EcoBoost Merkur XR4Ti Restomod

This EcoBoost-Powered Merkur XR4Ti Is the Restomod Ford Never Built

The Merkur XR4Ti has always been one of those forgotten Fords that deserved better.

Sold in North America from 1985 through 1989, the XR4Ti was Ford’s attempt to bring the European Ford Sierra to American buyers. On paper, it sounded like a great idea. It had distinctive styling, rear-wheel drive, independent rear suspension, and a turbocharged 2.3-liter Lima four-cylinder that made it one of the more interesting performance cars Ford offered during the 1980s.

Unfortunately, it never really caught on.

While the Ford Sierra became one of Europe’s most successful cars, the Merkur XR4Ti remained a niche vehicle in the United States. Merkur itself disappeared after only a few years, leaving behind one of Ford’s most unusual experiments. Today, surviving XR4Tis have become something of a cult classic among Blue Oval enthusiasts.

But every now and then, someone builds one that makes you stop scrolling.

That’s exactly what happened when I came across this incredible restomod built by Jesse Henke and the team at JH Restorations in Windsor, Ontario.

Instead of restoring the XR4Ti back to factory specifications, they imagined what Ford might build if the Sierra returned today.

2.3 EcoBoost XR4Ti Swap

The original turbocharged 2.3-liter Lima engine was respectable in the 1980s, producing around 175 horsepower. It was enough to make the lightweight hatchback fun, but technology has come a long way over the last four decades.

So, the Lima engine was retired.

In its place sits a Ford Performance 2.3-liter EcoBoost crate engine—better known by many enthusiasts as the “EcoBeast.”

Of course, they didn’t stop with a stock crate engine.

The engine received forged internals, including a Callies crankshaft and H-beam connecting rods, Mahle forged pistons, and even a larger Ford Ranger oil pan to improve oil capacity. The result is an engine producing an estimated 475 to 500 horsepower.

That’s nearly three times the power the XR4Ti left the factory with.

Backing the engine is a Bowler TKX five-speed manual transmission sending power to a Ford 8.8-inch rear axle. That required replacing the XR4Ti’s factory independent rear suspension with a Ford 8.8-inch solid rear axle, trading originality for added strength and long-term durability under high horsepower.

Built to Handle the Power

Building nearly 500 horsepower is one thing.

Building a chassis that can actually use it is another.

With the rear axle upgraded, JH Restorations also modernized the rest of the chassis using SN95 Mustang suspension components, largely because replacement parts are readily available and the platform provides an excellent foundation for modern handling.

QA1 adjustable coilovers allow the suspension to be dialed in for street driving or autocross duty, while massive 14-inch Wilwood disc brakes sit at all four corners to keep everything under control.

This isn’t simply a show car with a big engine.

It was built to be driven.

Modern Looks Without Forgetting Its Heritage

One of my favorite parts of this build is that it still looks unmistakably like a Merkur XR4Ti.

Instead of completely reinventing the car, JH Restorations enhanced what Ford designers originally created.

Custom front and rear bumpers, widened fender flares, and a functional power dome hood give the car a much more aggressive stance while still respecting the Sierra’s original shape.

The rear wing pays tribute to the legendary European Sierra RS Cosworth models, and Ford’s Area 51 Blue paint gives the entire package a modern appearance that somehow still feels perfectly at home on an ’80s hatchback.

The body is approximately four inches wider than stock, giving the car a planted stance without looking overdone.

It’s aggressive without trying too hard.

A Perfect Blend of Old and New

Inside, the theme continues.

Classic Recaro fabric reminiscent of the 1980s has been paired with modern materials and custom upholstery, creating an interior that feels period-correct while offering today’s comfort.

The Blaupunkt stereo may look vintage, but it includes Bluetooth and USB connectivity, while a Dakota Digital instrument cluster provides modern information behind the wheel.

It’s the kind of interior that makes you smile because it respects the past instead of pretending it never existed.

The Restomod Ford Never Built

I’ve always thought the Merkur XR4Ti deserved more attention than it received.

It arrived at the wrong time, under the wrong brand, and many American buyers simply didn’t understand what it was. That’s a shame because underneath the Merkur badges was a genuinely impressive European Ford.

This build shows exactly what the XR4Ti was always capable of becoming.

With modern EcoBoost power, updated suspension, serious brakes, and styling that honors the original Sierra instead of replacing it, this is the kind of restomod that makes you wonder what Ford might have built if the Merkur brand had survived.

It’s rare.

It’s unique.

And with nearly 500 horsepower under the hood, it’s probably one of the coolest Merkur XR4Tis on the planet.

Build Specifications

Vehicle: 1987 Merkur XR4Ti
Builder: JH Restorations (Windsor, Ontario)
Engine: Ford Performance 2.3-liter EcoBoost “EcoBeast” crate engine
Engine Internals: Callies forged crankshaft, Callies H-beam connecting rods, Mahle forged pistons
Oil Pan: Ford Ranger oil pan
Estimated Power: 475-500 horsepower
Transmission: Bowler TKX 5-speed manual
Rear Axle: Ford 8.8-inch
Suspension: SN95 Mustang components with QA1 adjustable coilovers
Brakes: Wilwood 14-inch four-wheel disc brakes
Paint: Ford Area 51 Blue
Body Modifications: Custom front bumper, custom rear bumper, power dome hood, widebody fender flares (approximately 4 inches wider), Sierra RS Cosworth-inspired rear wing
Interior: Recaro bucket seats with 1980s-style blue upholstery, Dakota Digital gauges, Blaupunkt retro-style stereo with Bluetooth and USB

Factory vs. Restomod

Specification	Factory XR4Ti	JH Restorations Restomod
Engine	2.3L Turbo Lima I4	Ford Performance 2.3L EcoBoost
Horsepower	175 hp	475-500 hp
Transmission	5-speed manual	Bowler TKX 5-speed manual
Rear Axle	Factory Independent Rear Suspension	Ford 8.8-inch
Suspension	Factory suspension	SN95 Mustang components with QA1 coilovers
Brakes	Factory disc/drum setup	Wilwood 14-inch four-wheel discs
Body	Factory body	Custom widebody, power dome hood, custom bumpers
Paint	Factory colors	Ford Area 51 Blue
Interior	Factory interior	Recaro seats, Dakota Digital gauges, Blaupunkt Bluetooth stereo