The automotive industry is amid a profound metamorphosis. The traditional sedan, once the undisputed king of the road, is losing its crown as consumer preferences shift towards higher-riding vehicles with increased practicality. Station wagons and minivans, once staples of family life, are becoming increasingly niche offerings.
Even iconic sports car models like the Audi A5 and S5 are abandoning their classic coupe and convertible silhouettes in favor of the more utilitarian sedan and wagon formats. As the market rises, automakers are responding with innovative approaches to vehicle design and classification.
The Toyota Crown, a name historically synonymous with luxury sedans, has been reimagined as a crossover, demonstrating the industry’s willingness to challenge conventions. Ford’s Maverick pickup, a surprising entry into the compact truck segment, has proven immensely popular, highlighting the potential for unexpected vehicle concepts to resonate with consumers.
The latest example of this trend is the reborn Ford Capri. Once a symbol of European style and performance as a sleek fastback coupe, the Capri has been resurrected as a compact electric crossover SUV. This radical departure from the original model showcases the dramatic changes occurring within the automotive world.
By sharing its platform with the Ford Explorer EV and Volkswagen ID models, the new Capri also underscores the increasing collaboration and technology sharing within the industry. Sharing its platform with the Ford Explorer EV and Volkswagen ID.4, the new Capri boasts compelling specifications: up to 340 horsepower, a 79 kWh battery, and a sprint to 62 mph in under five seconds.
However, its departure from the classic coupe body style, a hallmark of the original Capri, has proven to be a contentious choice. This discontent has inspired digital artists to reimagine the Capri as a modern coupe, a vision more in line with the model’s heritage. The controversy underscores the complex relationship between automotive legacy and the demands of the electric vehicle era.
