The Merkur XR4Ti was a short-lived United States market version of the European Ford Sierra XR4i. It was sold in the US from 1985 through 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.
Stylistically, the XR4Ti was distinguished by its turbocharged 2.3 L SOHC engine and large bi-plane spoiler. Many felt it resembled the Ford Escort RS at the time. 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.
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