Ford Built A Cayman GT4…in 1985 — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 188
About this episode
Exploring the fascinating history of the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth and its American counterpart, the Merkur XR4Ti, Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott dive into the unique engineering and performance characteristics that set these cars apart. They discuss their experiences driving both models, highlighting the Sierra's superior handling and the XR4Ti's surprising capabilities. The episode also touches on the cultural impact of these vehicles, the challenges they faced in the U.S. market, and the legacy they left behind in the automotive world.
Ford Sierra
"which is the Mercur XR4 Ti and the Ford Sierra, specifically, the RS Cosworth variant, which obviously are very related aesthetically..."
The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is a special version of the Ford Sierra car that was made for racing. It has a powerful engine and a unique look, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is a high-performance variant of the Sierra, known for its turbocharged engine and motorsport pedigree. It was developed in the 1980s and is celebrated for its distinctive styling and performance capabilities.
drive shaft
"she has requested a drive shaft. There's a distinct on the highway now..."
The drive shaft is a part of the car that helps move power from the engine to the wheels. If it gets worn out, it can cause problems while driving.
The drive shaft is a critical component in a vehicle's drivetrain that transmits power from the engine to the wheels. A failing drive shaft can lead to vibrations and handling issues.
Volkswagen Egolf
"...n all of the tires, except for the summers on the eGolf. So I got to switch those on and then we can talk..."
Falken Tires
"we're going to do a tire update, because I've now, remember a couple months ago, Falken sent us a lot of metric shit ton of tires..."
Falken Tires is a company that makes tires for cars. They are known for making tires that perform well, especially in challenging weather.
Falken Tires is a brand known for producing high-performance tires suitable for various driving conditions, including racing and everyday use. They are recognized for their grip and durability.
tire size
"they started and stopped another back. Okay. Yeah, those are 195, 50, 15s..."
Tire size tells you how big a tire is, which is important for making sure it fits your car and works well.
Tire size is a specification that indicates the dimensions of a tire, including its width, aspect ratio, and diameter. Proper tire sizing is crucial for vehicle performance and safety.
Yokohama
"...the alternative in that side size is a Yokohama flea bag."
Yokohama is a brand that makes tires for cars. They are known for making tires that help cars grip the road well, especially in performance situations.
Yokohama is a well-known tire manufacturer that produces a variety of performance and passenger tires. Their products are often praised for their grip and handling characteristics.
manual transmission
"...that there was a front engine rear drive manual transmission for slash five seat coupe slash sedan from the 1980s..."
A manual transmission is a way to change gears in a car by using a stick and a pedal. It gives the driver more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear lever. It offers more control over the vehicle's power and performance.
Tesla Semi
"...sedan from the 1980s that had struts up front and semi trailing arms in the back. That was from Germany...."
Merkur XR4Ti
"I should have published a video on the Merkur XR4 Ti, which is a car that also matches the description."
The Merkur XR4Ti is a car that was sold in the U.S. and is based on a European model called the Ford Sierra. It has a sporty design and was known for being fun to drive.
The Merkur XR4Ti was a sports coupe sold in the United States, based on the European Ford Sierra. It was known for its unique styling and performance characteristics.
turbocharged
"That's shit out of everything, because they were turbocharged and..."
Turbocharged means the car's engine has a special device that helps it make more power by pushing in more air.
Turbocharged refers to an engine that uses a turbocharger to increase its power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
DTM
"The ultimate victor in the golden years of DTM. You have the winning and storing car of all time, which is the E30 M3."
DTM stands for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, which is a racing series in Germany. It features cars that are modified from regular cars to race against each other.
DTM, or Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, is a popular touring car racing series in Germany. It features highly modified production cars and has a rich history in motorsport, showcasing some of the best drivers and teams.
Jeep Cherokee
"...I just did two revelations and so I have a script for Jeep XJ Cherokee in my head also,..."
The Jeep XJ Cherokee is a type of SUV that was made by Jeep from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s. It's known for being tough and good for off-road driving.
The Jeep XJ Cherokee is a compact SUV that was produced from 1984 to 2001. It is known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Ford RS Cosworth
"...I stumbled across a left-hand drive black RS Cosworth. And I was like, who's responsible for this?"
The Ford RS Cosworth is a special version of a Ford car that was made for racing. It has a powerful engine and is famous for being very fast and fun to drive.
The Ford RS Cosworth is a high-performance version of the Ford Sierra, known for its turbocharged engine and success in motorsport, particularly in rallying. It became an iconic model in the late 1980s and early 1990s, celebrated for its performance and handling.
Mercury XR4Ti
"...a good friend of mine, a friend of yours also, had just bought a black Mercor XR4 Ti. And I thought, oh my God..."
The Mercury XR4Ti is a sporty car that was sold in the U.S. in the 1980s. It has a turbocharged engine, which means it can go really fast, and it was designed to be fun to drive.
The Mercury XR4Ti is a sport compact car that was based on the Ford Sierra and was known for its turbocharged engine and sporty handling. It was marketed in the U.S. during the 1980s and is recognized for its unique styling and performance.
