1987 Merkur XR4Ti Manufacturer Promo
The XR4Ti was launched in Europe as the Ford Sierra in 1984. It was imported to America the following year and fitted with the T-Bird’s 4-cylinder Turbo. It was manufactured in Germany at Rheine near Cologne. Praised for its excellent overall performance, careful assembly and attractive styling, it was just as condemned for its high price, limited distribution, thirsty powerplant, and various ergonomic distractions. The XR4Ti’s failure to do well on our continent was not its fault, as it had everything required to attract yuppie performance fans. Unfortunately, neither the marketing or sales effort seamed to have been aimed at the appropriate clientele.
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Such a wonder that they didn’t call it a “2 door sedan” in their tests because it was indeed a 2 door sedan.
This was a seriously cool car back in the day. While I never drove one, my neighbor probably bought the first one in the area if not the State, and let me tell you it was a hoot to ride in. While the exterior was not quite as attractive as the related Euro Sierra Cosworth RS, it was still aesthetically pleasing in its novel aerodynamics (for the time) and funky rear spoiler. Quite a departure from the bland junk FMC had been putting out for over a decade…one of the gems in their late 80’s – early 90’s lineup for sure. Surprised Americans didn’t buy more of them. Can’t remember the last time I last saw one out on the road (sigh).
One of if not the strongest uni-bodies of the time. They could handle unreal amounts of power, and DID in Europe’s racing scene. I ALWAYS loved these.
Why the heck did FMC name them “Merkur”? Over here in Europe they were only known as Ford Sierra.
The only Sierra I know of with this bodystyle and big rear spoiler was also named XR4, but used Fords 2.9 liter V6.
A guy I knew back in the 80´s had a Sierra wagon with the V6 and 4X4, it´s first major break down came at about 2000 miles…… Here in Sweden a lot of these cars also got a short life because of severe rust issues.