Ford set to rekindle Capri?

The venerable Ford Capri is set to ride again, according to a recent report by UK online mag AutoExpress.

The report suggests the Blue Oval will rekindle the genre -- if not the nameplate -- via a Focus-derived coupe that draw its inspiration from the Visos concept (pictured) that debuted at the 2003 Frankfurt motor show.

Going on the accompanying images, it appears Ford's Volvo subsidiary has got the jump on its parent company, as the Swedish marque's C30 hatchback has more than a little in common with the Visos.

This isn't the first time AutoExpress has suggested a modern-day Capri was in the works, as it projected a 2005 launch date for the car in its July 2002 issue.

At the time, the death knell was beginning to sound for Ford's languishing Cougar coupe, which was never a particularly strong seller, despite being regarded as a pretty competent driver's car. The Cougar also made it to our shores, but failed to make inroads against the likes of the Toyota Celica and Honda Prelude.

However, it could be different this time around as AutoExpress argues that Ford has "proved its talent for building niche products with models such as the S-MAX compact MPV and Kuga 4x4".

The modern-day Capri (or whatever Ford decides to name it) will have a tough battle though, as Volkswagen is about to launch its sharp looking Scirocco (derived from the Golf), while Toyota is also plotting a new-age Celica based on Subaru Impreza underpinnings.

Hyundai and Peugeot are also on the case with the Coupe and 308 RC Z respectively, while Renault has shown its intentions with the Megane Coupe Concept.

The crisp-handling Focus is clearly a strong basis, but the Ford coupe's success will hinge on its packaging and visual appeal. If it's lacking in these areas, it's likely to go the same way as the Cougar.

If it is, indeed, given the green light, the range-topping version is likely to gain the 166kW/320Nm 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine used by the Focus XR5. An RS version, powered by a 3.2-litre inline six and equipped with all-wheel drive, could also be on the cards, according to AutoExpress.

However, all this remains pure speculation at this point as Ford has provided no confirmation or tangible evidence that a new coupe is in the pipeline.

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