Officer Opinions on Current Cruisers

[CNTLOSE]

I have been selected by our Chief to research and choose our next cruiser for our fleet. I have been gathering all the research I can, and sad to say, so far it looks like the Caprice and Charger are coming out on top. I am all too familiar with things looking better on paper than in person. So I want to see if any of you LEO's have thoughts, opinions, or your departments own research I could review.

The Dodge I am aware had many problems with brakes and transmissions. My understanding is these issues were addressed with the 2012 model year. So does anyone have a 2012 at their department and if so any issues?

Some local agencies here have been going with the new Caprice. This being a new car I guess longevity results are not out there. From my research these are basically a stretched out G8 and I heard nothing but good things about them. But does anyone here have some experience with one and if so thoughts?

The one benefit from the Ford Interceptors is the AWD option. But so far everything else they seem to fall behind in. This being based on the Michigan State Police Testing and various other articles I have read. But again like the Caprice this is a "new" police vehicle. But on the flip side the civilian version has been out for awhile now.

So please let me know your thoughts, complaints, likes, dislikes, etc... with whatever cruiser you and your agency are using.

Thank you!

[John10608]

You might contact the CHP. They do extensive research and testing when they look at new patrol vehicles. They may have all of the info you need on these vehicles and or others.
What is the size of your department, city, county, rural, highway, mountains etc.?
Do you need high speed vehicles, or city cruisers ? SUV's ?

Oregon State Police use Chargers and Ford SUV's. Medford City PD uses Chargers, but they do not buy the police package chargers. They seem happy with them.
But they have a no pursuit policy. So they mind as well have KIA's for that matter.

I'd contact State agencies, they usually have some sort of research program for patrol vehicles. A lot of other States, City's etc, will go with what the CHP purchase. Mainly because CHP does some serious testing on the vehicles they look at purchasing for their fleet. And they order so many of them.

Just a suggestion.

[1989 Tx DPS SSP]

I would try contacting your local Dealerships to see if they have a Police Package Demo in your area you can test drive for your own evaluation.

TOM

[GSPI]

My question would be: Have you driven any of these cars?

It seems like you are looking on paper if I'm reading what you are saying correctly. I have seen the actual test sequences for the Interceptor during it's development phases in person. The AWD in any of the Interceptor models is very predictable in handling and is well balanced when I drove it. The twin turbo being the real scorcher of a car to add to the amazing handling. I am well trained in the use of the FWD vehicles (as well as RWD) for over 25 years so the FWD Interceptor feels intuitive to me but I don't think would feel the same for an officer coming out of a CVPI to one of these unless it was AWD.

I have driven the 2012 Charger as well as previous models of the Charger as far back as 2006 and they are consistent in their brawn and drive ability but not in their reliability area typically. I have seen too many issues with the V8 in driving characteristics from it being too powerful for most driver's abilities. I do not have a complete feel yet on the 2012 but it has some really nice features but at the CPD they are strictly using the V6 model which is adequate for most city activity from what I've seen and what I've been told by officers assigned to those units. CPD will be going to the Fords next year per the Chief.

I have only one opinion on the Chevy is in equipment placement issues as that is the only thing that I've been able to personally see on this car and I have not been able to drive one yet to give an opinion.

Unfortunately, I have to say that departments are falling well short in the EVOC and driver training area so I venture a guess that officer's reaction especially to any FWD vehicle is due to not being properly trained or retrained in driving the new vehicles. I think this is the key item in changing up in any of these vehicles regardless of drive train configuration.

[CNTLOSE]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and opinions.

I have a request in to the CHP for their test and evaluation results. However, the manager of fleet services at the EVOC facility stated they do not typically release their full reports to other agencies. He has sent my request up the chain of command. I was able to get Michigan SP results as they publish those online.

As far as driving I have drove the civilian versions of the Chargers and Taurus. Both seem like great civilian cars, just not sure how they would be in Police service.

The area I work has everything as far as geography. We have two major interstates, several state routes, downtown shopping area, neighborhoods, and rural farm land...basically everything but mountains. We are approx. 27 square miles in size with a population over 50k.

