Model Page

Ford Sierra XR4i

Production Run:

25,662

Production Date:

1983 - 1985

Engine:

Ford Cologne 2.8i V6

Built:

Ghenk (Belgium)

0-60:

7.8 Secs

Max Speed:

130 Mph

The Sierra XR4i was introduced in 1983 as the performance variant of the newly introduced Sierra, with flamboyant styling and a 2.8 V6 engine taken from the Capri the car was an admirable performer and provided safe predictable handling. Over its brief two year production run 25,662 cars were manufactured before it was discontinued and replaced with the significantly improved XR4x4.

Sierra XR4i

Sierra XR4i

The XR4i had been scheduled to replace the Capri 2.8 Injection in late 1982 and it was hoped that the XR4 would give a much needed halo effect to the lesser models. It became clear that the Sierra XR4i project had encountered major problems. Initially the car was destined to be fitted with a 2.3 injected version of the Cologne V6, prototypes had proved the car to be too slow and so engineers reverted back to the 2.8 Injected thus wasting 6 months of development time. The XR4i was planned to use the 2.8 Injected engine and five speed gearbox until 1988 when the unit was to be phased out in favour of the new 2.9i engine and gearbox.

The engine was a 2,792cc evolution of the Cologne V6 overhead valve pushrod engine fitted with Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection. In the Sierra the car generate 150bhp @ 5,700 rpm and 162 lb/ft @ 4,300 rpm, this was 10 bhp less than in the equivalent Capri, the drop in horsepower being attributed to the XR4i not benefiting from a dual exhaust.

2.8 Cologne V6

2.8 Cologne V6

The front suspension used MacPherson struts with coil springs and integral shock absorber with Bilstein Strut insert, as with base model Sierra’s the car was fitted with an anti-roll bar this being of a larger diameter than on the standard Sierra models. The car was fitted with independent rear suspension with progressive rate coil springs, telescopic gas filled shock absorbers, semi trailing arms and an anti roll bar.

The Sierra XR4i was fitted with a unique 3 door body shell (costing millions of pounds in additional tooling), behind the front doors the XR4i was fitted with two rear windows, the rear quarter window was fixed with the second window being of the opening variety. The shell incorporated further aerodynamic tweaks including aerodynamic polycarbonate body mouldings along the side and a twin wing rear spoiler made from glass filled Nylon, this being mounted on the tailgate. The spoiler increased the cars stability in cross winds and reduced rear end lift, these modifications helped to improve the drag co-efficient of the XR4i to 0.32, down from the 0.34 of the standard Sierra.

The model was fitted with ventilated front discs coupled with rear drum units, the braking efficiency was improved with the addition of vacuum servo assistance. Power steering unlike its Capri Injection cousin was an optional extra. The car was fitted with 5.5” x 15” alloy wheels fitted with 195/60 VR15 wheels, these being narrower than tyres fitted to over similar performance Fords for the aerodynamic benefits.

Rear of the XR4i

Rear of the XR4i

The Sierra XR4i featured many standard fit items including sports seats, stereo with electronically retracting aerial, electric adjustable heated mirrors, height adjustable drivers seats, electronic boot release and a graphic module included in the dashboard that indicated issues with the car including bulb failure and low temperature warnings. From September of 1984 central locking, electric front windows, tilt and slid glass sunroof and tinted windows became standard fit. At this time a deeper shade of red was chosen for the bumper and body moulding inserts, the red striping was removed from the dashboard, steering wheel and gear knob.

Manufacture of the car began in Ford’s Ghenk factory in Belgium in February of 1983 and the car went on sale in May 1983 at a cost of £9,170. Production lasted little over two years with the car having poor sales, in fact the XR4i was outsold comprehensively by the aging Capri Injection that was developed by comparison on a shoestring. The car was eventually discontinued in 1985, replaced by the four wheel drive Sierra XR4x4.

The Facts

Engine:

Ford Cologne V6 @ 60 Degrees

Capacity:

2,792cc

Valves:

12

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1

Fuel System:

Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection

Maximum Power:

150bhp @ 5,700 rpm.

Maximum Torque:

162lb/ft @ 4,300 rpm.

Transmission:

Manual 5 speed.

Top Gear:

25.7 Mph per 1000 rpm.

Brakes:

Servo Assisted ventilated front discs / rear drums

Kerb Weight:

1,400 Kg

Max Speed:

130 mph

0-60:

7.8 secs