The Ford Capri revival blends retro style with modern performance by taking one of Ford’s most charismatic badges and plugging it straight into the electric era. Rather than a museum-piece tribute, the reborn Capri is pitched as a daily-use EV that still scratches the same itch the classic coupes did for drivers who grew up idolising them. The idea is simple enough: keep the attitude, update everything else.
That approach means familiar nameplates, familiar silhouettes and plenty of nostalgia, but wrapped around battery packs, software and safety tech that would have sounded like science fiction when the original cars were new. The result is a car that tries to satisfy long-time Capri loyalists and a fresh generation of EV buyers at the same time.
From 40-year hiatus to “Modern Classic Reborn”
Ford has been laying the groundwork for this comeback for a while, turning the Capri story into a slow-burn tease rather than a single big reveal. The company confirmed earlier that the legendary nameplate was returning after a 40-year break, and the cheeky teaser campaigns leaned heavily on the idea that Capri fans had been waiting long enough. Those ads played with memories of the sleek coupes of old while also hinting that the new version would not simply copy the past. The messaging around Last March, the timing highlighted in the teaser, made it clear Ford wanted buyers to see the Capri not as a retro toy, but as a core part of its electric strategy.
That pitch has been echoed by dealers and fan communities, which have been quick to frame the car as a bridge between eras. One enthusiast post dubbed the 2025 Ford Capri a Bold Revival of an Iconic Classic, with fans sharing early imagery and spec rumours under the guidance of Ellis as a vocal organiser. Dealer marketing has leaned into the same language, pitching the Ford Capri as a car where The Legend Returns with a clear Modern Twist. The message is consistent: this is heritage being actively reworked, not just preserved.
Retro attitude, electric muscle
Under the skin, the Capri revival is all about pairing that nostalgia with serious EV performance. Reporting on the 2026 model describes how Retro Muscle Meets Modern EV Thrill, with the car framed as a bold statement rather than a compliance special. In the United States, early estimates for Performance specs (US market estimate) underline that the electric hardware is meant to live up to the badge that once stood for attainable speed. The focus on strong acceleration and usable range shows up clearly in coverage of the Ford Capri, which positions the car as a genuine alternative for drivers who might otherwise look at established electric crossovers.
On-road impressions and early video walkarounds have leaned into the drama. One detailed clip introduces viewers with the line that ladies and gentlemen should “meet the rebirth of a legend”, describing the 2026 Ford Capri as a fusion of heritage and innovation where classic proportions meet sharp lighting and modern surfacing. That Ford Capri coverage talks up the way the car’s stance recalls the old coupes while clearly sitting higher and carrying the visual weight of a crossover. Another video goes even further, telling viewers to STOP Everything as the 2026 Ford Capri Just Came Back to life, stressing that this Capri It is “a piece of meticulously restored history ready for the road” and hyping its presence with the line “Ladies and gentlemen welcome back”. That kind of language in the Oct feature shows how strongly the Capri name still resonates.
From coupe icon to EV crossover
The biggest shift for long-time fans is the body style. Instead of a low two-door, the new Capri is an all-electric crossover, a choice that reflects where buyers are putting their money. Coverage of the project explains that while the new shape bears little resemblance to the original, Ford has worked in design cues that nod to the classic cars, from the way the roofline tapers to the treatment of the lights and wheel options. Reports on how While the new Capri evolves, and how Ford has targeted up to 400 miles of range, make it clear that practicality and long-distance usability are central to the package. That range figure puts the Capri squarely in the mix with the most capable mass-market EVs.
Inside, the Capri follows the broader industry trend toward clean, tech-forward cabins rather than retro pastiche. Inspiration is easy to spot when looking at other concept and production cars that chase the same vibe. The Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept, for example, uses a minimalist approach with a concise and clean interior that wraps occupants in a serene and comfortable environment, a philosophy echoed in the way the Capri’s screens and controls are kept tidy rather than overwhelming. Descriptions of the cabin in that concept point to where mainstream EVs like the Capri are heading. Likewise, high-end performance cars such as The Black Series use driver-centric layouts with minimalist controls that keep the focus on driving while still offering advanced tech, a balance that the Capri’s designers appear to be chasing. Analysis of The Black Series cockpit helps explain why this formula has become so popular.
More from Wilder Media Group: