( Motor Authority )- After bowing out of the market in the late 1980s, Ford's European Capri sports coupe could make a return as a rival to Volkswagen's rejuvenated Scirocco coupe. Several reports coming out of Germany claim Ford is prepping a new a concept to celebrate next year's 40th anniversary of the original Ford Capri Mk1 from 1969. The concept will eventually spawn a new Mk4 version around 2012.
In 2003 Ford gave a hint that a new Capri was on the drawing board with the unveiling of the Visos concept car pictured below. The concept shared the same basic coupe-hatch bodystyle of previous generation Capris and also featured the same rear-fender-mounted side intakes. The next Capri would likely feature Ford's latest Kinetic design theme as seen on the more recent Kuga crossover and Focus range.
According to Autobild , power outputs for the new Capri will range between 140 and 250hp with both four and five-cylinder engines on offer. The car will also be about the same size as the new Scirocco and will be priced from about €20,000.
Ford isn't the only carmaker rumoured to be bringing back one of Europe's past sport coupes. Opel is also tipped to be developing a successor to the Calibra based on its recent GTC coupe concept.
With this revival of affordable sports coupes, a whole new generation of car enthusiasts will be able to once again fall in love with some of Europe's most cherished nameplates.