the Capri is far smaller than the British luxurious off-roader; the Ford is 4,634mm lengthy, 2,063mm broad (with mirrors out) and 1,626mm excessive. 

For comparability functions, it’s a lot nearer to the dimensions of a Vary Rover Evoque than the full-fat Vary Rover.

When it comes to the wealth of technological security package the Capri boasts, the newest techniques embody Assisted Lane Change and Clear Exit Warning.

The previous powers automated lane modifications on the flick of a change, whereas the Clear Exit characteristic alerts occupants if a bike owner is about to cross so they do not open their door into their path.

With a claimed 627 litres of boot house (1,510 with the rear backrests folded down), the Capri can match 4 medium-size suitcases within the again. Nonetheless, the quoted figures are primarily based on loading as much as the roof so you’ll be able to’t see out of the rear window

Quick charging the Ford Capri en path to a vacation spot will not take too lengthy. Each powertrain choices can up the battery from 10% to 80% cost in lower than half an hour

Capri EV is the ‘final getaway automotive’ 

No, Ford is not suggesting you rob a financial institution in its reborn Capri – but it surely does advocate it for weekend journeys and longer holidays. 

It says the efficiency figures ought to make the Capri ‘the last word automotive for a getaway’ when additionally considering the EV’s brief charging occasions and capacious baggage quantity.

If drivers can find a appropriate public quick charger en path to locations, each Capri drivetrains can up battery capability from 10 to 80 per cent in lower than half an hour (28 minutes for the RWD and 26 minutes for the AWD).

And with 627 litres of boot house (1,510 with the rear backrests folded down), it affords loads of room for 4 medium-size suitcases – although these figures are primarily based on loading as much as the roof so you’ll be able to’t see out of the rear window. 

When it comes to boot capability, the Capri affords across the identical quantity of house as a Kia Sorento. 

There’s little when it comes to authentic options. We’d have most popular to have seen the incorporation of basic oval dials within the digital instrument cluster and a extra retro-inspired steering wheel

The cabin has a two-layer dashboard, with the higher part working behind a slender digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and ends on the centre console. Dominating the sprint is a portrait-orientated 14.6-inch touchscreen

What’s it like contained in the Ford Capri EV SUV?

Ford is promising a ‘luxurious inside’ that – like most new fashions being unveiled proper now – focuses on a ‘minimalist and digital really feel’.

Nonetheless, this additionally means it has ignored heritage by carrying no authentic Capri cabin options over, equivalent to basic oval dials or a retro-inspired steering wheel. 

As a substitute, it appears pretty nondescript by trendy automotive requirements.

The cabin has a two-layer dashboard, with the higher part working behind a slender digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and ends on the centre console.

Dominating the sprint is a portrait-orientated 14.6-inch touchscreen. Like within the Explorer, this may be tilted to numerous angles to make it simpler to see for drivers of various heights but in addition to stop daylight glare on the show. It additionally has the ‘My Personal Locker’ characteristic hidden behind it the place driver and passengers can preserve valuables out of sight. 

Ford says the Capri has a ‘luxurious inside’ that – like most new fashions being unveiled proper now – focuses on a ‘minimalist and digital really feel’

Just like the Explorer, the brand new Ford Capri options the ‘My Personal Locker’ storage part hidden behind the infotainment display (pictured left) – that is the place driver and passengers can preserve valuables out of sight. It too shares the 17-litre ‘MegaConsole’ beneath the entrance armrest (pictured proper), which is deep sufficient to cover away a laptop computer

The dramatically-sloping roof line within the again may imply there’s little when it comes to headroom for taller occupants, however square-shape facet home windows and a big panoramic roof make it look comparatively ethereal 

The Capri too shares the 17-litre ‘MegaConsole’ beneath the entrance armrest, which is deep sufficient to cover away a laptop computer.

As commonplace, all Capris have heated entrance seats and steering wheel. The motive force additionally will get a selection of therapeutic massage settings and the flexibility to pre-set their ideally suited seat place that electronically adjusts if you get in. 

All variations additionally get smartphone integration for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a wi-fi smartphone charger.

A timeline of the unique Ford Capri (1969 – 1986) 

Ford Capri Mk1: 1969 – 1974

Ford Capri MkI (1969-1974)

Impressed by the success of the Ford Mustang, the Ford Capri was developed to deliver inexpensive sports activities coupe model and efficiency to clients in Europe.

The Mk1 Capri was unveiled on the Brussels Motor Present, Belgium in 1969 and was instantly in style, accumulating 400,000 gross sales within the first two years in showrooms.

Early restricted version examples included the Capri Particular in 1971; it was solely out there in putting Vista Orange, and might be geared up with supercar-style rear spoiler and window slats.

Capri’s swagger wasn’t restricted to the highway – it was a star of the racetrack too. The Capri RS2600 received the European Touring Automotive Championship in 1971 and 1972. The sporty Capri RS3100 was additionally constructed to go racing.

Ford Capri Mk2: 1974 – 1978

Ford Capri MkII: 1974-1978

A brand new hatchback tailgate was one of many huge modifications for the Capri Mk2 launched in 1974. It made the coupe extra sensible, whereas different modifications made the inside extra trendy and the automotive higher to drive.

The 1975 Capri Particular was one other restricted version mannequin with a stunning color scheme. It was out there solely in black or white, it had gold-coloured pinstripes on the bonnet, sides and rear, in addition to gold-coloured wheels and particular seat trim with gold-coloured inserts.

With the ability to personalise Capri by selecting particular choices was at all times an enormous a part of the sports activities automotive’s attraction. ‘Collection X’ kits launched for Capri in 1977 meant clients may select Ford Rallye Sport options to make the automotive go and look how they wished.

Ford Capri Mk3: 1978 – 1986 

Ford Capri MkIII: 1978-1986

The sleeker, extra aggressive styling of the Mk3 Capri was an ideal match for the brand new decade on the horizon. 4 spherical headlamps linked by horizontal grille slats grew to become an iconic Nineteen Eighties design characteristic.

Turbocharging wasn’t the one refined engine know-how utilized by the Capri. Trendy gas injection for a brand new 2.8-litre engine made the Quick Ford extra refined and gas environment friendly, whereas boosting the sports activities coupe efficiency.

In 1986, Ford marked the top of Capri manufacturing with a closing restricted version Capri 280 – simply over 1,000 examples have been made and all have been painted Brooklands Inexperienced.

Supply: Ford