RS
"The RS, I think, has shocks on it. Possibly the best sedan steering I've ever felt in my life..."
'RS' stands for 'Rally Sport' and usually means the car is designed for better performance and handling. It's like a sportier version of a regular car.
The 'RS' designation typically refers to a high-performance variant of a car model, often featuring enhanced handling and power. It is commonly associated with brands like Ford and Audi, known for their sporty models.
steering response
"...Possibly the best sedan steering I've ever felt in my life in terms of response off-center, but talkative and dances in your hand..."
Steering response is how fast and accurately the car turns when you move the steering wheel. Good response means the car feels more alive and easier to control.
Steering response refers to how quickly and accurately a car's steering system reacts to the driver's inputs. A car with good steering response feels more connected and agile, enhancing the driving experience.
XR4 Ti
"...even the XR4 Ti on $45 per piece tires, did this thing where you are 100% unquestionably at the center of gravity of the car..."
The XR4 Ti is a sporty car made by Ford that was popular in the 1980s. It was known for being fun to drive and had a turbo engine for extra power.
The Ford XR4 Ti is a sporty sedan that was known for its performance and handling characteristics. It was based on the Ford Sierra and featured a turbocharged engine, making it a unique offering in its class during the 1980s.
center of gravity
"...did this thing where you are 100% unquestionably at the center of gravity of the car and the entire car just rotates perfectly around you..."
The center of gravity is where the car's weight is balanced. If it's low, the car is more stable and handles better when turning.
The center of gravity is the point in a vehicle where its weight is evenly distributed in all directions. A low center of gravity typically enhances a car's stability and handling, especially during turns.
Lucid Gravity
"...here you are 100% unquestionably at the center of gravity of the car and the entire car just rotates perfec..."
body control
"Body control is the best. The only way I can describe the body control in my car and all of this suspension tuning is modern Porsche."
Body control is how well a car stays stable and balanced while driving, especially when turning or going over bumps. A car with good body control feels more connected to the road and easier to handle.
Body control refers to how well a car maintains its composure during various driving conditions, particularly when cornering or navigating uneven surfaces. Good body control means the car responds accurately to driver inputs without excessive body roll or unwanted movements.
purchased brand new
"This car was purchased brand new by its current owner. And so he's had it since 1987, and it means a lot to him."
When someone says a car was 'purchased brand new', it means the car was bought fresh from the store, not used by anyone else before.
'Purchased brand new' indicates that the car was bought directly from the manufacturer or a dealership as a new vehicle, rather than being pre-owned or used.
Ford RS500
"I can't imagine what the RS500 is like. Because it has another host of improvements."
The Ford RS500 is a special version of a Ford car that was designed for racing and has a powerful turbocharged engine. It's rare and highly valued by car enthusiasts.
The Ford RS500 is a high-performance version of the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, known for its turbocharged engine and racing pedigree. It was produced in limited numbers, making it a sought-after collector's item.
naturally aspirated
"...My car had a naturally aspirated Cosworth engine in it and not a turbocharger on it."
A naturally aspirated engine gets air into it just by using the natural pressure of the atmosphere, without any extra help from devices like turbochargers. This can make the engine feel more responsive when you press the gas pedal.
A naturally aspirated engine is one that relies on atmospheric pressure alone to draw air into the combustion chamber, without the assistance of a turbocharger or supercharger. This type of engine typically provides a more linear power delivery and can be favored for its responsiveness and simplicity.
Cosworth
"...My car had a naturally aspirated Cosworth engine in it and not a turbocharger on it."
Cosworth is a company that makes very powerful engines, especially for racing cars. They are famous for their work in motorsports and have helped many teams win races.
Cosworth is a British automotive engineering company known for its high-performance engines and tuning expertise. They have a long history in motorsports and have produced engines for various racing teams and manufacturers.
turbocharger
"...My car had a naturally aspirated Cosworth engine in it and not a turbocharger on it."
A turbocharger is a part that helps an engine get more air, which lets it burn more fuel and create more power. This makes the car faster and more efficient than engines that don't have one.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This can significantly increase the engine's efficiency and performance compared to naturally aspirated engines.
Volkswagen GTI
"We had it parked outside and I don't think we have a picture of this next to a Mark VII GTI. And it was Anthony Esposito who turned around."
The Volkswagen GTI is a fun and sporty car that many people enjoy driving. The Mk7 is one of its newer versions, known for being fast and easy to handle.
The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty hatchback known for its performance and practicality. The Mk7 generation, introduced in 2015, features a turbocharged engine and a well-balanced chassis, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Audi 5000
"Before the Audi 5000 slash 100 came out and that car was even more aerodynamic. But this is like, if you think about what else was being made at the time."
The Audi 5000 is a car that was made by the German company Audi. It was popular in the 1980s and was known for being very aerodynamic, which helped it perform better and save fuel.
The Audi 5000 was a mid-size car produced by Audi from 1978 to 1991, known for its aerodynamic design and advanced technology for its time.
Ford Cortina
"Let's talk about the Sierra for a second. Another car we don't think we ever got in the U.S. was the Cortina."
