High Performance Escorts 1980-85

The new front wheel drive XR3 was introduced in 1980. Not as fast as the RS2000 it was much more economical and differed visually from the basic Escort by a lack of chrome, most of which was painted black. Extra performance could be had by adding a turbocharger and a Rallye Sport handling kit. The limited production RS1600i had a special cam and extensively revised suspension. The XR3 gained fuel injection and the power output was raised to 105bhp. Externally only the badge changed. The 1.6i was produced in 1984 with an open version to compete with the Golf GTi. In the same year Ford introduced the RS Turbo and became the first company to sell a front wheel drive car with a limited slip differential. This is a book of contemporary road and comparison tests, technical and specification data, driver’s impressions, long term report and new model introductions. Models covered include: XR3, RS1700T, Escort GT, XR3 Turbo, RS1600i, WM XR3, Mulliner 1.6, XR3i, 1.6i Cabrio, XR3i Turbo, RS Turbo. 100 pages, 250 illus. SB.