Sources
Help build the largest human-edited directory on the web.
Submit a site - Become an editor
Wikipedia. Licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Are you an expert in this subject? Join the discussion and share your knowledge at Wikipedia.org.
Merkur XR4Ti
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Merkur XR4Ti was a short-lived American-market version of the European Ford Sierra XR4i. It was sold in the US from 1985 to 1989. It was the first vehicle of the Merkur range. Ford had hopes of importing its top European models under this brand, but the venture was ultimately unsuccessful.
The XR4Ti was distinguished mechanically by its turbocharged Ford Lima 2.3 L 4-cylinder SOHC engine and independent rear suspension and stylistically by its large bi-plane spoiler. It came with either the C3 3-speed automatic transmission or the T-9 5-speed manual transmission. Many felt it resembled the Ford Escort RS at the time, although the two were built on different platforms. Mechanically, it differed from the European model, which had a 2.8 L V6 unit.
The XR4Ti was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1985.
It has been suggested that Ford had planned to import South American-made Sierras to supplement its range before the cancellation of the Merkur brand in 1989, but this was not realized, nor the proposed plan actually confirmed.
In the webcomic Misfile the main character Ash Upton drives a heavily modified XR4Ti.
Radio personality Jim Rome owned a Merkur and discusses it frequently on his show. The behind-the-scenes personnel on his show are referred to as "The XR4Ti Crew."
- MerkurSport
- The Merkur Desktop - extensive listing of Merkur links
- The Merkur Club of America
- Howard Supply Tech Doc
This article about an automobile produced after 1975 is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.