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Welcome to Westernfordhcm, home of the iconic xr2 ford! Whether you're a long-time enthusiast, a new buyer looking for a thrilling ride, or just curious about the legendary XR2, we've got everything you need to know. This article will provide an in-depth look at the XR2's history, performance, design, and why it continues to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide.
I. Ford XR2 Evolution: A History of Hot Hatches
The Ford XR2 is a hot hatch that was produced by Ford from 1981 to 1989. It was based on the Ford Fiesta, and was available in three-door hatchback and five-door estate body styles. The XR2 was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 96 horsepower. It was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, and had a top speed of 112 mph.
The XR2 was a popular car, and was sold in over 100,000 units. It was particularly popular in the United Kingdom, where it was the best-selling hot hatch for several years. The XR2 was also successful in motorsport, winning the British Touring Car Championship in 1983 and 1984.
Year | Model | Engine | Power | Top Speed |
---|---|---|---|---|
1981 | XR2 | 1.6-liter four-cylinder | 96 horsepower | 112 mph |
1983 | XR2i | 1.6-liter four-cylinder | 105 horsepower | 115 mph |
1985 | XR2i 16v | 1.6-liter four-cylinder | 115 horsepower | 120 mph |
The XR2 was discontinued in 1989, but it remains a popular classic car. It is known for its sporty handling, lively performance, and affordable price. The XR2 is a true hot hatch icon, and it is still enjoyed by enthusiasts today.
- Ford Fiesta
- British Touring Car Championship
- Hot hatch
II. The Introduction of the XR2 in the 1980s
The Ford XR2 was a hot hatch produced by Ford Europe from 1981 to 1989. It was based on the Ford Escort Mk3 and was available in three- and five-door hatchback body styles. The XR2 was powered by a 1.6-liter CVH engine that produced 96 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. It was available with a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission.
The XR2 was a popular car in Europe, and it was also exported to other markets, including the United States. It was praised for its performance, handling, and affordability. However, it was also criticized for its lack of refinement and its poor fuel economy.
The XR2 was discontinued in 1989, but it remains a popular classic car today. It is often seen at car shows and track days, and it is still a popular choice for enthusiasts who want a fun and affordable hot hatch.
Year | Model | Engine | Power | Torque |
---|---|---|---|---|
1981 | XR2 | 1.6-liter CVH | 96 horsepower | 105 lb-ft |
1983 | XR2i | 1.6-liter CVH | 105 horsepower | 112 lb-ft |
1985 | XR2i 16v | 1.6-liter CVH | 132 horsepower | 118 lb-ft |
- The XR2 was based on the Ford Escort Mk3.
- It was available in three- and five-door hatchback body styles.
- It was powered by a 1.6-liter CVH engine.
- It was available with a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission.
- It was a popular car in Europe and was also exported to other markets, including the United States.
- It was praised for its performance, handling, and affordability.
- It was discontinued in 1989.
III. The XR2: A Rallying Success
The Ford XR2 was a performance-oriented version of the Ford Escort that was produced from 1981 to 1986. It was available in both three-door hatchback and five-door estate body styles, and was powered by a variety of four-cylinder engines. The XR2 was a popular choice for rally drivers, and won several major championships, including the World Rally Championship in 1981.
The XR2 was developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) division, and was based on the Escort RS1800. It featured a number of performance upgrades, including a more powerful engine, stiffer suspension, and larger brakes. The XR2 was also given a more aggressive appearance, with a new front grille, spoiler, and alloy wheels.
Year | Engine | Power | Torque |
---|---|---|---|
1981 | 1.6 L CVH | 105 PS (77 kW; 103 hp) | 133 N⋅m (98 lb⋅ft) |
1982 | 1.6 L CVH | 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) | 138 N⋅m (102 lb⋅ft) |
1983 | 1.6 L CVH | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) | 143 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) |
1984 | 1.6 L CVH | 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) | 148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) |
1985 | 1.6 L CVH | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) | 153 N⋅m (113 lb⋅ft) |
1986 | 1.6 L CVH | 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) | 158 N⋅m (117 lb⋅ft) |
The XR2 was a successful rally car, and won several major championships, including the World Rally Championship in 1981. It was also a popular choice for privateer drivers, and was used in a variety of motorsport events.
