As you gaze upon the XR4Ti’s sleek design, reminiscent of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, it’s hard not to wonder what made this car tick. Its turbocharged engine packed a punch, but was it enough to save it from its commercial demise?
The answer lies in its best and worst years, a tale of triumph and failure that’s as intriguing as it is instructive.
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Key Takeaways
- The 1987 Merkur XR4Ti with a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive is considered the best year, with a low price of around $600.
- The 1986 model year saw a decrease in power output to 145 horsepower due to reduced turbocharger boost.
- The 1989 model year had minimal updates, leading to criticism of the model year’s lack of significant performance upgrades or refinements to the turbocharger.
- The inaugural 1985 model year set the tone for subsequent model years, with a mix of significant updates, limited options, and minor tweaks.
- The Merkur XR4Ti’s worst years were 1988 and 1989 due to lackluster sales, leading to Ford’s decision to discontinue the model.
Unique Design and Features
When you approach the XR4Ti, its unique design features immediately grab your attention.
The biplane wing on the rear deck and gray plastic cladding on the lower body create a futuristic look.
You’ll notice the Euro headlamps, which were a distinctive feature in the North American market.
The XR4Ti’s 3-door semi-notchback hatchback body and triple side-window profile were influenced by the 1981 Ford Probe III Concept.
The car’s matte grey polycarbonate anti-abrasion panels add to its unique appearance, making it stand out from other vehicles of its era.
Turbocharged Engine and Performance
Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine that packs a punch. This fuel-injected engine features a cast-iron block and head with 2 valves per cylinder and a single overhead cam driven by a timing belt. The Garrett AiResearch turbocharger provides an extra boost.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Horsepower (Automatic) | 145 |
| Horsepower (Manual) | |
| 0-60 mph Time | 7.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 125 mph |
With this powerful engine, you can expect a thrilling ride.
Soft Suspension and Handling
You’ll find the Merkur XR4Ti’s suspension is designed with comfort in mind, prioritizing the absorption of bumps on North American roads over agile handling.
The MacPherson struts, lower lateral links, and concentric coil springs at the front, and semi-trailing arms with coil springs at the rear, contribute to the XR4Ti’s soft suspension.
Even with a rear anti-roll bar, the car’s handling is criticized for not being sporty enough.
Racing legend Jackie Stewart’s input didn’t overcome the XR4Ti’s soft suspension, leading to complaints from owners and journalists about its handling.
Limited Options and Updates
As you delve into the XR4Ti’s production run, you’ll find that it received minimal updates, with no significant performance upgrades or refinements to the turbocharger.
You’ll also notice that it remained largely unchanged, with no major revisions or updates.
The limited updates will lead you to scrutinize the model year updates, turbocharger refinements, and suspension tweaks more closely.
Model Year Updates
The Merkur XR4Ti’s inaugural year set the tone for subsequent model years, which saw a mix of significant updates, limited options, and minor tweaks.
You’ll notice that the 1986 model year introduced a central high-mounted stop light and reduced the turbocharged engine’s boost pressure, resulting in a decrease in power output to 145 horsepower.
The following year saw no significant changes, but a limited edition twin-turbocharged Nissan VG30DETT V6 engine was offered.
Later model years, like the 1988 XR4Ti K2, introduced unique cosmetic features, while the final 1989 model year updates.
Turbocharger Refinements
How did the XR4Ti’s turbocharger evolve through refinements?
You’ll find that the XR4Ti’s turbocharger was refined through limited options and updates.
Particularly, Jack Roush experimented with smaller turbos and higher compression ratios to improve performance.
- The Garrett AiResearch turbocharger provided a maximum of 8-10psi, producing 145hp in automatic transmission-equipped cars.
- Roush’s experiments led to a brief period of 200 horsepower per cylinder, achieved through dyno testing.
- The Rapido aftermarket parts bumped the street car’s output to around 200 horsepower, offering a significant performance increase over the stock XR4Ti.
