Ford Sierra

Ford Sierra five-door hatchback (1982-1986)

The Ford Sierra (project name "Toni" ) is a car model of the car manufacturer Ford The midsize vehicle was the successor to the Ford Taunus in Germany or the Ford Cortina in England.

In his presentation took place on September 30, 1982 at the Paris Salon, the aerodynamic design ensured ( Cd value: 0.34 ) and the hatchback, designed by Uwe Bahnsen car quite a stir. The engines and transmissions were similar to those of its predecessor, but the rear axle with independent wheel suspension on trailing arms was new. As the Taunus TC, the Sierra was driven by the rear wheels.

Between summer 1982 and spring 1993, a total of 2.7005 million copies in Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, South Africa, Venezuela, Argentina and New Zealand were produced in two model lines.

Sierra '82 (1982-1986)

Initially, only the five-door hatchback was (also called "Aero- tail " ) on offer. In December 1982, followed by the combined tournament (or traveler ). For the Sierra in Germany were initially six engines ( petrol and diesel engines from 1.6 to 2.3 l capacity ) and four trim levels to choose from ( Sierra, Sierra L, GL and Sierra Sierra Ghia ). In order to accommodate the diesel engine, this version was equipped with a hump on the engine deck lid.

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1983 before Ford introduced the sporty three-door and exclusively Sierra XR4i. Its engine had a displacement of 2.8 liters and made 110 kW ( 150 hp).

In August 1983, the range was expanded to include more civilian three-door hatchback version, because at the time the demand was still relatively large. However, were the Sierra " coupe " (as he was referred to unofficially ) 1.6 -liter and 2.0 - liter four- cylinder petrol engines and 2.3 diesel engine in the basic equipment and as L available.

As a new entry-level variant of the Sierra laser was introduced in April 1984, who took over the engines of the Sierra L. It was available as a three - and five-door hatchback and station wagon. In October 1984, a new 1.6 - liter engine with Weber carburetors register was introduced, the power remained about the same, the consumption decreased, however, and the acceleration was slightly improved.

In March 1985, all models received the wide headlights and the united front (except laser and diesel) that were previously reserved for only the Ghia and the XR4i. At the same time it was shown at the Geneva Motor Show the Sierra RS Cosworth. In addition, also athletic -inspired Sierra was added 2.0 i S, the unit made ​​85 kW (115 hp). Its chassis came from the XR4i. Again, this was to be had as a three - and five-door hatchback. Also, now accounted for but the very sparse base - model, which was replaced by the revised Sierra laser.

In September 1985, a four-wheel drive model as Sierra XR4 × 4 on the market, who took over the role of XR4i as a sporty version of the range, as opposed to this but only five doors and is also produced as a tournament from the beginning of 1986.

Also in early 1986 began series production of the Cosworth models. Its 2.0 -liter engine had an additional turbocharger, the power to 150 kW ( 204 hp) raised. Its production was limited to 6000 copies, which made him quickly become a collector's item. (As of March 2013) for a Sierra Cosworth in the first series prizes of up to € 30,000 can be specified.

In December 1986, Ford ended production of the Sierra in '82. The Cosworth, however, was still produced until the end of 1987.

Ford Sierra Tournament (1982-1986)

Ford Sierra three-door (1983-1986)

Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (1986-1987)

Sierra '87 ( 1987-1990)

In January 1987, the Sierra was at the front and rear replaced ( except in the tournament ) and designed in the style of the Scorpio '85. The hood was now further into the bumper. The interior underwent several revisions, as other door panels were installed, for example. In addition, Ford added the series to a classic notchback. The facilities were now called CL, GL, Ghia, S and XR4 × 4 An electronic ABS system was now standard equipment on all versions.

In late 1987, a new Sierra Cosworth from the basis of the new generation was introduced in the road version still has a 2.0 - liter four- cylinder turbo engine and 150 kW ( 204 hp) decreed as race version but now made ​​around 300 hp.

As of April 1988, the sale with the special model Finesse was also boosted, as it possessed as standard with a five-speed manual transmission. From the special model, the LX equipment was derived later. In addition, the new 2.9 i replaced with 107 kW ( 145 hp ) to the already refurbished ( so-called Ford Cologne engine) 2.8 -liter V6 from the XR4i and XR4 × 4 off. A 1.8 - liter turbo diesel engine with 1753 cc and 55 kW (75 hp) was available in the United Kingdom and other small European countries from October 1988.

