Merkur XR4Ti
| Merkur XR4Ti | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Karmann |
| Production | 1984-1989 |
| Model years | 1985-1989 |
| Assembly | Osnabrück, Germany |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Ford Sierra |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.3 L turbocharged Lima I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed T-9 manual 3-speed C3 automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 102.7 in (2,609 mm) |
| Length | 178.4 in (4,531 mm) |
| Width | 68 in (1,727 mm) |
| Height | 53.8 in (1,367 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2920lb (1324.49kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Ford Focus RS (2016) |
The Merkur XR4Ti (eXperimental Racing, 4 series, Turbo, advanced Injection system) was a short-lived United States and Canadian-market version of the European Ford Sierra XR4i. It was the brainchild of then Ford vice president Bob Lutz. It was sold in the US from 1985 to 1989. It was the first vehicle sold by Merkur, followed in 1988 by the Merkur Scorpio.
The cars were hand assembled and built entirely by Karmann Coachworks in Rheine, Germany. Unlike with the Scorpio, the XR4Ti did not carry over the Sierra badge from Europe, since at the time it was also being used by General Motors in North America for two completely different vehicles: the GMC C/K Sierra and the similar-sounding Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. When first introduced, the XR4Ti had a starting price of US$16,503, which is equal to about $38,044 today.
The XR4Ti was distinguished mechanically by its turbocharged Ford Lima 2.3 L four-cylinder SOHC engine and independent rear suspension, and stylistically by its large wind tunnel-derived biplane spoiler (replaced on the 1988–89 models with a single rear spoiler). It came with either the C3 three-speed automatic transmission or the Ford Type 9 five-speed manual transmission. Mechanically, it differed from the European Ford Sierra XR4i, which had a 2.8 L Ford Cologne V6. Airbag legislation for the 1990 model year and weak sales are frequently cited as the cause for the Merkur range to be discontinued.
The XR4Ti was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1985. In 2009 however, the magazine listed that honor as one of the "most embarrassing" awards in automotive history.
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