Ford planning Capri comeback?

After bowing out of the market in the late 1980s, Ford’s European Capri sports coupe could make a return as a rival to Volkswagen’s rejuvenated Scirocco coupe. Several reports coming out of Germany claim Ford is prepping a new a concept to celebrate next year’s 40th anniversary of the original Ford Capri Mk1 from 1969. The concept will eventually spawn a new Mk4 version around 2012.

In 2003 Ford gave a hint that a new Capri was on the drawing board with the unveiling of the Visos concept car pictured below. The concept shared the same basic coupe-hatch bodystyle of previous generation Capris and also featured the same rear-fender-mounted side intakes. The next Capri would likely feature Ford’s latest Kinetic design theme as seen on the more recent Kuga crossover and Focus range.

According to Autobild, power outputs for the new Capri will range between 140 and 250hp with both four and five-cylinder engines on offer. The car will also be about the same size as the new Scirocco and will be priced from about €20,000.

Ford isn’t the only carmaker rumoured to be bringing back one of Europe’s past sport coupes. Opel is also tipped to be developing a successor to the Calibra based on its recent GTC coupe concept.

With this revival of affordable sports coupes, a whole new generation of car enthusiasts will be able to once again fall in love with some of Europe's most cherished nameplates.

2003 Ford Visos Concept