Mid-1989, a newly developed 2.0 -liter DOHC 8- valve engine with 88 kW (120 hp) was introduced simultaneously with the Scorpio in the Sierra. This engine there was for the equipment lines LX, GL and Ghia. In addition to this version with G- Kat, there was at least on the brochure also a version with carburetor and U- Kat, which contributed 77 kW (105 hp). Because of the impending tightening of emission laws, this may have been but probably not introduced at least in Germany or has reached any significant quantities. The 2.0 -liter OHC engine remained in the program and was significantly cheaper. He performed with G- Kat but only 74 kW ( 100 hp ) instead of the previous 85 kW (115 hp).

For the DOHC V6 and the newly developed MT75 was introduced, in which also the reverse gear is synchronized and by another shift pattern ( reverse gear, rear right instead of left front) is easily distinguished from its predecessor. The remaining engines retained their previous transmission.

Ford Sierra five-door hatchback (1987-1990)

Ford Sierra Hatchback (1987-1990)

Ford Sierra Tournament (1987-1990)

Sierra '90 (1990-1993 )

In March 1990 there was another facelift for the Sierra, which could be seen on the front white turn signal lenses, black and darkened tail lights and the grille of the Sierra Sapphire British. For gasoline engines, a controlled catalyst was now series. The 1.8 - liter turbo diesel engine with 55 kW (75 hp) was now available in Germany and Austria and now had an oxidation catalyst, while the 2.3 -liter swirl chamber diesel was only available for the wagon in some markets. The facilities were again reorganized, henceforth they were called CL, LX / CLX / sapphire, GL / Bright, Ghia, GT, XR4i (not the predecessor from 1983 to confuse ) and Cosworth (now with all-wheel drive ). ABS was now available on all versions.

After the vacation was followed in September 1991, the last slight revision, which differed by the new bumpers and a modified dashboard and Escort-/Scorpio-Schaltern.

The 2.0 -liter DOHC now made ​​85 kW (115 hp). This restriction was a consequence of that power levels of car liability insurance. It was achieved by a so-called reduced Restriktoraufsatz (air flow for forming the mixture ). The dismantling to get the full 88 kW (120 PS), was possible simply by dismantling. This motor in there as well XR4i.

In February 1993, the last Sierra left the production facility. Successor was the front-wheel drive Ford Mondeo.

Rear view

Ford Sierra Hatchback (1990-1993)

Ford Sierra Tournament (1990-1993)

Interior of a Sierra CLX

Sierra XR4i ( 1983-1985)

The Sierra XR4i was presented in March 1983 at the Geneva Motor Show.

The derived from the production model sports coupe was equipped with the so-called Cologne V6 cast iron engine with Bosch K -Jetronic, 2772 cc displacement and an output of 110 kW ( 150 hp). The same used in XR4i engine developed in the Ford Capri with a different exhaust system 160 hp. The top speed was 211 km / h and the Sierra accelerated from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.4 seconds. Some tuner offered in Germany for the XR4i turbine sets, which lifted the power up to 155 kW (211 hp). These kits are in part still available.

The first Sierra XR4i should replace the Capri as a sports coupe. This was Ford but not because the XR4i was not recognized as a separate Sport model and a more extensive advertising campaign in the new middle class segment seemed too risky. The other obstacle to the sale was the base price of 29,050 DM initially and its proximity to the established pricing and direct competitors BMW 323i, the Mercedes 190 E 2.3 and the Audi 80 Quattro. Moreover, there was from 31,000 DM already a Porsche 924

However, the XR4i was homologated in the year of its appearance as XR4Ti in motorsport.

Externally the XR4i difference in his sportsmanship shown clearly aware of other Sierra variants. With gray colored wheel arch trims, plastic planks of the A to C pillar, 5 1/2x14 " alloy wheels ( the so-called cheese hole rims) with 195/60er tires, dual rear spoiler ( from prototype sample 3, characterized improved pressure on the driven rear axle ) provided, he followed then the stylistic trends of the early 1980s, sports sedans with spoilers and sills optical upgrades. A completely red trim should emphasize the sporting look of the XR4i sustainable. way, also presented red enclosed cockpit, door and side panels, as well as the shift knob the five-speed gearbox. were during front ventilated disc brakes mounted sided rear drum brakes enlarged their service, so that the brake system tended especially in damp roads to over-braking the rear axle.

Between March 1983 and September 1985 almost 29,400 units were produced before the XR 4 × 4 's succeeded him with permanent four-wheel drive in an optically milder version until the fall of 1986.

