The Nineteen Eighties had been a time of radical pondering, huge hair, huge music, huge adjustments on the planet, and making an attempt new huge concepts. The auto-world was no exception. Around thirty years in the past, we had been handled to a number of the best muscle cars of the 1980s and a number of the coolest cars ever built by the likes of Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, and Pontiac. Some automobiles although, had been extra experimental and gained a fame for being a little bit of flop, while some had been lauded as genius in design. None extra could be stated for the Merkur XR4TI, which debuted in North America in 1985 and was discontinued in 1989.

There may very well be a very good motive you do not bear in mind the Merkur XR4TI. Maybe you do not wish to bear in mind it, or perhaps it’s simply a type of illusive automobiles that by no means caught your creativeness on the time. It simply would possibly now although. That is why we’re bringing you the ten issues that no one remembers concerning the Merkur XR4TI together with details about its construct design, its powertrain choices, its uniqueness, why it may very well be an actual diamond within the tough, and hidden data that you could be not have identified.

In order to provide the newest and correct data doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Fuel Economy.gov, NHTSA, Bring A Trailer, and Classic.com.

10 It Is Not All It Seems On The Surface

A Ford Behind A Different Badge

With a mode of its personal, the hatchback Merkur XR4TI definitely has a singular look that all the time raises debate about if it’s a handsome automobile or not. With a boxy, however surprisingly, sporty look, behind the Merkur badge on the hood, it’s not all because it appears.

The Merkur XR4TI is successfully a Ford Sierra XR4TI which was marketed in the united statesA. with a extra highly effective engine, a unique suspension set-up, and a Merkur badge. It is just not a unique design to return out from Ford. More on that in a bit of although.

Key Merkur XR4TI Exterior Features

• Sloping and low nostril
• Rounded rectangular headlights
• Large sloping windscreen
• Chunky wheel-arches and bumpers
• Rounded edges across the headlights and physique

The Merkur XR4TI is just not a classically beautiful car like the E-Type Jaguar, nevertheless it does have a sure nostalgic appeal that allures to the best way by which auto-manufacturers had been pondering on the time about altering the sport and making an attempt one thing new. Even whether it is simply re-wrapping a automobile they have already got of their lineup.

9 It Has A Turbocharged Engine

Ford Sharing Parts

Sitting underneath the hood of the Merkur XR4TI is a unique one to which Ford featured within the Sierra. Instead of that includes a Cologne OHC V-6, which was the most well-liked selection among the many large vary out there, the Merkur XR4TI boasts a turbocharged little beast of a powertrain that might produce some respectable specs for a reasonably priced classic car.

Merkur XR4TI Specifications

(Data collected from Classic.com and Car & Driver for velocity specs)

Though the Merkur XR4TI does not have the identical face-melting speeds as a number of the fastest cars of the 1980s, it does boast an affordable quantity of oomph and nostalgic appeal in a single little retro bundle that can make you yearn for a perm and a session listening to Def Leppard.

8 The Merkur XR4TI Has Some Differences To Its European Cousin

Different Powertrain And Set-Up

As talked about, the Merkur XR4TI is successfully a Ford Sierra XR4TI with a unique badge. It additionally includes a completely different engine, completely different suspension set-up, barely completely different exterior styling, and, based on some, a unique highway presence than its European cousin.

Key Differences Between The Ford And The Merkur

• When shopping for a Sierra, you’ll be able to select from a variety of inline 4 engines and V-6s. When shopping for a Merkur, you’ll be able to solely purchase one that includes the turbo-charged V-6.
• The Sierra identify was not utilized in the united statesA. due to the existence of the GMC Sierra pickup truck.
• Because of American security rules, the unibody was modified, and aspect intrusion beams had been added to the Merkur.
• Two catalytic converters had been added to the Merkur and never the Sierra.
• The bumpers that includes on the Merkur had been longer than the Ford’s to fulfill with American security requirements.

On the face of issues, they could look pretty comparable, however there are in reality a good few variations between the Ford and Merkur. That is earlier than mentioning the trip high quality and suspension that’s featured.

7 No Racing Suspension For This Little Turbo Pocket-Rocket

Made For Comfort

Though you may technically drive the Merkur XR4TI with some gusto due to its rear-wheel drive and front-engine layout, the suspension is something however sporty. It was designed for the North American highway market and never for the monitor, so consolation was paramount. Because of that, softer suspension was added to the Merkur XR4TI and gained a whole lot of complaints from house owners and journalists for it.

Merkur XR4TI Key Set-Up Features

• MacPherson struts featured
• Lower lateral hyperlinks and concentric coil springs
• Rear-suspension options semi-trailing arms with coil springs
• Rear anti-roll bar featured
• Soft suspension

Racing legend Jackie Stewart was even brought in by Ford to develop the handling on the Merkur XR4TI, which some road-tests weren’t significantly pleasant about, nevertheless it does additionally present the lengths that Ford took to attempt to make an reasonably priced efficiency hatchback that will stand the check of time.

6 Ford Left Out Some Important Parts

No Intercooler For The Turbo

Though intercoolers should not a necessity if you find yourself boasting a turbocharger in your trip, it does assist in offering the best fuel-efficiency out of your engine, holding the turbo in fine condition, decreasing emissions, and will doubtlessly guarantee a extra dependable engine. You might also be asking why Ford determined to not characteristic one on the turbocharger on the two.3-liter inline 4 that’s boasted.

