Ford to bring back the Capri nameplate, if only for a VW-based battery SUV

The Ford Capri was a classic coupe the U.S. automaker produced for Europe until 1986 (check out the gallery and the video). The Sun is reporting now that the company plans to revive the model name, but put it on an electric SUV based on the Volkswagen MEB platform.

The new model is envisioned as the second production car with Volkswagen-sourced underlying architecture after the recently revealed Explorer EV. It is expected to provide a ‘sportier alternative’ to the latter with around 300 PS (296 hp / 221 kW) at its disposal. To pay homage to the original Capri, the SUV will reportedly be restricted to RWD with no other drive options. It may also wind up with other references to the original, such as four round headlamps, but this is not official yet.

The SUV will reportedly offer up to 500 km (310 miles) of driving range and go on sale in the UK priced starting from £40,000 (just under U.S. $50,000). The base trim level will allegedly include a 15-inch vertical infotainment display, massage seats and a wireless charging pad.

The Sun says the Ford Capri may end up being the Old World counterpart of sort to the U.S.-only Mustang Mach-E. The company executives have repeatedly stressed their intention to bring back iconic nameplates like they did with Puma. As for the sales start, it is expected sometime in 2024.