Sierra XR4i (1990-1993 )

A successor model ( also called XR4i ) was offered in the spring of 1990 and was in contrast to the eponymous predecessor, a visually unobtrusive variant in an emaciated Ghia equipment. This XR4i was equipped with heated windscreen, electric windows, comfortable interior, fog lights, rear spoiler and bumpers in body color with double headlights and high beam.

As standard, the two-liter 4-cylinder DOHC with initially 88 kW (120 hp) and later 85 kW ( 115 hp) was installed. He gave it acceleration from 0-100 km / h in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 190 km / h

An addition derived from XR4i special model called GT yet been introduced in September 1991, which was based on the equipment CLX / sapphire. It was available in all body styles. However, the Sierra GT had some new features, such as integrated head restraints in the rear seat, 14-inch aluminum wheels, velor furnishings and a modified rear spoiler. In addition, the Sierra GT led the last time a new emblem on the rear end.

The production of the last XR4i GT and ended as the other Sierra variants in February 1993.

P100 (1987-1992)

Already the English sister model of the Taunus predecessor, the Ford Cortina, a P100 -called pickup was built on the basis of the two-door sedan in South Africa. This was imported to some countries in Europe.

After Ford had but retired in 1987 from South Africa, was developed on the base of the Sierra '87 a new pickup model. Here, next to the Sierra, parts of the transit were used. With a gross vehicle weight of 2440 kg, the payload was up to about one ton at a bed length of 2130 mm.

The P100 was the Ford Pinto engine with 1954 cc and 57 kW ( 78 hp), the here but had a lower compression and less torque. Furthermore, a new 1753 cc turbo diesel engine with 55 kW (75 hp) was available. In parallel with the Sierra also received the P100, the modernization of the beginning of 1990 and end of 1991.

The P100 was built from October 1987 to December 1992 in Portugal.

Rear view

Success in motor sport

Particular achieved fame in the Sierra by numerous rally and especially touring car wins ( DTM, European and World Championships, BTCC ) the models XR4Ti Sierra, Sierra 4 × 4 and Sierra Cosworth RS. Endpoint of sporting success in 1987 was the start-finish victory in the 24 -hour race at the Nürburgring in 1988 and winning the DTM with the RS 500 with Klaus Ludwig.

Model development and motors

The official name of the series from Ford:

• Construction period: 08/1982-12/1986
• Presentation in September 1982 as a five-door hatchback ( "Aero Tail " ) and in December as a combination with the name of the tournament. The three-door followed in August 1983.
• Sport and four-wheel models and the equipment variant " Ghia " with closed condenser aperture and wider headlamps (from March 1985 on all models)
• Race car variant Cosworth as a street version with 150 kW ( 204 hp ) from January 1986.

• Construction period: 01/1987-02/1990
• New front and new rear end (except station wagon)
• Redesigned interior, including new door trims
• As notchback

• Construction period: 03/1990-02/1993
• White indicators front and black rear taillights
• Grill the British Sierra Sapphire
• Again slightly modified cockpit

The Sierra abroad

In South Africa, the Sierra was also sold with a 5.0 - liter V8 engine as the Sierra XR8. The unit came from the Ford Mustang and developed an output of 150 kW ( 204 hp) at 4800 rpm and a torque of 330 Nm at 3400 rpm. From the Sierra XR8 only 250 pieces were built exclusively in 1984. In addition, there was a XR6 with 3- liter " Essex " engine, which was also offered in the less athletic comfort GLX version 3.0 and later, as a cheaper 3.0 LX.

Although the model range of the European Ford -Werke was uniform in the introduction in September 1982, but was made for the UK market concessions. So where it disappeared after the first revision in January 1987, the three-door hatchback from the program. The sedan was sold as the Sierra Sapphire, which already bore the grille of the made ​​in March 1990 facelifts. In this review of the Sapphire corresponded to the German models again, but the old front was retained when hatchback and the station wagon.

In the USA and Canada was exported from the summer of 1984 until the end of 1989, the only three-door XR4i as Merkur XR4Ti and sold there over Lincoln - Mercury dealer, just as you had previously been practicing with the Capri. Merkur XR4Ti was manufactured by Karmann in Rheine. He had a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 208 hp and 5 -speed manual transmission and 170 hp with 3- speed automatic, which there was in the United States including in the Mustang and Thunderbird.

Additionally, there was from May 1987 to the summer of 1990 a Merkur Scorpio with the 108 kW (147 hp) 2.9 -liter V6, but the bad recording took place on the U.S. market.

A total of 64 238 Mercury were sold in North America, of which about 90 % to denXR4Ti.