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I used to be engaged on a put up in regards to the SVT Contour, a automobile I cherished again when it was new. I couldn’t afford one then, although it was a discount, however doing a little analysis on it not too long ago made me recognize it much more.
That bought me pondering: What different cool efficiency Fords may need existed? Not the plain ones, however the bizarre ones, the forgotten ones, the “you certain that was quick?” ones. Seems, Ford’s been sneakily constructing quick-ish variations of commuter automobiles for many years, and most of them flew below the radar.
A few of these Fords weren’t precisely Mustang rivals or efficiency icons however that’s what makes rediscovering them a lot enjoyable. It’s an opportunity to look again and see the intelligent, quirky, or simply plain gutsy methods Ford tried to boost the commuter automobile section. They could not have topped any horsepower charts, however they’re filled with tales, specs, and surprises you possibly can bust out the following time your buddies begin speaking store. Just like the specs of the elusive Escort Turbo GT — which, sure, really existed.
I referred to as this text “Forgotten Quick Fords” as a result of I like alliteration, and since “Fords That Are Marginally Faster Than the Mundane Model of the Identical Automotive” is, frankly, a horrible headline.
Not all of those automobiles are quick within the “smoked a Viper” sense. However they had been faster, extra attention-grabbing, or simply extra enthusiast-friendly than their base-model counterparts.
What makes them cool is that Ford really tried. Tried to inject efficiency into commuter automobiles. Tried to go toe-to-toe with European sport sedans. Typically it labored. Typically it didn’t. Typically it was like watching a lumberjack try ballet. Clumsy, however oddly charming.
Certain, all of us want Ford had simply despatched over the stuff they had been already crushing with in Europe, just like the Escort RS Cosworth or the unique Focus RS. As a substitute, we bought V6-powered Tempos and turbocharged hatchbacks that light into obscurity earlier than most individuals even knew they existed.
When you have or onerous considered one of these extra ellusive rides, learn out to make use of we’d like to function it.
The SVT Contour was Ford’s late-‘90s try at a BMW 3 Collection fighter and a surprisingly dang good one. Based mostly on the European Mondeo, it was as if Ford quietly imported a correct sport sedan, then slapped a Ford badge on it and hoped no one would discover.
Ford’s SVT (Particular Automobile Workforce) tuned its 2.5L Duratec V6 to provide as much as 200 horsepower, paired it with a butter-smooth 5-speed handbook, and gave it a decent, well-balanced chassis. It was fast, refined, legitimately enjoyable to drive, and a discount for anybody who understood what it was.
Conservative styling that regarded like a again brace and a reputation that appeared like a map line definitely didn’t assist gross sales, however for these within the know, it was an absolute gem. You in all probability nonetheless can’t discover a clear one, as a result of those that purchased them drove them into the bottom as soon as they realized what they’d. And I can’t assist however be jealous as I proceed scrolling Fb Market.
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Picture Credit score: Ben Schumin – Personal work/Wiki Commons.
When Your Dad’s Automotive Ate Camaros
The Taurus SHO snuck into dealerships trying like your commonplace rental automobile, prepared for an extended, boring drive to grandma’s home. However below the hood? It lived as much as its “Tremendous Excessive Output” namesake: A Yamaha-developed DOHC V6 that revved to a wonderful 7,000 rpm and made a surprising 220 hp. It was doing the “quick household sedan” factor lengthy earlier than the Germans made it fashionable.
Later variations added a V8 (don’t even get us began on the cam sprocket difficulty). Nevertheless, that got here with a much less inspiring computerized transmission, proving that typically, two extra cylinders isn’t at all times the reply. Nonetheless, the early SHOs had been wild: quick, succesful, and weirdly refined. A correct sleeper that in all probability left quite a lot of IROCs scratching their heads on the stoplight.
Ford Fusion Sport (2017–2019)
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Picture Credit score: Charles, CC SA-2.0 / WikiCommons.
EcoBoosted, All-Wheel-Drive Rocket
The Fusion Sport was a real stealth bomber, able to surprising rather more costly equipment. With 325 hp, a monstrous 380 lb-ft of torque, and commonplace AWD, it was faster than most individuals realized — and quieter than Ford ever admitted, in all probability as a result of they had been too busy placing all their advertising and marketing {dollars} into vehicles and SUVs.