If we went with the Interceptor I am sure it would be the Ecoboost AWD model. The Charger is looking like it will fall out of the lineup due to all the mechanical issues I keep hearing about....just wish we had better input on the 2012 model year.

I did get a chance to sit in a neighboring agency's Taurus Interceptor. I did like the cockpit feel, but the rear prisoner is small...and we have some big boys we deal with here.

Chevy is coming to our PD on Monday with a Caprice that is outfitted with a cage. I am going to try and get the neighboring agency's Taurus here at the same time and compare them side by side. As much as I would love to have a HEMI Charger, with the mechanical issues I am thinking that would be a bad idea.

Lastly I have to say I am disappointed in Ford Fleets customer service. I can not get anyone to call or write me back. The local Ford dealership can not provide me a demo. All they can do is provide me with paperwork and test results...which I already have.

[GSPI]

To note, any Ford dealership cannot get the demo car issued to them. It has to come from Ford Fleet. Call the fleet line and ask for your representative for your area and they normally give you that information and then contact them directly.

[28HopUp]

My buddy is a Lieutenant for a local police department. He was over the other night and commented that they ordered 2 V6 Caprices to see how well they hold up. Not wanting their young patrol officers to have cars that are too powerful, they decided not to get the V8 to err on the side of safety.

[CNTLOSE]

To note, any Ford dealership cannot get the demo car issued to them. It has to come from Ford Fleet. Call the fleet line and ask for your representative for your area and they normally give you that information and then contact them directly.

I have tried to get a hold of Ford Fleet sales directly and no one has yet to call me or write back....maybe they are on vacation.


My buddy is a Lieutenant for a local police department. He was over the other night and commented that they ordered 2 V6 Caprices to see how well they hold up. Not wanting their young patrol officers to have cars that are too powerful, they decided not to get the V8 to err on the side of safety.

I like what Chevy did with the pricing...both motors are the same price. The only down side is the V8 only has 54 more hp (355hp). You would think the difference would be more and you would think the V8 would be closer to the Charger at 370hp. But other than highway traffic enforcement maybe we don't need all that horsepower...maybe. :rolleyes:

Whatever car we go with I am going to try and get our Chief to send some officers to driving school. All of these cars are much different than the CV and Expeditions we are use to.

[NoDrama43]

I drive an expedition. we bought one new explorer. it is everything it needs to be for police work. AWD, roomy inside, comfortable, handles well. The Taurus is to small inside, as the newspaper won't open all the way, like in my expedition.

The new explorer will out run a cvpi from 0 to 60 with ease. Cops don't need top end, just gets them killed. When I make Chief they will all drive 4 cyl fusions.

[CNTLOSE]

I do like our Expeditions...plenty of leg room and room for all my crap. I have heard a couple people also liking the Explorer based Interceptor over the Taurus one. I am curious if they will eventually offer the Ecoboost in the Explorer to match the Taurus.

I am meeting with the Chevy sales rep today. He is bringing a 6.0 Caprice already outfitted with a cage. Our Chief told me the car must fit our tallest guy who is 6'9"...Jim I think you know who I am talking about.

[GSPI]

I have tried to get a hold of Ford Fleet sales directly and no one has yet to call me or write back....maybe they are on vacation.

Let me look in my notes. I should have your representative's phone number somewhere as I am pretty sure it's the same one as it is for Cleveland and I will get that to you.

[NoDrama43]

the new cages for the fords are off-set. prisoners go on the pass side rear and the cage is off-set to allow for more room. We put a guy in there who was 6'6" in full uniform and it was a squeeze but he fit.

If you want to see our car let me know. I can arrange a test drive. I will be at work wednesday, but Thursday have to go to Toledo to pick up my new 2012 HD electraglide the department bought me. (well not really me, but I tell everyone it is going to be mine.... :) )

[CNTLOSE]

Let me look in my notes. I should have your representative's phone number somewhere as I am pretty sure it's the same one as it is for Cleveland and I will get that to you.

