The Rise and Fall of Ford's Sierra RS Cosworth and Merkur XR4 Ti
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- By Dushyant
- (@dishs)
In this Hagerty video, we dive into the tale of the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, a car that never graced American roads - well, almost. Enter the Merkur XR4 Ti, a turbocharged version of the Sierra that did make it across the pond. Despite its drag race wins and positive reviews, the XR4 Ti faced a harsh reality - lackluster sales due to dealership blunders. It's a classic case of a great car being let down by poor marketing and customer experience.
Meanwhile, the Sierra RS Cosworth, often hailed as better than a Ferrari, was a force to be reckoned with on the track. Winning races left and right, this beast even got itself banned for being too darn good. Originally designed as a replacement for the Cortina, the Sierra's aerodynamic design and impressive performance turned heads across Europe. However, Ford struggled to match the profits of competitors like BMW and Audi, leading to a shift in strategy under the leadership of the legendary Bob Lutz.
Lutz's brainchild, the Merkur brand, aimed to export European Fords to the US, with the XR4 Ti being a standout model. Despite its superior performance and rave reviews from publications like Car and Driver, the XR4 Ti failed to make a mark in the American market. The dealership debacle, where the car ended up in the wrong hands, ultimately led to the demise of the Merkur brand in 1989. It's a cautionary tale of how even the best cars can falter in the face of poor marketing and distribution strategies.
Image copyright Youtube
Image copyright Youtube
Image copyright Youtube
Image copyright Youtube
Watch Merkur XR4Ti and Ford Sierra RS Cosworth: Ford's Most Perfect Mistake — Revelations w/ Jason Cammisa on Youtube
Viewer Reactions for Merkur XR4Ti and Ford Sierra RS Cosworth: Ford's Most Perfect Mistake — Revelations w/ Jason Cammisa
Viewers appreciate the high production quality and insightful content of the videos
Many have personal stories and memories related to owning or experiencing the XR4Ti and RS Cosworth
Some viewers express nostalgia for the cars from their youth
There is a mix of admiration and criticism for Ford's decisions regarding the XR4Ti and RS Cosworth
Comments on the rarity and value of the Cosworth models, especially the RS500
Requests for future episodes on related Ford models like the Viper and Escort XR3i
Mention of specific features of the cars, such as the rear end handling and turbo driving sound
Anecdotes about the cars being stolen or unique experiences driving them
Appreciation for the host, Jason Cammisa, and his expertise in automotive journalism
Comparisons between the XR4Ti and other Ford models, as well as discussions on Ford's historical decisions and missed opportunities
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