It had sharp steering, official energy from its 2.7L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, and room for the entire household — together with that annoying canine your child begged for that you just now fake to hate. Then it quietly disappeared, together with each different Ford sedan, as a result of apparently, automobile guys don’t have households who additionally have to get locations.
The very best trendy Ford no one knew about as a result of Ford forgot to inform anybody it existed.
Ford Tempo GLS
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Picture Credit score: Ford.
V6 Energy in a Automotive No person Bragged About
By 1992, the Ford Tempo had matured into a wise, acquainted compact for what would find yourself beinf its last years, Ford gave the GLS trim a extra spirited twist. In its final and most compelling configuration, the GLS acquired a significant efficiency improve: the three.0L Vulcan V6 from the Taurus, changing the earlier high-output 2.3L four-cylinder.
Output rose to 130 horsepower, making the 1992 GLS notably extra responsive than earlier fashions. This V6-powered GLS was accessible solely in 1992, making it a low-production, one-year-only variant. Whereas it didn’t rewrite the definition of a sport sedan, it stands out in the present day as a hardly ever remembered footnote in Ford’s effort to inject character into its compact lineup. A modest however significant improve, the 1992 GLS is now a largely forgotten curiosity — and maybe probably the most attention-grabbing Tempo ever constructed.
Mercury Topaz XR5
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Picture Credit score: Ford
The Escort GT’s Cousin in a Buttoned-Up Blazer
You in all probability forgot that Mercury was a division of Ford. Nicely, you in all probability forgot about Mercury, interval. However the XR5 trim tried to make the Mercury Topaz attention-grabbing — and, in a “bless its coronary heart” form of approach, it kinda succeeded.
Early fashions used a 2.3L four-cylinder shared with the Escort GT, whereas the 1992 mannequin lastly added the 135 hp Vulcan V6. With black trim, a tiny spoiler, bucket seats, and a 5-speed, it was the business-suit model of an economic system automobile making an attempt to chop free on a Friday evening.
Not precisely quick, however undoubtedly making an attempt, and that earns it a spot right here. It was mainly Mercury’s last-ditch effort to make anybody below 60 discover their model.
Ford Escort Turbo GT (1984–1985)
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Picture Credit score: Ford
The Bigfoot of Blue Oval Efficiency Compacts
The Ford Escort Turbo GT is likely one of the most elusive efficiency fashions the model ever constructed — not essentially as a result of it was a observe monster (although we’re not saying it wasn’t making an attempt), however as a result of info on this automobile has been surprisingly more durable to than huge foot.
Provided solely in 1984 and 1985, it’s hardly ever documented, with only a few scattered discussion board posts even acknowledging its existence. That’s what makes the invention of a 1984 Ford vendor brochure within the Ford Heritage Vault so important — it confirms the Escort Turbo GT was actual, and Ford gave it greater than only a badge and a puff of enhance.
It got here geared up with a 1.6-liter turbocharged EFI four-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed handbook transmission, managed by Ford’s “superior” EEC-IV laptop. A blow-through turbo format gave it smoother drivability than most carbureted turbo compacts of the period, with crisp throttle response and usable torque for dodging potholes. Upgrades included TR efficiency suspension, stiffer springs, and a black rear spoiler that set it aside out of your aunt’s drained commuter.
If anybody on the market has really seen considered one of these unicorns, and even owned one, tell us within the feedback. We’re fairly certain it’s rarer than a practical flip sign on a BMW.
Ford Escort ZX2
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Picture Credit score: Grant. C, CC BY-SA 2.0 / WikiCommons.
The ’90s Coupe That Danced Like a Sizzling Hatch
The ZX2 changed the Escort GT in 1998 with sleeker seems and a surprisingly full of life 2.0L Zetec engine. With 130–143 hp, first rate dealing with, and a curb weight below 2,600 lbs, it was a lightweight, fast coupe that might really cling with Civics and Sentras of its day — simply with out the road cred or the obnoxious coffee-can exhaust.
Actually, it couldn’t shake its fame because the official automobile of pizza supply and hydroplaning at 5 mph. However be actual — it might have been a s—field, but it surely was a automobile that made you say, “hey, that’s my s—field.”
It was the inexpensive enjoyable coupe that fell by the cracks, usually ignored for extra “mod-friendly” (learn: usually ruined) imports. You may nonetheless discover one for affordable and have a blast.
Merkur XR4Ti
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Picture: dave_7, Flickr, CC-BY-SA-2.0/ Wiki Commons
Euro Muscle with a Turbo Twist
Imported from Europe and offered by beleaguered Lincoln-Mercury sellers, the Merkur XR4Ti was Ford’s weirdly temporary try to be European within the U.S.
