Former Top Gear host Quentin Wilson has admitted Ford’s latest car is “not a Capri” after motorists attacked the American manufacturer for using the iconic moniker on their new electric car.
It comes hours after Ford was blasted by fans after relaunching the Capri name for another mid-sized electric crossover SUV.
The new machine promises to reach 0-60mph in just 6.4seconds and can reach 389 miles (627km) on a single charge for its £42,075 price tag.
But, there’s one problem, as fans have accused the car of looking absolutely nothing like its former namesake.
Actor Mike Bubbins posted on X: “Dear Ford Motor Company, I don’t know what on earth your latest model is supposed to be, but I know what it’s not.”
He added: “It’s not a Ford Capri. Because I’ve got a Ford Capri. From 1977. I share it with Tony Mammoth. And it’s beautiful.”
X user @Nir_Kahn said: “I have an affection for the Ford Capri. My dad used to race one with a Mustang V8 in South Africa in the 60s and then when I was little he had another.
“Today I told him that there’s a new Capri and he got all excited so I told him not to look it up. It’s better that way.”
@MotoringNomad commented: “This is the new Ford Capri, looking absolutely nothing like a Capri. First the Mustang and now this. Stop ruining classic names by trying to cash in on them please, Ford!”
But that may be the point, with ex-Top Gear star Quentin Wilson suggesting fans wouldn’t want a modern version of an old Capri.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Quentin remarked: “Well look, it’s not a Capri and if it was it wouldn’t sell. Low two-door Coupes are not what people want. “
Over 182 inches long and more than 73 inches wide, the new Capri will be fitted with 19-inch wheels.
It’s a far cry from the stylish fastback coupé Capri of the 1960s with its distinct muscle-car design capturing imaginations across Europe.
The Capri achieved cult status in the era and sold a staggering 400,000 models in its first two years of production.
The car featured on popular TV series The Professionals and eventually sold almost two million machines over its lifespan.
Amko Leemarts, Design Director of Ford Europe defended the move, commenting: “I think this is how a classic Capri driver would have expected the future to feel.”
Quentin also suggested the “world had moved on” and suggested the electric SUVs were the future Ford wanted to go down.
He added: “Ford have reinvented this hallowed nameplate which is a good thing but I think a lot of Capri enthusiasts are getting their Y fronts in a twist because it’s not what they expect, But the world has moved on.
“They’ve been very successful with Puma and Maverick and Explorer and even Transit. They’ve all electrified those models and it gives them a kind of distinction on the market if they use that name again.”
Express.co.uk has contacted Ford for comment.