Ford Laser TX3 Turbo AWD - why was it not a cult car?

[Syndrome]

People old enough to remember the 1990s will remember the first generation Subaru Impreza. A very non-descript small car.



Add a turbo charged engine, AWD and some modification to create the WR-X and almost overnight it was a sales success. Plus the aftermarket tuners made these things much faster.



So the question that has always bothered me is why didn't the Ford Laser TX3 Turbo AWD succeed with the same concept which arrived 5 years earlier than the Subaru with the release of the KE model?

Basic Ford Laser



And the top of the range model with a turbo engine and all wheel drive



It is not as if the model had no performance potential nor aftermarket tunning ability. Plus the KF model finished second at the 1991 Bathurst 12 hour against stronger opposition.
Mazda had the GT-X forebear which was released two years prior to the KE and had some outings in the Group A rally category.



A missed opportunity!

[Swordie]

Early WRX seemed allot more popular than Turbo TX3 in its day. The WRX was popular to add modifications, there was a big aftermarket catering for them. A new WRX would be an interest car to drive.

[XR Martin]

It was at the time, but didn't reach WRX proportions because Mazda didn't continue its development.
Keep in mind the Evo had a much bigger following in Japan than the WRX did.

[davship]

Plus, the WRX had huge rally success, and the beautiful music only a boxer engine can make after a tune was also a factor.

[FG50T]

- much higher and continuous supply
- boxer noise
- easier aftermarket parts supply from Japan and Aus
- rally cred was huge at the time

The TX3 was popular but it was released at wrong time. If Ford released an AWD turbo hatch like that in 1998 it would have been a huge deal.

[LG17]

I was working for Thomson Ford in Parramatta when the TX3 was launched.
It was a very neat little package and went like the clappers (the boss didn't mind if we took one for a spirited test drive providing it came back undamaged). It was tight, responsive and a fun car to drive.

Later on the Telstar TX5 turbo was a more refined, plush one aimed at the young executives.

[HIPO]

Older brother bought one new & was a good little car!

[BENT_8]

I blame Play Station, Gran Turismo and Colin Mcrae Rally.

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

I blame Play Station, Gran Turismo and Colin Mcrae Rally.

haha but I feel one part of the WRX growth for sure.
They were on a high as was WRC, it was epic those days.

The mighty reliable Laser was a top DD.
Having had brand new KA KB S models myself Ford just wasn't the performance small hatch go to.
Even the Corolla had those 16 valve twin cams that went brilliant.
You had Pulsar SSS's, Lancers were following competing with Subie, Evo's, Celicas so Ford just wasn't looked as the hot hatch to buy imo.
Lets not forget the Golf as well.
Though they did bring these out that you wonder why didn't they carry on with these considering the other performance hatchs were selling.
https://classicregister.com/vehicle-...hite-lightning

I also ended up with a TX3 and as mentioned all too late (isn't this typical Ford) for what a car that was, I was damn impressed how friggin good it went.

[Dr Terry]

Ford/Mazda had the 323/TX3 AWD Turbo & Nissan had the GTiR again AWD Turbo, but neither of these received the ongoing development that the Subaru WRX & Mits EVO got.

Also the Mazda/Ford & the Nissan had very weak gearboxes IMHO.

Dr Terry

[Franco Cozzo]

I'd love one of the AWD TX3 Turbos but they're rare as rocking horse shit and a decent example goes for $20K

[BENT_8]

What about GT4 Celica, was probably the drawcard pre WRX/EVO

[Jastel]

A friend was "looking after" his brothers TX3 once, he pulled up in this thing, I thought, meh, just a Laser.
Then we went for a drive...it was impressive.
The looks on the V8 Commodore drivers faces as we left them at the lights!

[.:4:.]

A mate had a done up tx3 in the early 2000s. Standard issue gross starcorp 17 inch chromies but it had a bigger turbo and other performance related bits. It was pretty quick and also did those things called corners. He traded it + a few dollars for an xf falcon. Although this xf was mod plated for the 351, toploader and 9 inch. It also was seam welded and had a half cage. That did not do corners, but was quick in a straight line.

[DJM83]

Taking nothing from the TX3, but maybe if it had a Cosworth engine perhaps it may have gained some more popularity, surely it couldnt have been too hard to plonk a turbo 2L Cosworth engine in it (Cost probably a factor among others). But yeah definitely a cool car and a shame there isnt more around.

I must be the only person that isnt interested in the boxer engine note

[smoo]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

What about GT4 Celica, was probably the drawcard pre WRX/EVO

Also Galant VR4 and Legacy RS were introduced for Group A rally in the late eighties and precursors to WRX/Evo.

Saw this ad, it should say the car that ate gearboxes and owners bank balances instead.

[ivorya]

I always wanted a TX3. :(

[onemanempire]

Originally Posted by smoo

Also Galant VR4 and Legacy RS were introduced for Group A rally in the late eighties and precursors to WRX/Evo. Saw this ad, it should say the car that ate gearboxes and owners bank balances instead.

Laughing and nodding with the above bank balance comment. Shame that that was a thing... the weak gearboxes. Went like stink for what they were. I have owned 2 Ke 2 doors. Just to buy and sell, fun things even dead stock. Drove a mechanic mates KE TX-3 turb that he bought new. Had boost exhaust etc, and man, that was a quick thing.. torque steer was tragic tho. Keep you on your feet... not necessarily in your own lane tho!

I test drove a Mitsi Galant VR4 when it was newish back in 1994? I think. And it was an absolute blast. I nearly made the car yard salesman ill by taking him for a hot lap to the freeway from Adelaide CBD via Blackwood. I lived there and new the roads like the back of my gland. Outrageously good handling even stock. I'm not talking GR Yaris type insanity, but very confidence inspiring grip. Started to under-steer when on the limit to let you know your about to end up in a ditch. Very safe at speed.

After we got back down the hill via the Eagle on the hill fun, we were stopped at a red light... and I got to thinking.. Hmm if this is 4 wheel drive what happens if I do a race start at 4000RPM, and like side step the clutch pedal kinda launch.
And fusk me, I thought we had been hit up the **** by a truck. No wheel spin, just a full on bang, a hop, then crushed into the seat, eyeballs relocated to the rear of me head kinda launch.

Fully sick maaaate.

Something I had never felt before being a 2 wheel drive freak... Tried to buy it. It was $34k with 18,000 kays on the clock. Didn't happen. Oh well still have the memory.. that along with these test thrashes:

• WRX (the blue one with gold rims)
• Mitsi 3000GT V6 Twin Turb 4WD,
• Aurion TRD V6 Supercharged - Needs a LSD. Had traction issues -
• MPS Mazda
• Hyundai i30N. Pretty lame I thought. Big $$$'s to.
• GR Yaris, absolutely mental how a 3 potter can go that hard. Insane!
• Kia Stinger - that's a quick weapon stock, let me tell you.

Test drive junkie here... good to keep up with all the current tech when it costs nothing.

One Man

[anobserver]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'd love one of the AWD TX3 Turbos but they're rare as rocking horse shit and a decent example goes for $20K

They were rare from new. Looked for one second hand back in the 90s. Most had been thrashed and neglected, even then. Didnt find one worth buying.

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by anobserver

They were rare from new. Looked for one second hand back in the 90s. Most had been thrashed and neglected, even then. Didnt find one worth buying.

Most had been thrashed, their gearboxes broken and neglected, even then. Didnt find one worth buying

Fixed it for you.

Dr Terry