The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2025 - Issue 38

bitecars Show was a concept vision of how the Capri might look in the future. The sleeker, more aggressive styled 1978 to 1986 MK3 was a perfect fit for the new decade. Its four round headlamps connected by horizontal grille slats became an iconic 1980s design feature. The radical Zakspeed Ford Capri race car fea- tured a fire-spitting turbocharged engine and wildly flared body panels. It won the DRM title in 1981 and inspired the super-sporty 1981 Capri RS Turbo. The modern fuel injection for the new 2.8-litre engine made the Capri more refined and fuel-efficient. In 1986, Ford ended production with a final limited edition of 1,038 Capri 280 in Brooklands Green due to changing mar- ket preferences. The popular sports coupé was perceived as outdated compared to the newer, more practical, and techno- logically advanced hot hatchbacks of the 1980s, like the Ford XR3i. This sporty version of the Ford Escort was lighter, more agile, and offered better handling characteristics than the Ca- pri, making it a more appealing choice for many buyers. What Drives This Power Model? The all-new electric Capri was designed as the soulful family sports car that continues the story of the iconic cult classic. Available in Extended Range RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) and Extended Range AWD (All Wheel Drive) configurations, the RWD features a 53 kWh standard battery with a range of 242 miles or a 77 kWh battery pack with a maximum range of up to 389 miles and a single electric motor on the rear axle. It produces 282 bhp and 402 lb ft of torque and accelerates from 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds. The AWD equipped with a larger 79 kWh battery pack has a range of 330 miles and features dual electric motors on the front axle, producing 335 bhp. While the torque is the same, added traction on the motor trims allows it to accelerate faster at 5.3 seconds, but it has a lower maximum range at 346 miles. Both RWD and AWD are limited to a top speed of 111 mph. RWD supports 135 kW DC fast charging, while AWD has a higher DC fast charging at 185 kW, reaching 10-80% in 26 minutes. Limited edition Capris, such as the performance-focused X-Pack, featured a tuned engine with a triple Weber carbu- rettor, a limited-slip differential, modified suspension, GRP wheel arch extensions, and a four-spoke alloy wheel, and the 2.8i Special had a five-speed manual transmission. Yet today’s Capri is deemed significantly more potent than the original models, thanks to its range-topping version offering 335 bhp (250 kW) compared to the classic Capri’s approximately 100- 150 bhp. Inside the Cabin How does the Capri EV compare to the original? It has a human-centric and minimalist interior with soft-touch ma- terials and sculptured one-piece front seats. Standard high specification comfort includes keyless entry and start, heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and driver’s seat with massage and memory function. It features a 5-inch digital instrument cluster, an adjustable 15-inch Sync Move touchscreen and a Bang & Olufsen sound bar speaker spanning across the dashboard. Smartphones integrate seamlessly using wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a wireless device charge as standard. It features 12 ultrasonic sensors, five cameras, and three radars with support for advanced assistance technolo- gies, including Assisted Lane Change and Clear Exit Warning. The ultimate car for a getaway, it has up to 572 litres of boot space, a foldable boot floor, a 17-litre MegaConsole beneath the front armrest and secret, secure storage in My Private Locker with USB ports. Images courtesy of Ford