The Ford Cortina is a car that was made by Ford, especially popular in the UK. It was known for being a good family car during the 1960s and 70s.
The Ford Cortina was a popular family car produced by Ford in the UK from 1962 to 1982, known for its affordability and practicality.
aerodynamic car
"It must be the most aerodynamic car in production by Ford anywhere in the world. That's it."
An aerodynamic car is built to cut through the air easily, which helps it go faster and use less fuel. It's like how a streamlined shape helps a fish swim better in water.
An aerodynamic car is designed to reduce air resistance, which can improve fuel efficiency and performance. This is particularly important in automotive design as it affects speed and stability.
semi-trailing arm
"They stuck with sort of tried and true stuff struts up front, semi-trailing on rear which is sort of BMW style."
A semi-trailing arm is a part of the car's suspension that helps the wheels move up and down smoothly while keeping the car stable. It helps with handling, especially when turning.
A semi-trailing arm is a type of suspension design that allows for better handling and stability by providing a degree of independent movement for the wheels. This setup is often used in performance-oriented vehicles.
rack and pinion steering
"Front engine rear drive, rack and pinion steering, otherwise nothing."
Rack and pinion steering is a system that helps you turn the car by turning the steering wheel. It makes the car easier to steer and helps it respond better when you turn.
Rack and pinion steering is a type of steering mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels. It's known for providing precise steering response.
Ford XR4i
"Ford made an XR4i model. Was this Scorpio also rear wheel drive?"
The Ford XR4i is a sportier version of a regular Ford car from the 1980s, designed to be more fun to drive. It has a distinctive look and was made for people who wanted a sportier experience.
The Ford XR4i is a performance-oriented version of the Ford Sierra, known for its sporty design and features. It was produced in the 1980s and is recognized for its unique styling and rear-wheel-drive layout.
Ford Scorpio
"Was this Scorpio also rear wheel drive? Yeah."
The Ford Scorpio is a mid-sized car made by Ford that was popular in Europe. It was known for being comfortable and having some modern features for its era.
The Ford Scorpio is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford in Europe during the late 1980s and 1990s. It was known for its advanced technology and comfort features for its time.
Mercury Scorpio
"It was the Scorpio. Oh, was it the Scorpio? This is a trick question, isn't it? You know, we did the whole lunch thing before this again and now I'm like, yeah, this is Scorpio."
The Mercury Scorpio is a car that was made by the Mercury brand, which was part of Ford. It was sold in the late 1980s and early 1990s and had a different design compared to other cars of that time.
The Mercury Scorpio was a mid-size car produced by the Mercury division of Ford from 1988 to 1992. It was known for its unique styling and was part of the Ford Mondeo platform.
Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra
"C-I-E-R-A for the Cutlass Sierra."
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra is a car that was made by the Oldsmobile brand. It was popular in the 1980s and was known for being a comfortable and roomy vehicle.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra was a mid-size car produced by Oldsmobile from 1982 to 1989. It was part of the Cutlass line and was known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior.
Mercury Cougars
"...rt of things. People actively didn't want mercury cougars and other big LEDs. And so the stuff that was con..."
Volkswagen Golf
"...S would have any say in any way they did with the Volkswagen Golf when it came here, for example. That's a great ex..."
Ford Thunderbird
"...3 liter from the, this was in the Cooper XR7, the Thunderbird TurboCoup and the Mustang SVO, widely criticized ..."
Ford Mustang
"...the Cooper XR7, the Thunderbird TurboCoup and the Mustang SVO, widely criticized for horrendous NVH in thos..."
Ford Pinto
"...n V8. So they went with a two three, which is the Pinto motor, which is an iron head."
Lotus Carlton
"...nes that are not okay. Let's talk about the Lotus Carlton for a second. Do we have to?"
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
"... you get into a modern 17, like I came in, like a GT4 or something like that. One of the most..."
Chevrolet Corvette
"...e that torque. And it was the ZF unit from the C4 Corvette ZR1. And then GM had two."
Lancia Delta Integrale
"...st. We talked about Audi products and the Carlton Delta Integrale. We sort of glossed past."
Subaru WRX
"Sorry, waiter. It, yeah, WRX does the same thing where they're just kind of cr..."
Lotus Amira
"...rsepower the car has. Remember, we took the Lotus Amira on a road in... Car Mell Valley road."
Dodge Viper
"...you when we were in the car at that time, I had a Viper to a 360 in front of me on one of these pavement ..."
Alfa Romeo Milano
"...n turbocharged stuff, you can get to like a alpha Milano 75, which I wanted to like it more than I did."
Porsche Panamera
"...inened. We're not talking about like, you know, a Panamera here, we're talking about it. Fucking boxer, came..."
BMW 30 Csl
"He did 2002 Turbo. He did 3.0 CSL. He had his hand in E-21."
Volkswagen Jetta
"... I did this with a friend years ago. Stick shift, Jetta, said Dan. It doesn't matter what color it is."
Hyundai Genesis
"...e time. You know, I went to go buy a Kia I had or Genesis. I had a terrible experience."
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