Report: Ford bringing back the Capri as three-door Focus variant

Nelson Ireson May 27th, 2009

By Nelson Ireson Author May 27th, 2009

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December 31st, 1969 As early as March of last year we brought you reports Ford was considering a revival of the Capri, but today new word takes those reports further, calling the Capri a three-door variant of the next-gen global Focus, and bound for production with a concept due next year. The re-ascendancy of coupe and hatchback body styles over the past year on the strength of fuel economy concerns and record oil prices has brought with it a rumor of the rebirth of the Ford Capri (classic version pictured), and that rumor continues with the latest updates. Like Volkswagen did with the Scirocco, Ford is betting on the re-birth of a classic nameplate, and it's using a proven platform to do it. Ford has previously flirted with the idea of bringing back the Capri, and even released a concept called the Visos shown in 2003. That car held very true to the original car's body style, at least in terms of being a two-door hatch/liftback. Roadster and coupe designs have both been floated as possibilities for the new car, though the latest reports from AutoExpress say a three hatchback has gotten the nod. Power for the Capri would likely cover a broad range to draw in as many customers as possible, from an efficiency-focused 140hp (104kW) four-cylinder to a sporty 250hp (186kW) five-cylinder, or alternatively a smaller, more efficient 2.0L EcoBoost engine. That would put the Capri on very even footing with the Scirocco, and the speculated pricing would make them prime competitors, both hovering near €20,000 ($29,500) in Europe. Unlike other modern revivals, such as the Camaro, Challenger or even Ford's own Mustang, the Capri is destined to have a futuristic, rather than a throw-back, design ethic. The Visos concept is a suitable template, though even that design would likely face serious updates before going to market. Bringing in the kinetic design language of the past several years plus cues to give a family resemblance to the Kuga and Focus would be on the table as well. Though the Capri revival is still speculative at this point, it won't be expected for production until 2012 at the earliest, giving Ford plenty of time to get its design and powertrain plans in order, and reveal a concept car sometime next year. That timing would fit well with the expected debut of the next-gen global Focus, and would also help provide some recompense for the recent decision to can the RS for North America.Ford Visos Concept2011 Ford Focus rendering2011 Ford Focus spy shots

Ford’s electric Focus will arrive in 2011 and will be priced higher than the petrol model

Enlarge Photo

As early as March of last year we brought you reports Ford was considering a revival of the Capri, but today new word takes those reports further, calling the Capri a three-door variant of the next-gen global Focus, and bound for production with a concept due next year.

The re-ascendancy of coupe and hatchback body styles over the past year on the strength of fuel economy concerns and record oil prices has brought with it a rumor of the rebirth of the Ford Capri (classic version pictured), and that rumor continues with the latest updates. Like Volkswagen did with the Scirocco, Ford is betting on the re-birth of a classic nameplate, and it's using a proven platform to do it.

Ford has previously flirted with the idea of bringing back the Capri, and even released a concept called the Visos shown in 2003. That car held very true to the original car's body style, at least in terms of being a two-door hatch/liftback. Roadster and coupe designs have both been floated as possibilities for the new car, though the latest reports from AutoExpress say a three hatchback has gotten the nod.

Power for the Capri would likely cover a broad range to draw in as many customers as possible, from an efficiency-focused 140hp (104kW) four-cylinder to a sporty 250hp (186kW) five-cylinder, or alternatively a smaller, more efficient 2.0L EcoBoost engine. That would put the Capri on very even footing with the Scirocco, and the speculated pricing would make them prime competitors, both hovering near €20,000 ($29,500) in Europe.

Unlike other modern revivals, such as the Camaro, Challenger or even Ford's own Mustang, the Capri is destined to have a futuristic, rather than a throw-back, design ethic. The Visos concept is a suitable template, though even that design would likely face serious updates before going to market.

Bringing in the kinetic design language of the past several years plus cues to give a family resemblance to the Kuga and Focus would be on the table as well. Though the Capri revival is still speculative at this point, it won't be expected for production until 2012 at the earliest, giving Ford plenty of time to get its design and powertrain plans in order, and reveal a concept car sometime next year.

That timing would fit well with the expected debut of the next-gen global Focus, and would also help provide some recompense for the recent decision to can the RS for North America.

