A: For us it’s more of an exercise in personality. One of the first things that really stands out on the Capri is at the front end with the dog bone [headlights]. There is the challenge of the proportion in general because this is an SUV, while the old Capri was a low coupe.
We looked at the ads of the time to see what the car originally stood for. One of the things the original Capri had was a more horizontal roofline, so the new car’s silhouette is inspired by that. Also, something that we took from the original car is the prominent rounded shape [on the C pillar]. That again, makes it unique and stand out.
Q: Is a unique exterior design and iconic nameplate enough to set the Capri apart from the rest of the MEB line-up?
A: This was for us an opportunity to do something unique, and something that only Ford could do. We can put a bit more personality and swagger into the designs [which makes] brands look a bit common.
How do you get a buyer’s attention? You can get it through adding LEDs and go nuts on the design, or you can go with this: an iconic name that has the coolness factor and then something relatively simple design-wise. That’s why we’re very confident [the Capri] will stand out from the masses.
Q: The Capri is cheaper than the Mustang Mach-E and shares the same philosophy of reimagining an iconic nameplate in the form of a sleek-looking electric SUV. Won’t the Capri just cannibalise that car’s sales?
A: Yes, the Capri is a bit cheaper, but the Mustang has a totally different exterior design and improved performance compared to this car here. Maybe there is a bit [of cannibalism], but we are confident that we have a customer base for both as each has a unique identity [and] soul.
Q: As a designer, do you enjoy the restraints placed upon you by working on a car that’s confined not only by its platform but also by its nameplate?
A: I really do, as for me it’s a challenge. Designing a mid-engined sports car is easy, right? The packaging constraints are very big on EVs, and then you have front-end crash protection constraints. But if you manage to [incorporate] all these things and still make a attractive car that will sell well, that’s the goal.
What do you think of the new Ford Capri? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section…