Experts Clash Over Ford EV Bringing Back Capri Name
Jan 03, 2025
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It’s commonplace for brands and auto manufacturers to use nostalgia as a sales tactic. When you conjure old memories, you take customers back to simpler times. However, sentimental value hasn’t been there for the new Ford Capri. What’s the controversy surrounding this new electric vehicle (EV)? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Are People Upset About the Ford Capri EV?
In July, the Ford Motor Company announced the all-electric Capri for its European markets. The manufacturer will assemble its newest EV in Cologne, Germany, and distribute it throughout the continent. While this procedure is standard for an automaker, the Ford Capri stirred controversy through its name. As it turns out, people get mad when you change aspects of the past.
The Capri is not a new vehicle — in fact, Ford sold this machine from 1968 through 1986. It was a fastback coupé in its heyday, but the blue oval manufacturer has made wholesale changes to the car. Now, the Ford Capri EV is a crossover and doesn’t bear much resemblance to the original vehicle. Imagine turning your old Ford Mercury into an SUV — it’s just not the same.
Ford’s electric Capri can hold its own with unique features. However, the change is too much for car enthusiasts worldwide to stomach. The controversy may be more pronounced in Europe, the primary market where Ford sold the vehicle. That said, collectors understand the Capri’s legacy and why the SUV doesn’t do justice for the car. If you travel to Europe, you may find someone with the old Capri.
What Was Special About the Old Ford Capri?
Consider the Ford Mustang’s impact on America’s car culture. This pony car is among the most popular muscle cars nationwide because of its sleek style and incredible performance. While the Mustang is available in Europe now, you had to look for alternatives in the late 20th century. That’s where the Ford Capri filled the void! If you wanted a coupé in London, it was your best bet.
In the late 1960s, Ford saw the Mustang’s success in the U.S. and wanted to continue it in Europe. This business decision was successful, as it sold 400,000 units in just the first two years. As the model years passed, Ford went through three generations of the Capri before discontinuing it in 1986. While prevalent in Europe, it was imported to the U.S. in the 1970s.
This vehicle rollout isn’t the first time Ford has used its most famous names to sell cars. For instance, the manufacturer reintroduced the Maverick as a compact pickup truck in 2022. However, the original vehicle was a compact car in the 1970s. Another example is Ford expanding the Mustang brand to include the Mach-E. While it has an excellent battery range, the Mach-E just doesn’t match the Mustang brand.
What Features Are in the 2024 Capri EV?
Auto industry experts may disagree on its name, but the Ford Capri EV is here to stay. If you’re in the European markets, you can drive one of the manufacturer’s premier electric cars. What sets this vehicle apart from the old version? Here are six features you need to know.
1. Superb Range
Some people have range anxiety with EVs because they can only travel so far. However, the all-electric Ford Capri can travel up to 627 km (390 miles) on a single charge. This battery capacity is stellar and surpasses most standard EVs on the market. The Department of Energy says the median electric range was about 270 miles in 2024, so the new Capri stands out. If you want a good range, it might be the car for you.
2. Headlight Homage
While the 2024 Capri is different from the 20th-century model, there are subtle similarities between the vehicles. For instance, the old car had four lights (two on each side). This design feature became a staple with other Ford models in the 1970s and 1980s. Now, the 21st-century version pays homage to the headlights with modern LED versions. Now, seeing in the dark becomes much more manageable.
3. Respectable Horsepower
People see crossovers and SUVs as mom-and-dad cars with minimal power. While some SUVs lack horses under the hood, the Capri EV puts up a fight with up to 335 horsepower in the dual-motor all-wheel drive trim. Even the base trim boasts 282 horsepower, which is comparable to competing vehicles. For instance, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts at 168 horsepower and maxes at 225. Therefore, the Capri does just fine against its top foes.
4. Stylish Premium Trim
How does the premium trim improve upon the base version? The second motor and the stylish interior make it worth the extra cash. Plus, you reduce the charging time to just 26 minutes. How helpful is that on your EV road trip across Europe? The highest trim also offers fantastic amenities like a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a sizable console. Blast your tunes or catch up on your favorite podcasts.
5. Advanced Comfort
When on a road trip or just cruising through the city, feeling comfortable in your car is essential. Thankfully, the 2024 Ford Capri EV offers heated seats and steering wheels when the mornings get too cold. After all, European mornings are getting much colder by the year. Wouldn’t it be convenient if your seat was warm when you got in? Plus, the Capri EV has a massage function to provide extra comfort.
6. Infotainment
Advanced technology is significant when swaying consumers to purchase vehicles. If you can connect your streaming services and entertain the kids, you can sell plenty of cars. The new Capri has a 14.6-inch touchscreen to make traveling safely more manageable. Plus, the large screen hides a large console where you can store essentials like sunglasses.
Breaking Down the Ford Capri EV and Its Controversies
Manufacturers leverage nostalgia for sales because they know their customers. If they can tap into your childhood memories of the Ford Capri, they may persuade you to buy the vehicle.
However, it hasn’t gone as smoothly as Ford would like. Auto enthusiasts across the pond have expressed their disappointment in how different the new Capri is. While the old vehicle was a fastback coupé, consumers are left with an all-electric SUV. Is it just a sign of the times in the automotive industry?