Thank you, I would appreciate it.

the new cages for the fords are off-set. prisoners go on the pass side rear and the cage is off-set to allow for more room. We put a guy in there who was 6'6" in full uniform and it was a squeeze but he fit.

If you want to see our car let me know. I can arrange a test drive. I will be at work wednesday, but Thursday have to go to Toledo to pick up my new 2012 HD electraglide the department bought me. (well not really me, but I tell everyone it is going to be mine.... :) )

Thank Jim, I will let you know....and try not to have too much fun riding back.

[GSPI]

PM with the representative's contact information sent! :thumbsup:

[CNTLOSE]

PM with the representative's contact information sent! :thumbsup:

Got it...Thanks!

[CNTLOSE]

Well yesterday I met with the Chevy rep who brought us a Caprice.

WOW is all I can say. That car was fast, handled great, plenty of room, and could stop on a dime. Really shows how outdated the CV has become in 30+ years of the Panther platform.

Dodge is outfitting a car with a cage for us as I type. (That is customer service!) We should have it in a week or so. Still waiting to hear if the 2012/13 model year has addressed the brake and trans issues.

Ford customer service has been in the trash. No one can get us a demo or get me to someone who can...or at least the ones who write or call me back can not.

**But now that GSPI has provided me with another contact I will hopefully have some better luck.**

[FHP0665]

Dodge is outfitting a car with a cage for us as I type. (That is customer service!) We should have it in a week or so. Still waiting to hear if the 2012/13 model year has addressed the brake and trans issues.

I just got into a brand new one this week (after only being on the trade list for a year with my CV that ended up with 187k!). I doubt I will have any issues to report before you need to make your decision but we did have one last year that the fuel tank expanded and almost ruptured on due to not venting properly. I think it was an isolated incident though. Other than the normal service bulletins that I have seen from Dodge itself for various things, it seems to be a solid car.

[MOstang]

Ford just press released the following this morning...

Ford Boosts Police Interceptor Sedan Performance and Fuel Economy with New 3.7-Liter Ti-VCT Engine
Sep-14-2012 6:00 AM ET

Body.
​DEARBORN –The new Ford Police Interceptor is getting another boost under the hood with the addition of the 3.7-liter twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine, offering law enforcement agencies fuel economy with more power.

The 3.7-liter V6, now available on the Police Interceptor sedan, delivers a performance increase to 305 horsepower and 279 lb.-ft. of torque while also achieving increased fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway, 18 mpg in the city and 21 mpg combined. The horsepower and torque ratings are the highest of any naturally aspirated V6 engine offered for pursuit-rated sedans.

“This combination of great performance and top-notch fuel economy means law enforcement agencies won’t have to compromise power or fuel efficiency while getting the job done,” said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Police Interceptor.

A tough lineup
Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy provides a V6 lineup that performs better than V8 engines of years past. The Police Interceptor sedan lineup now comes with three powertrain options, allowing police to choose the powerhouse that best meets their patrol requirements. The Police Interceptor sedan is available with a standard 3.5-liter V6, the new 3.7-liter V6 and the performance powerhouse 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost® engine.

The 3.7-liter engine now available on the sedan was already available on the Police Interceptor utility vehicle.

To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, who provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.

Safe, durable, functional
Building on Ford’s safety leadership, Police Interceptor is engineered to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing.

Both sedan and utility Police Interceptors recently earned top safety ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

Throughout its development, Ford’s new Police Interceptor has been put through the paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to the rigorous driving styles of police professionals.

To meet the rigors of durability testing, the unique police brakes have been increased in size and performance for confidence. The cooling package is purpose-built as well, featuring a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Its honeycomb grille is designed to work in harmony with the interior components, offering more airflow throughout the vehicle. Plus, the standard 18-inch steel wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.

Front seats have been specially designed, with a lower bolster removed to better accommodate officers’ utility belts. Inserted into the seatback are anti-stab plates, designed to protect front-seat occupants.

