Merkur XR4Ti is a performance-oriented 3-door hatchback sold in North America from 1985 to 1989.
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10 Facts About Merkur XR4Ti
2.
The Merkur XR4Ti project was championed by Ford vice president Bob Lutz.
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3.
Merkur XR4Ti was the last vehicle imported by Ford into North America from Germany until 2016, when the Ford Focus RS was introduced.
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4.
Merkur XR4Ti kept the 3-door semi-notchback hatchback body style of the XR4i, including the European version's triple side-window profile and bi-plane rear spoiler.
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5.
The Merkur XR4Ti engine received a Garrett AiResearch turbocharger, fuel-injection and Ford's EEC-IV engine control unit.
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6.
Merkur XR4Ti arrived on the market with an extensive list of standard and optional equipment.
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7.
In 1986, Eggenberger Motorsport was among the few to use an Merkur XR4Ti to compete in the European Touring Car Championship and the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft with positive results.
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8.
Ford used technical feedback from the teams racing the Merkur XR4Ti to develop the 1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, which first appeared on race tracks in 1987 and was superseded in mid-1987 by the Ford Sierra RS500.
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9.
Some body panels used to stiffen the Sierra chassis and create the Merkur XR4Ti shell were subsequently branded 909 Motorsport parts for later adaptation to a Sierra shell.
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10.
Many see the successes and failures of the Merkur XR4Ti as being the blueprint for success of the dominant RS500 Sierras.
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