Ford has announced the revival of a beloved nameplate, bringing back the Capri as an all-electric SUV, signaling a new era for this iconic model that once served as a stablemate to the legendary Ford Mustang. Originally conceived as a stylish two-door coupe for the European market, the Capri is being reimagined for the 21st century, embracing electrification and adapting to the growing demand for versatile crossover vehicles.
The original Ford Capri, a “cult classic” according to Ford’s official announcement, first rolled off assembly lines in 1968, crafted by Ford of Britain. Its design and appeal quickly resonated with European drivers, establishing it as a popular choice until production concluded in 1986. Recognizing its success across the Atlantic, Ford introduced the Capri to the United States in 1970 under the Lincoln-Mercury banner. Initially marketed simply as “The Capri,” this captive import offered American buyers a taste of European flair. The first generation Capri in the U.S. market, priced around $2,300, ceased production in 1977.
In 1979, the Capri officially joined Ford’s Mercury lineup as the second-generation Mercury Capri. This iteration was explicitly designed as a counterpart to the Ford Mustang, solidifying its role as a “stablemate” within the Ford family. Production of this Mustang sibling continued until 1986, and the Capri nameplate briefly reappeared as a roadster from 1991 to 1994 for a third generation. Notably, just as the original Capris for the U.S. market were manufactured in Cologne, Germany, between 1970 and 1978, the new all-electric Capri will also be produced in the same city.
The resurrected Ford Capri takes a significant turn, transforming into a mid-size electric crossover built on a Volkswagen platform, sharing its foundation with the Explorer EV. This strategic move allows Ford to leverage existing technology and accelerate its electric vehicle offerings in Europe. Ford is positioning the electric Capri as “Europe’s Mustang,” hinting at its intended appeal and performance aspirations within the electric SUV segment.
Performance details for the electric Capri reveal two “Extended Range” models. The base version boasts 282 horsepower and an estimated range of 390 miles. Charging from 10% to 80% battery capacity is estimated to take just 28 minutes. The premium model enhances performance further with a second motor, enabling all-wheel drive and increasing output to 335 horsepower, while offering a slightly reduced but still impressive range of 368 miles. The premium variant also shaves off a couple of minutes in charging time, going from 10% to 80% in approximately 26 minutes.
Currently, Ford has indicated that there are no plans to bring the new electric Capri to the United States market. This suggests a focused strategy on the European market for this particular model, at least for its initial launch. The return of the Ford Capri as an electric SUV marks a significant chapter in the model’s history, blending its heritage as a Mustang stablemate with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology for a new generation of drivers in Europe.
