Ford's new Visos concept is a jaw-dropping tribute to one of its most iconic cars: the original Capri. Visual throwbacks include the distinctive C-pillar, curved rear passenger window and twin chrome straked vents ahead of the rear wheels.
The show car - to be unveiled at the Frankfurt show and scooped by Autocar in a world exclusive on August 19 - is powered by a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 based on the Mondeo's ST220's engine. It's tuned to produce 345bhp and sends 295lb ft of torque to all four wheels.
The concept is much more than a retro styling exercise; it is being described by Ford of Europe's product development vice president, Derek Kuzakas, as "the future of the Blue Oval".
It also features innovative new technology that is destined for production.
Although, according to Ford, the Visos is "not a car you will see on the road next year", a reborn Capri would be a natural rival for the new breed of retro-inspired coupés, currently led by Mazda's RX-8, the Nissan 350Z and Chrysler Crossfire.
Designer Chris Bird has succeeded in combining honed sports car and grand tourer. The interior changes between comfort and sport settings at the touch of a button, with different dash lighting and varying seat positions.
"The main focus was creating a car that can switch between comfortable luxury and aggressive sportster," said a spokesman.
Drivers can also tweak a number of settings by plugging in a laptop, including dampers, engine management system, brake balance and rev-limiter.
The interior takes styling cues from its Mazda RX-8 stablemate, with four individual seats split by a console running the length of the cabin.
Pronounced shoulders down the car's flanks house much of the electronics, thus freeing up greater cabin space.
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