Merkur XR4TI Key Engine Features

• Cast iron block engine
• Two valves boasted per cylinder
• Time-belt pushed
• Single overhead cam featured

Little credible data exists concerning why an intercooler was omitted from the XR4TI when a virtually equivalent engine that options within the 1983 Ford Mustang GT did have one. It was probably because of the truth the Merkur XR4TI was meant to be reasonably priced, and the intercooler would have been seen as a bit of extra ‘luxurious’, or it might have been an area and weight-saving thought. Either method, it was neglected of the Merkur XR4TI.

5 For The Era, It Had A Futuristic Design

A Funky And Unique Look

Boasting a boxy and virtually sci-fi look, the Merkur XR4TI is a completely distinctive Nineteen Eighties efficiency hatchback that’s positive to show heads. Featuring a mix of futuristic enchantment, European flare, and American sensibility, it divides the auto-world by way of its aesthetic appreciation.

Merkur XR4TI Design Features

• Distinctive rear-spoiler
• Wrap round rear-window
• Large headlights
• Small air-intake and grille

The inside of the XR4TI additionally boasts options that create a classy and cozy driving expertise. Showcasing a curved sprint, massive steering-wheel, lengthy turn-signal stalks, massive driver-aid dials, and an enormous variety of buttons and switches on the huge central console, the XR4TI blends sensible with enjoyable in a single nostalgically plastic combine.

4 The Merkur XR4TI Features An Automatic Or Manual Transmission

A Love-Hate Little Car

The Merkur XR4Ti includes a selection between a handbook and an automated transmission, catering to various driving preferences. The commonplace transmission is a Getrag 5-speed handbook gearbox, famend for its exact shifting and interesting driving expertise. Whilst the 3-speed automated offers a extra handy set-up.

Sales And Tests Were Not Kind To The Merkur XR4TI

If you had been to purchase a Merkur XR4TI that includes an automated transmission, the horsepower produced is restricted in comparison with the handbook variant by 30 horsepower. It will not be as fashionable because the 1986 Toyota MR2, and positively does not have as spectacular specs, however with some tweaks and modification, the Merkur XR4TI is usually a very gratifying automobile to personal.

3 The Murkur XR4TI Is A Modifiable And Tuneable Classic

Lots Of Interchangeable Parts To Make It King Of The Street

During its life, a number of tuned versions of the Merkur XR4TI were produced by the likes of Roush and Rapido. Some of those tuned variations competed in a lot of Grand Prix occasions throughout America and had been even used as tempo automobiles on the Detroit Grand Prix in 1986. Not unhealthy for a automobile that was written off by so many! Like a whole lot of older automobiles, the fashionable day potential to extend the efficiency specs is sort of limitless (depending on funds and time, after all), however, that’s half the purpose of proudly owning a traditional automobile that’s tuneable.

Most Common Merkur XR4TI Modifications

• Changing the smooth suspension for one thing extra rugged
• Adding an intercooler
• Changing the brakes for one thing extra substantial for tracks

If you are not proud of the efficiency of your XR4TI, there are some issues that may be finished to push it additional by way of efficiency like completely different rubes, including the intercooler, and there may be even the potential to do a full engine swap altogether. There is a rising scene round iconic 1980s classic cars. If you had been to show as much as a automobile meet with a Merkur XR4TI, modified or not, there may be certain to be lots of people trying your method.

2 The Merkur XR4TI Is A Fun And Affordable Classic To Own

Average Used Price: $10,543

According to Classic.com, the average used price for a Merkur XR4TI is $10,543. Considering the distinctiveness, potential for upgrades, rarity, and enjoyable that may very well be had with one, the common worth makes it an affordable classic car to own. Especially in comparison with a number of the extra well-known classics like Mustangs and Camaros.

The Merkur XR4TI In Numbers

• The final XR4TI that was bought on-line was over 7 months in the past
• There are presently none on the market
• The prime worth for a Merkur XR4TI is $26,750
• According to Classic.com, there have solely been 19 recorded on-line gross sales

If you’re a eager mechanic, love the whole lot bizarre concerning the Nineteen Eighties, need a automobile that’s seldom seen on our roads, and need a venture to improve into a possible beast, then an inexpensive traditional automobile just like the XR4TI might simply be what you’re on the lookout for. If yow will discover one on the market.

1 It Is An Under-Appreciated Classic Car

Cheap Entry Level Fun

With so many traditional automobiles that fall via the web of appreciation, the Merkur is definitely one of the crucial under-appreciated Nineteen Eighties traditional automobiles. Not solely would proudly owning one deliver you tonnes of enjoyable, however it might additionally deliver you a comparatively economical and protected automobile as effectively. According to NHTSA, there have been some complaints about the XR4TI but no safety recalls. The complaints have been about issues that you could have guessed just like the cooling of the engine and electrical issues. Maybe that intercooler was a good suggestion!

The Merkur XR4TI As A Unique Nineteen Eighties Classic

• It boasts a design type you do not see anymore
• Has a lot of uniqueness and quirks
• Highly tuneable
• Reasonably highly effective engine
• Lots of retro nostalgia
• Rare on the roads

According to Fuel Economy.gov, the 1989 Merkur XR4TI may also obtain 19 mpg mixed. Now, that will not sound like quite a bit and does not evaluate to a number of the best gas mileage cars in 2024, however it is a turbocharged efficiency hatchback with a great deal of potential that was constructed 35 years in the past. The Merkur XR4TI did not have a protracted shelf-life within the Nineteen Eighties, however in the present day, it may be seemed again on as a singular automobile that was designed to be pushed and owned in its personal method and appreciated now as a cool Nineteen Eighties throwback.