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Topic: Just what exactly is an XR4Ti? (Read 1912 times) previous topic - next topic

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

I've heard all this talk and stuff, but for the life of me, I've never seen one...I don't think they exist. LOL
I looked em up on evilbay, and I'm not so impressed with the looks, are these things supposed to be fast, and handle good?
I'm not puppies' on em by any means, so don't crucify me, but the appearance doesn't pull MY trigger...:D
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #1
They're a european Ford, marketed here as a Merkur. Same engine as the Turbo Coupe, but with independent rear and an entirely different chassis. I seem to remember they had a different 5-speed tranny and not a T-5 as well - reverse was left, then up instead of right, then down. They didn't sell well (they were very expensive), which is probably why you haven't seen one.

They're odd looking, but I'd do one. In fact I almost bought one once, but bought an '87 T-Bird sport instead.
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #2
Not trying to be an ass man just use google, anyway here is a pic.

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #3
A US-spec Ford Sierra.

They didn't sell well because they were foisted off in the L/M dealers who had no idea what to do with them or their big brother the Scorpio.  Half the guys at the dealerships couldn't even pr0nounce the name right.  They should have done very well, and if they had any kind of support from Ford they might have.

They used the same 2.3T found in every other Ford 2.3T.  They were non-intercooled and were 175hp manual and 145hp auto.  The manual trans was a T-9.  Aside from some shortcomings in the suspension tune (WAAAAYYYYY too soft) and the electrical gremlins that pop up they are very solid platforms. 

I could go on....what other questions do you have?  I've had two XRs (just sold the '86 5spd) and still have the Scorpio.  I really like the Scorpio.  I'll like it even better with the 5 spd and the 2.9TT that will be going into it eventually.  I may get another XR in the future, but mine was just sitting, so I sold it to someone who wanted to do something with it now.

Here is a link to a video clip from a recent Sportcar Revolution that had a track test of one..
http://www.3-xr.com/files/SCR.mpg..it's a big file...so beware...about 4+ mins of video.  The host server is fast though.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon-  '81 Granada GL 2dr

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #4
XR4Ti  yummy
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
1974 maverick lsx powered turbo car SOLD
1973 maverick Tijuana Taxi Tribute
1957 chevy LSX Turbo project (race car)
Owner of Joe Dirt Fabrication

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #5
Quote from: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87
XR4Ti  yummy



Yeah one of my buds in auto tech has two, one that he drives the other for parts. I like these cars because you dont see much of em, last time i was counting i counted about 13 XR4Ti's that still ran here in toledo.

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #6
Ive seen an actual Ford Sierra at the track as well as an XR or two. Some XR's in the junkyard. Havent actually seen one on the street though, even in toledo.
93 Festiva L, 193k miles, BP+T/G25MR swap, T3 50trim .48/.42, SRT FMIC, Capri electronics/Rocketchip, 2.5" exhaust
bests: ET 12.86, MPH 110.25, 1.92 short
02 Subaru Impreza WRX, 129k miles
97 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, 236k miles

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #7
There is a seirra cosworth in an auto musiem in Sarasota.
One 88

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #8
In my eyes they are an '80's version of the Pinto.  So ugly, but sooo cool.

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #9
In my eyes they took a mustang and an escort and made them one. kinda sporty but not to much. A buddy of mine had one back in 94' it was pretty fast.
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
4 eyes see better than 2! 
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FreeBird

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #10
imagine if we got the focus RS right now in the states, they called it something dumb and dumped it into a Lincoln dealership.. that is the xr4ti, cept it was based on a euro car, but made for the american audience. Ford was just too far ahead of the "import craze" in the 80's and didn't market this car or the SVO properly so they had short struggling little lives.

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #11
Well thats the thing the Focus Rs is not an american looking focus, its the mk3 body which is like a wider wheel based model and the body panels are different in small ways. And anyway as far as i know the focus was a ford of europe design in the first place but i may be wrong

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #12
My uncle bought one brand new in '86 and drove it 'till it got totaled in '92.  To this day it is still his favorite car.
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #13
i've kinda always wanted one, but they are like 3800 lbs because of the IRS.

Just what exactly is an XR4Ti?

Reply #14
2920 lbs :)

http://www.merkurtech.com/merkurtech/magarticles/mxspec.php
93 Festiva L, 193k miles, BP+T/G25MR swap, T3 50trim .48/.42, SRT FMIC, Capri electronics/Rocketchip, 2.5" exhaust
bests: ET 12.86, MPH 110.25, 1.92 short
02 Subaru Impreza WRX, 129k miles
97 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, 236k miles