The Sierra XR6 was produced in South Africa from 1984 to 1992 and was powered by a 3 litre (183 cu.in.) 140bhp “Essex” V6 engine and had a maximum speed of 127mph (203kph). Most changes during its production run where cosmetic, alloy wheels becoming standard in 1986, changes in trim, instrumentation etc. Mechanical improvements also during this time included: an up-rated 5 speed gearbox and an up-rated differential. Around 1986/1987 an XR6 Alpina Bi-turbo was produced with a maximum speed of 144mph (231kph). In 1989 the Sierra Mk2 was introduced (two years later than the European version), and finally in 1991 an XR6 3.0iRS was introduced with various new features including fuel injection, a modified camshaft and high compression pistons.
