Ford Capri Coming Back Soon In An Electric Avatar!

SAUDI ARABIA : Ford is poised to unveil its second electric crossover built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, potentially reviving the iconic Capri name. The new EV, already spotted in prototype form, will serve as a companion to the larger Explorer and compete with models like the Peugeot e-3008, Volkswagen ID.5, and Volvo C40.Production of the MEB-based Explorer has commenced at Ford’s new Electric Vehicle Centre in Cologne, its first dedicated EV manufacturing facility in Europe. The company has confirmed that this facility will also produce a second EV later this year, described as more of a sporty crossover. While Ford has not officially confirmed the name, reports widely suggest the revival of the Capri moniker.

The Cologne factory, previously used for manufacturing the now-discontinued Ford Fiesta, has undergone a massive renovation. Ford has equipped the site with advanced AI and over 600 robots, alongside what’s called digital twin monitoring technology for real-time production oversight, which aims to achieve good quality levels, according to manufacturing chief Rene Wolf.

Spy photos of the Capri suggest it will resemble a raised saloon more than a typical coupé-SUV, featuring unique design elements to set it apart from the Explorer. It will sport distinct LED headlights reminiscent of those on later models of the original Capri.

Underneath, the Capri is expected to share its technical foundation with the Explorer, offering three EV powertrain options ranging from 168bhp to 335bhp, with battery packs of either 52kWh or 77kWh. These configurations will deliver a maximum range of approximately 374 miles, with charging speeds up to 170kW.

The Capri's launch has been delayed to comply with new battery regulations taking effect next year. Initially slated to debut around six months after the Explorer, which was first shown in March 2023, the Capri is now expected to follow shortly after the Explorer’s production ramp-up.

The idea of reviving the Capri name was first reported in 2019. Amko Leenarts, Ford's Europe chief designer, emphasized the importance of historic nameplates in the company’s electric transformation. During a tour of Ford's Merkenich Design Studio, Leenarts spoke about the significance of these nameplates and the company's evolution. He noted that while historic names are being reused, the designs themselves would not be nostalgic but rather new interpretations.

Although Leenarts did not reveal which other historic names might be revived, he underscored the value of blending the legacy of older names with modern designs. This strategy has already seen success with the Puma and Mustang names repurposed for a crossover and an electric SUV, respectively. According to Leenarts, the public appreciates these revivals as they bring a unique perspective that distinguishes Ford from its competitors.

As Ford moves forward with its electric vehicle lineup, the Explorer sets the tone for future models. Its design, distinct from other Ford vehicles like the Puma or Kuga, embodies the new American-flavored image Ford aims to project. This approach leverages the design freedoms offered by EV architectures, characterized by flat floors and the absence of traditional engines.