Merkur XR4Ti
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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 2.3 L SOHC engine and independent rear suspension and stylistically by its large bi-plane spoiler. 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.
Sports talk host Jim Rome owned an XR4Ti at one point, and was very dissatisfied with it. He went on to lambaste the car on The Jim Rome Show; also, his behind-the-scenes personnel on the show are referred to as "The XR4Ti Crew."
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