- The XR2 was a popular choice for rally drivers.
- The XR2 won several major championships, including the World Rally Championship in 1981.
- The XR2 was also a popular choice for privateer drivers.
The XR2 was discontinued in 1986, but it remains a popular classic car today. It is a reminder of Ford's successful rallying heritage, and is a testament to the skills of the SVE division.
If you are interested in learning more about the Ford XR2, you can visit the Ford XR2 website.
IV. Ford XR2 Legacy and Impact
The XR2's Impact on Ford's Reputation
The Ford XR2 was a small, sporty car produced by Ford from 1981 to 1986. It was based on the Ford Fiesta, but featured a number of performance enhancements, including a more powerful engine, stiffer suspension, and larger brakes. The XR2 was a critical and commercial success, and helped to establish Ford as a leader in the hot hatch market.The XR2's success was due in part to its combination of performance and affordability. It was one of the few cars on the market that offered both sporty handling and a comfortable ride. It was also relatively inexpensive, making it a good value for money.The XR2's success also helped to change Ford's image. Prior to the XR2, Ford was seen as a manufacturer of stodgy, family cars. The XR2 showed that Ford could also build exciting, sporty cars. This helped to attract a new generation of buyers to the Ford brand.
The XR2's Legacy
The Ford XR2 is still remembered today as one of the best hot hatches ever made. It was a car that was both fun to drive and affordable to own. It also helped to change Ford's image and attract a new generation of buyers to the brand.The XR2's legacy can be seen in the many hot hatches that have been produced since its introduction. These cars offer a combination of performance and affordability that is similar to the XR2. They also appeal to a similar type of buyer: those who want a car that is fun to drive but also practical and affordable.The Ford XR2 is a true classic car. It is a car that is still loved by enthusiasts today. It is also a car that helped to change the way that people think about Ford.
Year | Model | Engine | Power | Torque |
---|---|---|---|---|
1981 | XR2 | 1.6 L I4 | 105 hp | 105 lb-ft |
1983 | XR2i | 1.6 L I4 | 115 hp | 112 lb-ft |
1984 | XR2i 16V | 1.6 L I4 | 132 hp | 118 lb-ft |
- The Ford XR2 was produced from 1981 to 1986.
- It was based on the Ford Fiesta.
- It featured a number of performance enhancements, including a more powerful engine, stiffer suspension, and larger brakes.
- The XR2 was a critical and commercial success.
- It helped to establish Ford as a leader in the hot hatch market.
- The XR2's success also helped to change Ford's image.
- The XR2 is still remembered today as one of the best hot hatches ever made.
V. Current and Future of the XR2
The Ford XR2 is a hot hatch produced by Ford Europe from 1981 to 1989. It was based on the Ford Fiesta and was available in three-door hatchback and five-door estate body styles. The XR2 was powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four engine that produced 96 horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a five-speed manual transmission and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds. The XR2 was a popular car in Europe, and it was also exported to other markets, including the United States. Ford XR6
The XR2 was discontinued in 1989, but it remains a popular classic car today. It is known for its sporty handling, peppy engine, and stylish looks. The XR2 is also relatively affordable, making it a good choice for enthusiasts on a budget. Ford XLT
Model | Years | Body Styles |
---|---|---|
XR2 | 1981-1989 | Three-door hatchback, five-door estate |
- The XR2 was powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four engine.
- It was paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
- The XR2 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds.
The future of the XR2 is uncertain. Ford has not announced any plans to revive the nameplate, but there is a strong demand for classic XR2s among enthusiasts. It is possible that Ford could release a new XR2 in the future, but it is also possible that the nameplate will remain dormant. Ford X-Plan
Regardless of its future, the XR2 remains a popular classic car. It is a fun and affordable way to experience the thrill of driving a hot hatch. Ford XLT F150