The Police Interceptor second row also has been optimized to address police-specific needs. The vinyl seats are specially sculpted and set back to improve second-row space and maximize legroom. The back door hinges are modified to open up another 10 degrees versus traditional rear doors.

The Ford Police Interceptor also is equipped with a column shift specifically designed so the console area is free for the ever-increasing amounts of aftermarket police equipment necessary for officers to do their jobs.

[CNTLOSE]

I just got into a brand new one this week (after only being on the trade list for a year with my CV that ended up with 187k!). I doubt I will have any issues to report before you need to make your decision but we did have one last year that the fuel tank expanded and almost ruptured on due to not venting properly. I think it was an isolated incident though. Other than the normal service bulletins that I have seen from Dodge itself for various things, it seems to be a solid car.

Any issues with brakes or transmissions with any of your co-workers? That seems to be what all the agencies around here complain about. Brakes lasting 3k miles and trans going at 20k miles.

[ImEvil1]

I don't think they ever fixed the problem where they get stuck in park?

[FHP0665]

Any issues with brakes or transmissions with any of your co-workers? That seems to be what all the agencies around here complain about. Brakes lasting 3k miles and trans going at 20k miles.

Funny you mention brakes because my zone partner stated that his brakes were starting squeal yesterday but he has a 2011 model with almost 30k miles on it. I should have 3k on mine by this time next month so I try to update the status on that.

We have been getting them sporadically since 2008 and I have yet to hear anyone that had a Tranny go out in one but I'm quite sure some where in the State it has happen. This year was the biggest order we had of them (because they finally got funding for it) so I'm sure there may be more Charger related issues as we get more in the field. Right now though most of the older CV's we have are the maintenance headache's!

[CNTLOSE]

Great, thank you for all that information. Hopefully Dodge will have a Charger to us by the end of next week so we can start the demo process. Our admin has our garage doing some research on maint costs of all three. If your partner made it 30k miles on a set that is pretty good. We seem to only get at max 16k on the CV's brakes.

Thanks again! :thumbsup:

[Mustang Kid]

Well, my city PD bought one new Taurus N/A. With 500 miles on the clock and less than a week in service the motor developed a knock and the Ford dealer here is currently having to replace the entire motor. I get the feeling the PD is not going to buy any more Taurus's.
They've had V6 chargers since 06. Pieces of crap you might say. Door wiring harness's fraying and causing mayhem, timing belts failing, brakes, visibility, and the list goes on. They bought a new 2011 Charger a few months ago. Looks really cool all white with the black grille and the body lines fit the graphics nicely. It's been in the shop more than it's been on the road. Visibility was fixed, but they've had countless problems with the car, mainly electrical I think. It was a V6 too(and the timing belt is now a chain on the new motors).
CHP says the Chargers go through brakes like crazy and new brakes are pretty expensive.

Oregon State police hasn't gotten any new Chargers. Don't know what the officers really think of them or what problems they've had.

Only reason CHP is going with the SUV (when ever the govn'r approves funds:rolleyes: ) is that it's the only one that can handle the weight load and still be in the manufacturer's limits. Why not Chevy tahoes? Ford is cheaper.
EVOC loved the Caprice. The Taurus was basically a match to the Crown Victoria. Ford might re-configure the suspension on the Taurus so it can handle the CHP's payload.
Room inside of the taurus? No leg room behind the drivers seat, little room on the passenger side. Front is probably comparable to the CV.

The Caprice will do circles around the Crown Vics all day long (V8). My dad drove one already. It will handle sharp curves at twice the posted speed limit, brake fast and responsively, and acceleration is considerably better than a CV.
I'll put it this way, if you thought the Crown Vics were fast, the Caprice is a Demon. My dad scared the sales rep a few times (or the entire time ) when he would go around blind corners at excessive speeds, but the car hugged the road firmly.
Room? Plenty. The over 6ft tall sales rep had plenty of foot room even with a partition installed, I think there was still room to move the seat back. The console shift was no inconvenience for my dad, actually it might be better than the column shift. It's right there, easy and fast to shift out of park. Rouge River PD here outside of Grants Pass bought some new Caprices. I got to look at one of them. Equipment setup inside looked good and easy to get to switches even with a lap top mount.
Another thing the Caprice has going for it is that it will look like an Impala to most people, thus it's essentially a sleeper.

