XR3 Ford: An Iconic '90s Hot Hatch That Will Get You Excited

The xr3 ford is an iconic performance car that has captivated enthusiasts for decades. At Westernfordhcm, we're passionate about providing our customers with an unforgettable driving experience. The xr3 ford consistently delivers exceptional handling and exhilarating power, making it a thrill to behold both on and off the track. In this article, we will delve into the rich history, impressive features, and unmistakable legacy of the xr3 ford. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious novice, you'll discover why this iconic car remains a true force to be reckoned with.

I. Ford's XR3: A Performance Icon

Ford's XR3 was a performance version of the Ford Escort, produced from 1981 to 1990. It was available in hatchback and convertible body styles, and was powered by a variety of four-cylinder engines, ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters in displacement. The XR3 was a popular car among enthusiasts, thanks to its sporty handling and performance. It was also relatively affordable, making it a good choice for buyers who wanted a performance car without breaking the bank. The XR3 was discontinued in 1990, but it remains a popular classic car today. Below is an image of a Ford XR3

The XR3 was developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering team, and was based on the third-generation Escort. It was fitted with a number of performance-enhancing features, including a stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and a more powerful engine. The XR3 was also given a distinctive exterior design, with a body kit that included a front spoiler, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. The XR3 was a success for Ford, and helped to boost the Escort's sales. It was also a popular car among racing drivers, and was used in a number of different racing series.

• Ford XR3 2nd Generation, produced from 1983 to 1986
• Ford XR3 3rd Generation, produced from 1986 to 1990
• Ford XR3 MK1, powered by a 1.6-liter engine
• Ford XR3 MK2, powered by a 1.8-liter engine
• Ford XR3 MK3, powered by a 2.0-liter engine

The Ford XR3 is a classic car that is still popular today. Its sporty handling and performance make it a fun car to drive, and its affordable price makes it a good choice for buyers who want a performance car without breaking the bank. While the XR3 is a discontinued model, you can still find used XR3s for sale online and at car dealerships. If you are looking for a classic car that is both fun to drive and affordable, the Ford XR3 is a great option.

II. The Development of the XR3

Ford's XR3 was a high-performance variant of the Escort that was produced from 1981 to 1986. It was available as a three-door hatchback or a five-door estate and was powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four engine.

The XR3 was developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) division, and it was designed to be a more sporty and powerful version of the standard Escort. It featured a number of modifications, including a stiffer suspension, larger wheels and tires, and a more aggressive body kit.

The XR3's Engine and Performance

The XR3 was powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four engine that produced 115 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. It was mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The XR3's performance was impressive for its time. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds and had a top speed of 115 mph.

The XR3 was a popular car, and it helped to establish Ford as a leader in the hot hatch market. It was eventually replaced by the Escort RS Cosworth, but it remains a popular classic car today.

The XR3's Exterior and Interior

• The XR3's exterior was distinguished by its aggressive body kit, which included a front spoiler, side skirts, and a rear spoiler.
• The XR3's interior was also sporty, with Recaro front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

III. XR3: A Rally Legend

Notably, the XR3 was an impressive performer in the world of rallying, characterized by its rear-wheel drive configuration and the high-performance nature of its engines - often potent 2.0-liter fuel-injected variants. This combination of attributes enabled the XR3 to secure remarkable success in various rally competitions during the 1980s, further solidifying Ford's reputation as a formidable force in the realm of motorsport.

It actively participated in the British Rally Championship, rallying fans were treated to the captivating spectacle of the RS1800, a more potent version of XR3, skillfully navigating through challenging stages - an exhilarating sight as it competed for victories.

Beyond the realm of rallying, the XR3 also achieved notable success on the race track, with a significant victory in the inaugural World Touring Car Championship in 1987 - a testament to its versatility and comprehensive capabilities as a performance car.

To delve deeper into the legacy of Ford models in motorsport, consider exploring our article that delves into the captivating history of the "RS badge - a hallmark of performance." Ford RS badge

IV. Road-Going Performance

The xr3 ford is a high-performance 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 xr3 ford was a popular choice for rally racing, and won the World Rally Championship in 1981.

The xr3 ford was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 105 horsepower. This engine was mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and could propel the xr3 ford from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. The xr3 ford also featured a number of performance upgrades, including a stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and a limited-slip differential.

• The xr3 ford was a popular choice for rally racing.
• The xr3 ford won the World Rally Championship in 1981.
• The xr3 ford was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 105 horsepower.

The xr3 ford was a successful rally car, and helped to establish Ford as a leader in the sport. It was also a popular choice for road-going enthusiasts, and remains a sought-after classic car today.

The xr3 ford is a reminder of a time when Ford was at the forefront of automotive innovation. It is a car that is still enjoyed by enthusiasts today, and is a testament to the company's rich history in motorsport.

If you are looking for a classic car that is both fun to drive and has a rich history, the xr3 ford is a great option. It is a car that is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Here are some of the key features of the xr3 ford:

• 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine
• 105 horsepower
• Five-speed manual transmission
• 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds
• Stiffer suspension
• Larger brakes
• Limited-slip differential

If you are interested in learning more about the xr3 ford, there are a number of resources available online. You can find information on the car's history, specifications, and performance. You can also find reviews from owners and enthusiasts.

The xr3 ford is a great car for anyone who is looking for a classic car that is both fun to drive and has a rich history. It is a car that is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

V. XR3 Today

Ford introduced the XR3 model in 1980 as a performance variant of the Escort hatchback. It was produced until 1985 and was available as a three-door hatchback with a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine. The car was designed to be a lightweight and agile vehicle that could offer impressive handling and performance.

• XR2
• 1.6 liter
• four-cylinder

The XR3 quickly gained a reputation for being a fun and capable car to drive, and it became a popular choice for enthusiasts. The car's success led to the development of the XR3i model in 1983, which featured a fuel-injected version of the 1.6 liter engine. The XR3i offered improved performance and became the top-of-the-line model in the XR3 range.

VI. Conclusion

The Ford XR3 is a hot hatchback that was produced by Ford from 1982 to 1995. It was based on the Ford Fiesta and was available in three generations. The XR3 was a popular car in Europe and was known for its performance and handling. It was also successful in motorsport, winning the British Touring Car Championship in 1983. Today, the XR3 is a sought-after classic car.

The XR3 was a significant car for Ford. It helped to establish the company's reputation for producing fun and affordable performance cars. The XR3 also played a role in the development of the hot hatchback segment. Today, the XR3 is remembered as one of the most iconic hot hatchbacks of the 1980s.