Suspension Tweaks
You’ll find the Merkur XR4Ti’s suspension to be a mixed bag of compromises, designed more for comfort than sporty handling.
The front suspension features MacPherson struts, lower lateral links, and concentric coil springs, while the rear suspension boasts semi-trailing arms with coil springs and a rear anti-roll bar.
Despite its limitations, the XR4Ti’s suspension is praised for its gratifying shifter and trace of lift-throttle oversteer, making it a decent handling car for its era.
However, its lack of racing-inspired suspension tweaks holds it back from reaching its full potential.
Special Editions and Conversions
Special editions and conversions boosted the Merkur XR4Ti’s performance and exclusivity.
You’d options like Roush, Rapido, and RC Consultants‘ special editions, which increased performance and handling.
- The XR4Ti K2 was a special edition featuring an all-white model, colored logos on the front fenders, and a roof-mounted ski rack.
- The Scorch XS was a one-off conversion featuring a twin-turbocharged Nissan VG30DETT V6 engine, priced at $50,000 to $55,000.
- The Scorch conversions were priced at $50,000 to $55,000, and the Scorch Prototype #001 was later upgraded with larger brakes and wheels.
Poor Sales and Reviews
The Merkur XR4Ti’s performance and exclusivity may have been boosted, but its sales and reviews told a different story.
You might expect a high-performance European import to generate buzz, but the Merkur XR4Ti failed to impress critics.
Reviews cited a rough idle, awkward ergonomics, and poor visibility.
As a result, you’ll find that the Merkur XR4Ti suffered from poor sales.
It’s a shame, given the XR4Ti’s impressive capabilities.
Despite its flaws, the Merkur XR4Ti remains an intriguing choice for enthusiasts.
Discontinued Production
As the Merkur XR4Ti‘s sales continued to disappoint, Ford made the inevitable decision to pull the plug.
You’re left wondering what led to the discontinued production of the XR4Ti.
- Low demand: The XR4Ti failed to gain traction in the market, leading to dwindling sales.
- Rising production costs: Ford struggled to keep production costs low, making the XR4Ti an unprofitable venture.
- Lack of brand recognition: The Merkur brand itself lacked recognition, making it difficult for the XR4Ti to gain a foothold.
Modifiable Nature and Tuning
How far can you push the XR4Ti’s performance envelope?
As a turbo car, its engine is robust and can handle increased tuning without compromising its integrity.
Roush and Rapido’s tuned versions showcased the XR4Ti’s potential, competing in Grand Prix events across America.
Today, the possibilities are endless, with enthusiasts exploring new upgrades.
You can swap in other turbos via the XR4Ti’s interchangeable parts, or bolt in a T5 manual gearbox from the Mustang, significantly improving performance and handling.
With the XR4Ti’s turbo flange, and manual transmission, the performance ceiling is virtually limitless.
Community and Resources
You’ll find a dedicated community of XR4Ti enthusiasts, driven by a passion for modifying and preserving these high-performance vehicles.
They’re a valuable resource for owners, offering guidance on maintenance, repair, and customization.
- Online forums, such as XR4Ti.org, provide a platform for discussion and knowledge sharing.
- Local car meets and shows bring enthusiasts together, fostering a sense of community.
- Specialized shops and mechanics, familiar with the Merkur XR4Ti, offer expert services and support.
Technical Data and Specifications
The Merkur XR4Ti’s turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine is the heart of this high-performance vehicle, boasting a cast-iron block, cast-iron cylinder head with 2 valves per cylinder, and a single overhead cam driven by a timing belt.
This fuel-injected engine produces 175 horsepower at 4400 rpm, with a maximum boost pressure of 12-15 psi from its Garrett AiResearch turbocharger.
You’ll have transmission options, including a standard 5-speed manual or an optional 3-speed automatic, which reduces output to 145 horsepower.
