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When talking about European muscle cars, the default is often a Mercedes-Benz AMG or maybe even an Aston Martin. Certainly, these cars easily meet the criteria to be considered muscle cars: they have big V8s (or even larger), rear-wheel-drive, a fairly lightweight two-door body, and the ability to flex between street driving and drag racing.
Although lacking a V8 engine (the South African Perana model had a 5.0-liter Windsor V8), some consider the original Ford Capri to be a European muscle car, which Ford of Europe first produced from 1969 to 1986. One of the Ford Mustang’s designers, Philip T. Clark, also designed the Capri as Europe’s equivalent to the Mustang.
So, if the Capri were updated in 2023, what would it look like? HotCars digital artist Rostislav Prokop has created an exclusive concept render that transforms the original Ford Capri into a true modern muscle car.
This Modern Ford Capri Has A More Muscular Presence
With its wheelbase of almost 101 inches and weight of 2,053 pounds, the 1971 Ford Capri was relatively small and light, compared to its cousin, the first-gen Mustang and other American muscle cars.
Prokop’s new version of the Capri is longer, with much of the length added in the front end. A sizable hood scoop contributes to the car’s new beefy appearance. Despite the added length, it’s easy to imagine that this car is almost as light as the original. Much of the body looks like carbon fiber and fiberglass, including the chin spoiler that replaces the original’s front bumperettes.
The original Capri’s signature profile is still the same in Prokop’s render. This version, however, has much larger wheels. At the back, Prokop has enlarged the ducktail rear spoiler which reminds us of the Capri RS3100. New dual halo LED headlights grace the front, and the original rectangular taillights are elongated and angled LEDs.
Sleekness And Power Intersect In This Modern Ford Capri
In 1971, the Ford Capri offered several engine options that ranged from the 1.3-liter Kent 4-cylinder that made 52 hp up to the 138 hp 3.0-liter Essex V6, according to our sibling website, TopSpeed. Even the South African Perana model only made 280 hp from its Windsor 5.0-liter V8. While fine for its era, these low horsepower numbers just won’t cut it in today’s market.
The most logical engine choice for this modern Capri is a Ford Coyote 5.0-liter V8 from the Mustang backed by a factory Roush supercharger that will boost the horsepower upwards of 700 hp, which is massive for such a lightweight car. With this new powerplant, there should be no doubt that the Capri is now a certified muscle car.
With its improved performance and its newly amped-up style, this Ford Capri could throw down the gauntlet to the rest of the world’s sports cars.
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