It was a rear-drive hatchback with a turbocharged 2.3L Lima engine, a 5-speed handbook transmission, and dealing with that felt extra BMW than Buick. It made as much as 175 hp (extra in case you knew how one can work a wrench) and had a wild double rear spoiler that was both genius or madness, relying in your style.
Bizarre identify, nice automobile. Too unhealthy the advertising and marketing division had no concept what to do with it, in all probability complicated it for a brand new line of German washing machines. The Merkur suffered the identical destiny as beans on soggy toast — surprisingly, a success within the UK however makes Individuals ailing on the thought.
Ford Focus SVT (2002–2004)
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Picture Credit score: Ford
Cosworth-Tuned Compact Hero
Earlier than sizzling hatches had been a acknowledged factor stateside, Ford quietly gave us the SVT Focus — a 170-hp, 6-speed, Cosworth-tuned bundle of pure driving pleasure. It dealt with brilliantly, revved like loopy, and really regarded the half with chunky wheels and Euro-inspired bodywork.
It was a correct driver’s automobile in a market filled with bland sedans, proving that Ford may construct one thing genuinely enjoyable and tossable. Slightly loud, just a little uncooked, and far more enjoyable than folks gave it credit score for.
It was mainly a Euro-spec sizzling hatch in disguise, ready for America to catch up.
Ford Focus RS (2016–2018)
Rally-Bred Maniac with Drift Mode
The Focus RS got here in like a wrecking ball, slammed into the new hatch section, after which promptly blew itself up (largely figuratively, typically actually). With 350 hp, AWD, torque vectoring, and sure, a devoted Drift Mode (as a result of why not?), it was bonkers quick and sticky in corners.
The trip high quality? About as forgiving as your ex-girlfriend when she came upon you had a set of centerfolds below your mattress — hey, they had been of automobiles! Nonetheless, it’s probably the most thrilling automobiles Ford ever offered within the U.S. — a real rally-bred maniac for the street. And naturally, Ford solely gave us three wonderful mannequin years earlier than pulling the plug.
Ford’s greatest compact ever? Arguably. Shortest-lived? Positively.
Lincoln LS (V8)
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Picture Credit score: Stopsign002, CC BY-SA 3.0/WikiCommons.
A Rear-Drive Sport Sedan Hiding in a Luxurious Swimsuit
The Lincoln LS was Ford’s temporary, intriguing try to construct a correct Euro-style government sport sedan — rear-wheel drive, close to 50/50 weight steadiness, and a 3.9L V8 below the hood. Early fashions, surprisingly, may even be had with a 5-speed handbook transmission (alas, solely with the V6, however nonetheless). The dealing with is what made it actually stand out, with a suspension system fairly superior for the time.
It rode on a Jaguar-based platform (the DEW98, shared with the S-Kind and Thunderbird) with official sport sedan credentials. Too refined for Lincoln loyalists who wished floaty land yachts, too delicate for lovers who wished handbook V8s, and largely ignored by everybody else — however severely underrated if you recognize what to search for on the used market.
It was a correct RWD V8 sedan earlier than they grew to become extinct. However possibly Ford has lastly realized its lesson about making an attempt to make the European and American markets agree on one thing. Individuals fought a warfare to cease this kinda factor.
The End Line
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Picture Credit score: dave_7, CC BY-SA 2.0/WikiCommons.
Ford’s efficiency legacy is way deeper than simply the Mustang, though there’s nothing unsuitable with a Mustang (except it has a V6). Nonetheless, most of those automobiles had been overshadowed, underpromoted, or underpowered in comparison with what they might’ve been (if advertising and marketing hadn’t had a stroke, or if we bought the actually insane Euro variations). Nonetheless, all of them tried — some boldly, some awkwardly — to deliver just a little pleasure to on a regular basis driving for the typical American.
Whether or not it was slapping a turbo on an Escort and hoping for the perfect, stuffing a V6 right into a Tempo and calling it “sporty,” or simply usually constructing a surprisingly competent sleeper sedan, we salute Ford’s efforts to show the mundane into the memorable… even when most of us forgot about them till now.
So subsequent time you’re caught in visitors, simply bear in mind, someplace on the market, a Taurus SHO might be ready to humble a Mustang GT from a couple of many years in the past. That’s the Ford approach.
