• Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

The Ford Sierra is a car produced by Ford between 1982 and 1993. It is the successor to the European Taunus (Ford Cortina in the UK) and is itself replaced by the Mondeo.

At the time, the style of a certain Patrick signed the Quꮥnt seduced and sales were not slow to take off. In total 3.4 million Sierra were made, mainly in Germany, in Belgium (Genk precisely with 2.75 million units), the United Kingdom, Argentina, South Africa…

Sierra has a fairly wide range of finishes that can be found on the four phases of production (denoted Mk1, Mk2, Mk3 and Mk4). To complicate matters, some finishes have not received some engines. These finishes are relatively numerous: Standard, Laser, C, L, CL, GT, CLX, GLS, GL, S, Coupe, Ghia To top it off, these finishes do not apply to sports models. The finishes are distinguished by the options available to them. The Sierra is available in 5-door (hatchback), 3 doors (S – or Coupe – XR Cosworth for France, L, GL, CL, 3 doors not imported), 4 doors (silhouette sedan), wagon and pick-up (Sierra P100).

Unlike most of its competitors, it is the rear wheels are driven on the Sierra (except Cosworth 4×4, sedan 4 doors, hatchback version XR4x4-and CLX-4×4-4-door sedan or wagon-). Until 1989, Sierra were equipped with N-type transmission from the Cortina, and it was replaced by the MT75 (on V6 and DOHC). There are also independent supensions and drum brakes at the rear (except models with ABS and sports equipped with four disc brakes)

The CMB (called “Pinto”): The most accurate driver of all Sierra range over the years. First introduced in the UK in 1970 in Cortina Pinto engine was a cheap distribution toothed belt. This engine was installed in millions of vehicles mainly in Europe, whether in the Escort RS2000, the Taunus/Cortina, Sierra, Granada, the Scorpio, the Capri or Transit. Initially available in 1.3, 1.6, 1.8 and 2 liters, the Pinto was removed from the range to progressively as unable to meet the new emissions standards come into effect in the 1990s. Ford has decided that the Pinto had his time. 1.3 disappeared first (anyway it was never really suited to a car the size of the Sierra although this model was announced at 975 pounds) followed by 1.8 in 1987 (replaced by CVH) then 2.0, replaced by a new engine dual overhead cam 8 valves in April 1989 (the Twincam/DOHC). 1.6 finally disappeared at the end of 1991 with the introduction of the 1.6 CVH.

The CVH: mounted in the Sierra version 1.6 (after 1991) and version 1.8 (from 1987). First introduced in the UK in the early 1980s, the CVH has found its way under the hood of a Ford Traction: Escort that used versions 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6. The Fiesta Also used version 1.3 and 1.6 at first, then version 1.4 on the next generation. CVH is derived from the Pinto, but using an aluminum alloy cylinder head and a block of cast iron steel cylinders.

DOHC: serving in Sierra 2.0 in 1989 to replace the 2.0 Pinto. It is available in version carburetor and injection. It is an engine both efficient and economical. The two camshafts are driven by a chain which is designed (according to Ford) to last the life of the engine. However, a string can s Wear and require replacement but some engines can easily reach 250 000km without changing. The DOHC is often considered one of the best engines ever made by mass Ford for the European market.

The Cologne V6: the first ad Cologne mounted in versions 2.0 and 2.3 on Sierra mk1 then later on the 2.8-liter models and XR4i XR4x4. Reworked in the late 1980s to give it a better low-end torque, it has gained increased displacement to 2.9 and then brought a change in the design of the cylinder head, but at the expense of A car behavior less “manly” like was 2.8.

Launched in July 1986, the RS Cosworth designed by EVS group (Special Vehicle Engineering) Ford, was made in Belgium in Genk, only 5545 units. A 2-liter DOHC, powered by a Garrett T3 turbo, sends 204hp to the rear wheels.

The new Cosworth based on the Sierra Sapphire, appeared in 1988 and was produced in 11 000 copies. In 1990, the fate Cosworth 4×4 produced 9250 copies and whose power is slightly higher (220hp). The latter has, in addition to all-wheel drive, a more comprehensive standard equipment for both comfort (leather upholstery, etc.) for security.

Sierra XR4i, released in 1983, is equipped with the Cologne V6 2.8 of Capri vitamin slightly to 150hp. It exists only 3-door version. His unique style, including double spoiler, was also considered avant-garde.

In 1985, XR4x4 appears, but this time 5-door version (the 3-door version is not imported). It will be equipped with the same engine as the XR4i, namely the 2.8i V6, then in 1988 by the new 2.9i V6. Finally in 1990 it is available with the 2.0i 4-cylinder DOHC.

XR4x4i 25 941 copies were produced with the engine 2.8i, 18 599 copies with the 2.9i and 1871 copies with 2.0i. Source: http://www.fordpower.org.uk/nik/history.html

The United States and Canada, the Sierra was sold by Merkur (a subsidiary of Ford specializing in importing and Scorpio Ford Sierra in the late 1980s) as the XR4Ti (Sierra name has never was used). Ford hoped to sell its European models in the North American market through Mercury but it did not work and the Mercury brand has since ceased to exist. The XR4Ti is powered by a 2.3 OHC Turbo 175hp (145hp in box automatic), which distinguished it from its European version with the 2.8 V6. Despite its commercial failure, the XR4Ti figured in the “Ten Best list” of Car and Driver in 1985.

The P100 is a Sierra Mk2 (the only difference being that the grille is a grid) turned into pick-up. Models sold in France are mounted with 1.8 TD (turbo diesel), while in other countries it can be found with the 2-liter Pinto carburetor. The chassis is not that of the Sierra but the Ford Transit.

This model was produced between 1984 and 1991 in South Africa. There are two models Mk1 XR6, both equipped with the 3.0 V6 “Essex”: The first classic version reaching 203km/h, and a model bi-turbo reaching 231km/h. In 1989, Sierra South African followed the European movement with two years apart and underwent a small facelift to give the Mk2 XR6. Finally, in 1991 appeared the 3.0i RS XR6.

In order to compete with European sports in South African races, the XR6 V6 was replaced by a 5-liter V8 with 205hp: the XR8 was born. Produced only 250 copies extremely rare, the XR8, as the XR6 is available in 5-door and has a bi-plane wing as XR4i.

This is a Sierra RS 224hp instead of the original 204, as amended by Tickford, which was produced in only 500 copies in 1987. Changes concern the engine block, including injection, turbo (a Garrett T4) and intercooler, but also brakes, suspensions and a few changes on the front bumper and spoiler (for better air flow in the engine compartment). The RS 500 is available in three colors: white, black or Blue Moonstone. It is on this muscular model is based a lot of Sierra dedicated to the race. The power of these racing models could reach 500 to 700hp.

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