Ford Visos Concept

Gallery

2011 Ford Focus rendering

Gallery

2011 Ford Focus spy shots

Gallery

Tags: Hatchbacks, Design

Posted in: 2011, Ford, News, Coupes, Focus

By mlevere1992 #1, Posted: 8/22/2008

"Unlike other modern revivals, such as the Camaro, Challenger or even Ford’s own Mustang, the Capri is destined to have a futuristic, rather than a throw-back, design ethic. The Visos concept is a suitable template, though even that design would likely face serious updates before going to market."

Eh, it looks like a throw-back design to some of the 60's 'future vehicles' Back end looks like a G35 with a hatch. Not feeling it yet. Go back to the drawing board and get the eurpoe design team to draw one up for you.
By Laz #2, Posted: 8/22/2008

I'm not sure why, but when I see the pics it makes me think of the old video game "Spy Hunter"...
By Layne #3, Posted: 8/22/2008

Mmmmm I'll just take an old school Capri thanks. Especially if it's one of the old IMSA turbo Capris.
By Bjorn Oal #4, Posted: 8/22/2008

it looks a redesign of a volvo c30
By www.mywheelsonwalls.com #5, Posted: 8/22/2008

Theres a party in Essex tonight on this news I'm sure. Will we also see the re-introduction of white handbangs and girls named Tracey?
By Damage_Inc #6, Posted: 8/22/2008

I owned a '73 Capri in '86. It had a 2.8L V6. I loved driving that car. Light wight and losts of power.
By chris #7, Posted: 8/22/2008

bjorn nailed it right there.. the visos concept was the inspiration for the C30... the rear shots tell all, but even the front end says it too.

as far as using the visos "idea",.. i suggest something a little more.. uhm... "affordable" from ford's standpoint.... C1

hear me out. i've talked about it before but in 2011, all WRC competing cars have to be like the subaru WRX.. an evolution model of a standard production car. this means that ford is going to have to offer something to the mass market that is in line with the WRX... now.. they could stick with tradition and use their mass market car (escort was ford's rally car for 30 years until the focus supplanted it).. or.. they could built the capri on the C1 platform.. as a sort of evolution focus,... and make the capri their top of the line compact sports model.

I doubt they will offer an entirely new vehicle.. it will be to some degree... a focus.

I just hope that they use the 3rd gen focus styling as a basis.... cause the visos.... well.. how many people do you see buying the C30? i love the car.. but it isnt a successful car. not in NA anyways.. and something tells me it doesnt sell well in europe with the much cheaper and eaqually as good focus to be had.
By NoNameDenton #8, Posted: 8/22/2008

If they brought it to America, they could make it a Mercury, that division needs something good right now, even with Ford saying it will shift to small cars, how about a small sporty car like this to boost Mercury sales.
By 94 Taurus owner #9, Posted: 8/22/2008

you know a Ford Version of the C30 would be a good idea add a sleek fmondeo inspired front end a for tailights and you are set.
By 94 Taurus owner #10, Posted: 8/22/2008

*correction*

Add a Sleek mondeo inspired Front end and add Ford focus Tailights and the capri is all set.
By SteveSteve #11, Posted: 8/22/2008

why do all the car companies think a car with a hatchback is a coupe? the sicrroco the brera...the new one series coupe IS a coupe the others aren't they are hatchbacks!!
By NoNameDenton #12, Posted: 8/22/2008

94 Taurus owner, we are getting a version of the Volvo C30, when the European Ford Focus merges with the American version (the C30 is on the same platform). And SteveSteve, car makers can call their vehicles anything they want, they make them.
By amac #13, Posted: 8/22/2008

YAY CAPRI! BRING IT BACK!
by NoNameDenton #14, Posted: 5/27/2009

If it comes to America, should make it a Mercury, that brand needs something good right now
by gazzed #15, Posted: 5/27/2009

Back then the Capri used to be the other Mustang, same as when the Trans Am was the other Camaro...

Visos concept turned out as Volvo C30, so I believe they have to do a new design template for Capri, even their "Kinetic" theme is out because this will be ditched by Ford.
by gazzed #16, Posted: 5/27/2009

Back then the Capri used to be the other Mustang, same as when the Trans Am was the other Camaro...

Visos concept turned out as Volvo C30, so I believe they have to do a new design template for Capri, even their "Kinetic" theme is out because this will be ditched by Ford.