Road - The new Ford Capri?

The Ford Cougar and the Puma never captured the public’s imagination the way the original fastback, the Ford Capri did, but when the Frankfurt Motor Show opens in just over a week’s time, we’ll get our first look at the ‘new’ Capri.

This stunning looking Ford Evos Concept will have a number of power options including a  lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain which will be similar to the same, next-generation Ford C-MAX Energi scheduled for introduction in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

The Ford ‘powersplit’ hybrid architecture allows the electric motor and petrol engine to work together or separately to maximise efficiency. The advanced powertrain typically runs in all-electric mode before switching to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency.

This will result in a range of more than 500 miles using the battery and engine.

The gorgeous, curvaceous bodywork also has one other surprise. It’s not only a four seater, it’s a four door saloon!

The concept car measures 4.50 metres long by 1.97m wide and 1.36m high, with a wheelbase of 2.74m.

But will it ever see the light of day? Perhaps not in this form although Ford is all set to include ‘design cues’ in future models.

Ford’s executive design director Moray Callum, brother of Ian (and another Scot by the way!) said: “Both the exterior and interior of the Ford Evos Concept clearly communicate that this is a driver’s car, so that as soon as people see the vehicle, they will immediately want to get in and drive.”

Me first!