The main selling point was the Cosworth YBT engine, a highly tunable turbocharged 2-litre engine which put out 227bhp in standard trim. Tuned outputs have been known to get close to and over 1000bhp.

Ford developed the car around the chassis and mechanicals of its predecessor, the Sierra Cosworth. 'Ghia' further modified the Escort bodyshell to accommodate the larger Cosworth engine and transmission. Changes were made to the engine management system and a new turbocharger was fitted. Permanent four wheel drive with a 34/66% front/rear split came courtesy of an uprated five speed gearbox as used in the Sierra Cosworth. Recaro sports seats came as standard fitments.

Later production models were available without the oversize tail spoiler, although by far the majority were still ordered with it.

The Escort Cosworth was a very rare car indeed, with a mere 7,145 vehicles produced from the start of production on 19 February 1992 until the last car rolled out of the factory on the 12th of January 1996.

Two versions were produced. The initial 2500 units were "homologation specials" used to get the FIA accreditation for entry into the World Rally Championship. They were fitted with a Garrett T3/T04B turbocharger.

Among these initial units,a handful were badged as Motorsport versions, these lacked certain refinements such as a sunroof and sound deadening.

The second generation, starting production from late 1994, were fitted with a Garrett T25 turbocharger, a smaller unit which reduced turbo lag and increased usability in everyday driving situations. With these later models, the 'whale tail' spoiler became an option.

The car was to be Ford's new rally car, and very successful it became with its total victories amounting to 8 in Group A guise. Drivers included a famous victory at the 1994 Monte Carlo Rally, the Frenchman François Delecour, future quadruple World Drivers' Champion, Tommi Makinen (who took his maiden event victory for Ford in Finland that same year before departing for Mitsubishi for 1995), as well as the Belgian, Bruno Thiry and, from 1996, 1990 and 1992 World Drivers' Champion Carlos Sainz of Spain.

One-time 1988 and 1989 back-to-back title-winning force for Lancia, Miki Biasion and 1991 Rally Catalunya winner Armin Schwarz were among the other fabled pilots to be seen behind the wheel.