The name carried over but the car underneath the badges was entirely new. Tracer LTS had strong appeal for enthusiasts because of its good handling and Japanese quality. It was an outgrowth of Ford’s international joint venture with Mazda to provide a successor for the Escort.
With 127 bhp at 6500 rpm, the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder was born to run. At 5500 rpm the maximum torque peak of 114 lb/ft was reached. Essentially a screamer, the DOHC engine did best with mated to the 5-speed manual transaxle.
The key difference between the Tracer LTS and its companion car, the Escort GT (aside from the more conservative 4-door body style), was in calibration of the suspension. The LTS, with its P185/60HR-14 tires, provided a little more suspension travel, a tad lower damping rates and therefore a more isolated ride.
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