Ford V6 seen as Capri backup

Press, 10 February 1989, Page 30

Ford V6 seen as Capri backup

Ford is saying that a new V6-engined sports coupe is only a concept car, but there is a growing weight of opinion that it is, in fact, the back-up replacement for the Australian - designed - and - built Capri open twoseater. The Capri may not even reach the production line at Broadmeadows, near Melbourne, later this year. The so-called design exercise, labelled the Ford Concept 50, is said to be the affordable sports coupe for the 18-30 young single market. As well as a small multi-valve V 6 engine, it will feature all-wheel drive. there is no plan at present for the introduction of the Australian-built Capri in Europe. If that project goes ahead, the open sports two-seater is destined for the United States and Pacific Basin countries, initially. Donald Peterson, Ford’s chief executive, has been quoted as saying that unless the Capri comes up to Ford quality levels, the programme could be dropped before a production model is built. Ford Australia’s Allan Gilmour agrees that cancellation is a possibility,, but doesn’t think it will happen, even though Broadmeadows has ex-» perienced difficulties in overcoming quality problems.