Motorsport and Racing
Edsel Ford’s persuasion led Jack Roush to ditch his Mercury Capris for XR4Tis in SCCA Trans-Am racing, a move that would yield significant results.
You might be surprised to know that Roush briefly extracted 200 horsepower per cylinder while experimenting at his 18 dynos in Livonia, Michigan.
Roush secured Merkur’s lone Trans-Am title in 1987, tuned versions produced by Roush and Rapido competed in Grand Prix events, and tuned versions were used as pace cars at the Detroit Grand Prix in 1986.
Legacy and Impact
As Jack Roush’s racing team celebrated its Trans-Am title, the Merkur XR4Ti’s marketing machine was already sputtering, its sales numbers as lackluster as a Detroit winter morning.
You can’t help but think that Ford’s decision to pull the plug was a mercy killing.
The Merkur XR4Ti’s legacy is cemented as a branding blunder, a commercial failure with fewer than 3000 units sold in 1989, compared to 120,000 Lincoln Town Cars sold the same year.
It’s a legacy that’s “too late for fruit, too soon for flowers,” a phrase that aptly summarizes the Merkur XR4Ti’s impact.
Problem Areas and Ignition Issues
You’re likely already aware that your XR4Ti’s ignition system is prone to issues, and you’re not alone.
Ignition problems can cause misfires, poor engine performance, and decreased fuel efficiency.
- Faulty ignition coils: Worn out or damaged coils can cause ignition issues, leading to poor engine performance and decreased fuel efficiency.
- Worn-out spark plugs: Failing spark plugs can cause misfires, leading to poor engine performance and decreased fuel efficiency.
- Clogged catalytic converters: Clogged converters can put excessive backpressure on the engine, causing ignition issues and poor engine performance.
Additionally, the automatic transmission may also be affected, leading to poor shifting and decreased overall performance.
Interchangeable Parts and Upgrades
Your XR4Ti’s limitations can be addressed with interchangeable parts and upgrades, opening up new possibilities for improved performance.
You can swap in a T5 transmission from a Mustang, providing a bolt-in upgrade for your transmission.
The turbo flange allows for other turbos to be installed, increasing the potential for more power without blowing up the engine.
Plus, the engine is strong and can handle increased power.
Head gaskets can be sorted out by relocating the TFI module, and brakes can be upgraded for better performance, with creative solutions for hubcentricity available for wheel upgrades.
Affordable Classic to Own
You can own a budget-friendly turbo car like the 1987 Merkur XR4Ti with a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive for around $600 in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.
As a collectible classic today, you’ll appreciate its dedicated community of enthusiasts who provide support and resources for maintenance, making it easier to own and maintain.
With its 2.3L turbocharged engine and wealth of online resources, you’ll find it’s an affordable classic to own and customize to your liking.
Budget-Friendly Turbo Car
The Merkur XR4Ti‘s turbocharged engine and manual transmission combination made it an attractive option for those seeking an affordable performance car.
With a price tag of around $600, you got a compact package with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine producing 175 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque.
- Reasonable power: The XR4Ti’s turbo allowed for reasonable oomph and nostalgic charm in one little retro package, despite not having face-melting speeds.
- Modification potential: The XR4Ti’s engine can be modified and tuned for increased power, making it a modern-day potential to increase performance specs nearly limitless.
- Retro package: The XR4Ti offered a unique and affordable classic to own, with a top speed of 125 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds.
Collectible Classic Today
Merkur’s XR4Ti has evolved into a coveted collector’s item, boasting a unique blend of nostalgic charm and turbocharged power.
If you’re looking for an affordable collectible classic, you can snag a 1987 model with manual transmission and rear-wheel drive for around $600.
As a rare find with low production numbers, the Merkur XR4Ti’s unique design and nostalgic charm make it a sought-after addition to any classic car collection.
With a dedicated community of enthusiasts and online resources, resolving problems is a breeze.
This collectible classic offers a unique combination of affordability, charm, and turbocharged power.
