Merkur was a North American brand of automobiles marketed by the Lincoln-Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. The Merkur XR4Ti was a high-performance hatchback sold in North America from 1985 to 1989, designed to bring European driving dynamics to the U.S. market. It was based on the Ford Sierra XR4i, a popular European model, and was imported under Ford’s short-lived Merkur brand.
Key Features & Specifications
- Engine: 2.3L turbocharged inline-4 (Ford Lima engine)
- Power Output: ~175 hp (1985–1987), ~145 hp (1988–1989 due to emissions changes)
- Torque: ~200 lb-ft
- Transmission:
- 5-speed manual (Borg-Warner T9)
- 3-speed automatic (C3)
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Suspension: Independent front and rear, with rear semi-trailing arms
- Brakes: Disc brakes up front, drum brakes in the rear
- 0-60 mph: ~7.5 seconds
- Top Speed: ~130 mph
Design & Features
- Distinctive bi-plane rear spoiler, inspired by the European Ford Sierra XR4i.
- Aerodynamic shape with flush headlights and smooth bodywork, designed for high-speed stability.
- Interior focused on driver comfort, featuring Recaro-style seats in some models.
- Lacked a Ford badge, as Merkur was meant to be a premium European-inspired sub-brand.
Performance & Market Reception
- Competed with cars like the BMW 3-Series (E30), Audi Coupe GT, and Volkswagen Scirocco.
- Praised for its smooth turbocharged power and handling, but the American market never fully embraced it.
- Limited dealer network and high price ($16,500 in 1985, equivalent to over $40,000 today) hurt sales.
- The turbocharged Lima engine was robust but had turbo lag, and the Borg-Warner T9 transmission was seen as weak under aggressive driving.
End of Production & Legacy
- Discontinued in 1989 due to slow sales and Ford’s decision to shut down Merkur.
- Today, the XR4Ti has a cult following among enthusiasts, particularly for its turbo tuning potential and its connection to the legendary Ford Sierra Cosworth (which was never officially sold in the U.S.).
Did You Know?
- Some racing teams modified XR4Ti models for IMSA GTO and Trans-Am racing, where they saw success against V8-powered competition.
- The XR4Ti was hand-assembled in Germany by Karmann, known for building high-quality specialty cars.
- Enthusiasts often swap in the T5 transmission from a Mustang to handle more power.
