The 1986 Merkur XR4Ti is a classic three-door performance hatchback imported from West Germany by Ford Motor Company. It was sold exclusively through North American Lincoln-Mercury dealerships to compete directly against premium European sports sedans like the BMW 3 Series. The car was essentially a federalized version of the European Ford Sierra XR4i, custom-tailored with a unique powertrain for the American market.
Performance & Engine Specs
- Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder
- Power Output: 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque mated to a 5-speed Type 9 manual transmission or 145 hp mated to a 3-speed c3 automatic transmission.
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in approximately 8 seconds
Distinct Design Features
The 1986 model is famous for its avant-garde styling, built under contract by the famous German coachbuilder Karmann.
- Biplane Rear Spoiler: Its most polarizing and recognizable feature is the functional twin rear wings mounted to the rear glass.
- Aerodynamic Body Cladding: Wrapped in thick, dark grey lower-body polyurethane side panels that contrasted against the upper paint.
- 1986 Specific Updates: : The 1986 model year received minor tweaks, including revised interior pedal spacing and a newly mandated Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) integrated into the lower tier of the rear spoiler.
