Model Page
Ford Escort XR3
Production Run: |
- |
|---|---|
Production Date: |
1980 - 1982 |
Engine: |
Ford 1,597cc CHV 4 Cylinder |
Built: |
Saarlouis (Germany) Halewood (UK) |
0-60: |
9.5 secs |
Max Speed: |
113 Mph |
The Escort XR3 was one of the original Hot Hatches, at its launch in 1980 the car was the fastest Escort in production. Based on the Mk 3 Escort the car was front wheel drive and transverse engine, comfortably accommodating four adults the car was an instant hit and became a best seller for Ford. The XR badge originated in the US where it had been used on the 1967 Mercury Cougar before being resurrected for the XR range.
XR3
The XR3 used a 1.6 litre version of Ford’s CVH (Compound Value Angle, Hemispherical Chamber). The 1,596cc engine had a bore of 79.96mm and stroke of 79,52mm with a compression ratio of 9.5:1.The engine was an in-line four cylinder with cast iron block and aluminium alloy cylinder head with hydraulically operated tappets, the crank was fitted with five main bearings to increase durability. With a belt driven overhead camshaft the engine was fitted with a single Weber DFT twin-choke downdraught carburettor and a contact-less ignition system generating 96bhp @ 6,000 rpm and 98lb/ft @ 4,000 rpm.
The car had several visual revisions – a deep front air dam was installed along with a rubberized rear spoiler, air deflectors were fitted for the wheels for aerodynamic efficiency. The exterior was completed with the addition of Clover leaf 14” aluminium alloy wheels fitted with 185/60 tyres front and rear. The car had a drag co-efficient of 0.375, a slight improvement on the 0.385 exhibited by standard third generation Escorts.
Escort XR3
The interior was upgraded for the XR specification cars, figure hugging Sports seats were fitted along with additional instrumentation. The car was equipped with a self checking microprocessor warning lamp system, this system was designed to monitor engine oil, coolant levels, fuel and screen wash reservoir levels. The system also warned the driver when the brake pads were nearing end of life, the car did not include an oil pressure gauge. Standard fit was a twin spoke soft feel steering wheel, digital clock and Ford P1 push button radio system. Optional extra’s included electric power windows, headlamp washers, upgraded stereo system, tilt and slide sun roof and opening rear quarter windows.
The XR3 was fitted with front MacPherson struts with coil springs and lower traverse links coupled with a front anti roll bar. The independent rear suspension consisted of traverse arms with longitudinal tie bars, progressive rate coil springs and telescopic Bilstein shock absorbers. The car employed a standard rack and pinion steering rack with 3.7 turns lock to lock. The braking system was made up of 9.8” diameter ventilated front discs and 7” rear drums, these being servo assisted.
The car was fitted with a four speed manual gearbox, updated to a five speed unit in March 1982. It was not possible to order and XR3 equipped with an automatic gearbox.
The car was launched in 1980 and cost £5,123 and enjoyed its position at the top of the Escort hierarchy until it was replaced by the fuel injected XR3i in October 1982.
The Facts
Engine: |
Ford 1,597cc CVH 4 Cylinder |
|---|---|
Capacity: |
1,597cc |
Valves: |
8 |
Compression Ratio: |
9.5:1 |
Fuel System: |
Weber DFT Carburettor |
Maximum Power: |
96 bhp @ 6,000 rpm. |
Maximum Torque: |
98 lb/ft @ 4,000 rpm. |
Transmission: |
Manual 4 speed / 5 Speed post March 1982 |
Top Gear: |
22.4 Mph per 1000 rpm. |
Brakes: |
Servo Assisted ventilated front discs / rear drums |
Kerb Weight: |
893 Kg |
Max Speed: |
113 Mph |
0-60: |
9.5 secs |
