The Aerodynamic Gamble
In 1982, Ford took a massive risk. They replaced the boxy, best-selling Cortina with a car that looked like a spaceship. The Ford Sierra had a drag coefficient of just 0.34. It featured flush headlights, integrated bumpers, and a bizarre "double-spoiler" on the sporty XR4i model. The public was horrified. Sales were slow. But as competitors scrambled to copy the aerodynamic efficiency, the Sierra eventually became a sales juggernaut, proving that Ford had seen the future before anyone else.
When you browse the Sierra listings on Hugegarage, you are seeing the birth of modern car design. Before the Sierra, cars were bricks. After the Sierra, cars were slippery. For American readers, this car is familiar as the Merkur XR4Ti, a captive import sold by Lincoln Mercury dealers in an attempt to fight BMW.
The "Whale Tail": The Sierra Cosworth is famous for its massive rear wing. It wasn't just for show; it generated genuine downforce at 150 MPH, essential for the touring car racing versions.
The Legend: Sierra RS Cosworth
The Sierra is best known for its performance variants.
- RS Cosworth (1986)
- Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Cosworth YB).
Specs: 204 HP. Rear-wheel drive.
The Look: The famous "Whale Tail" spoiler and aggressive vents. - RS500 Cosworth (1987)
- The Unicorn. Only 500 were made to homologate the car for racing. It featured a larger turbo, an extra fuel rail, and 224 HP (tunable to 500+ HP easily).
- Sapphire Cosworth 4x4
- A more subtle sedan version with four-wheel drive. It was the "executive express" that could outrun Ferraris in the rain.
The American Cousin: Merkur XR4Ti
In the USA, the Sierra XR4i was re-engineered and sold as the Merkur XR4Ti (1985-1989).
The Difference: Instead of the V6 used in Europe, the Merkur got the 2.3L Turbo engine from the Mustang SVO/Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. It is a fantastic, misunderstood car that failed due to confusing marketing and a difficult-to-pronounce name ("Mare-Coor").
Common Issues & Maintenance
1. Rust (Rear Arches)
The Sierra rots aggressively around the rear suspension mounts and wheel arches. A clean shell is rare.
2. Cracked Dashboards
The plastic dashboard cracks in the sun, especially around the instrument binnacle.
3. Cosworth Maintenance
The YB engine is legendary but requires meticulous care. Cam belts must be changed strictly, and high-quality oil is non-negotiable.
Conclusion: The Touring Car King
The Ford Sierra dominated the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and rallying for years. Today, a genuine RS500 is a six-figure collector car. Even a standard Sierra is a rising classic, representing the moment the automotive world stopped being square. Explore the specs below.