Merkur XR4Ti

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a Merkur XR4Ti at a car show

1985 Merkur XR4Ti

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 Ford Lima 2.3 L 4-cylinder SOHC engine and independent rear suspension and stylistically by its large bi-plane spoiler. It came with either the C3 3-speed automatic transmission or the T-9 5-speed manual transmission. 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.

Radio personality Jim Rome owned a Merkur and discusses it frequently on his show. The behind-the-scenes personnel on his show are referred to as "The XR4Ti Crew."