If you want to look into SUV's, the Ford Expedition is superb. My dad has one as his patrol vehicle. It'll throw you back in your seat and handle the curves like a car. Lots of room too.

Just try and get some promo cars to test drive like it looks like you are doing with the Charger. Don't just test one and be done with it. You really need to get a feel of all 3 of them.
:thumbsup:

(PS, I know most of this since my dad is in charge of the sheriff vehicle fleet :D )

[CNTLOSE]

I agree the Chevy is very impressive. I have been at the OSP academy all week and had a chance to talk with several Troopers. OSP went to Chargers this year due to a two year price deal...which is cheaper than the last CV they purchased. The brake issues are reported to have been fixed with the 2012 model year.

Still waiting for Dodge to deliver our Charger with a cage. Chevy has been nothing but great to us. Ford has been nothing but jackasses and after some more terrible reviews and complaints I think I will not even waste my time with them.

[GSPI]

Ford has been nothing but jackasses and after some more terrible reviews and complaints I think I will not even waste my time with them.

I'm sorry to hear that and I will make sure I forward your comment on to the PAB so that it can get addressed.

[CNTLOSE]

I'm sorry to hear that and I will make sure I forward your comment on to the PAB so that it can get addressed.

I contacted the guy you gave me. He seemed pissed that I called him. In all fairness is was on the weekend, but I figured I would be leaving him a message. (I am the relief sergeant so my hours are crazy.) He told me he only answered the phone because he thought I was calling from the MSP testing. Then told me he would get back with me and I have yet to hear from him. Did not sound like the 3-5 cruisers a year we purchase was enough for him to waste his time with me.

I am going to try one more place, Statewide Ford in Van Wert and see about getting a demo Explorer...I already know the Taurus will not work for us now.

I also found out this past week that Dodge underbid Ford CV's by $2000 on the Chargers. This was a big reason OSP went with the Charger. They are buying them for $19k a piece for two years. So far they seem happy with the 2012 Chargers vs. the older models.

[GSPI]

No excuse for the rep... a sale is a sale and that is in his job description to assist in government sales regardless of size. Wow. I may give him a call myself to see if he can't get his attitude adjusted some.

[chism]

I'm not a cop, but I believe Ford has the most refined police package with the Taurus and the explorer. I know they are AWD instead of RWD like the chargers and caprice, but to me that's not a deal breaker. This video explains all the things that make these a great choice. As far as legroom in the rear as MustangKid pointed out; it can't be any worse than the CV! Lol. The Taurus' rear doors open an additional 14 degrees (IIRC?) to make it easier to get people in and out. Ford really did their homework on these cars. Plus, twin turbo ecoboost!

Ford Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEh3N4eB8Kw&sns=em

[FHP0665]

I also found out this past week that Dodge underbid Ford CV's by $2000 on the Chargers. This was a big reason OSP went with the Charger. They are buying them for $19k a piece for two years. So far they seem happy with the 2012 Chargers vs. the older models.

I'm 2 weeks into my 2012 and at almost 2000 miles, I can say I have been impressed in comparison to the CV... but then again, the CV is not an option anymore. The biggest improvements for me at least has been the layout of the interior with digital controls for almost everything and not to mention both the digital & anolog speedometer with cruise control which makes pacing a breeze now.

Drivers side seat adjustment is a big plus with being able to adjust the height so I'm sure that would be be beneficial for the tallest to the smallest of individual. Fuel economy seems to be better as well since your able to monitor that through the dash display... I've been getting 12 mpg to 16 mpg on a "slow" day when my foot hasn't been in the pedal too much.

Negatives I've noticed would be the slight loss of leg room in the back with the cage partition... then again, its not supposed to be comfortable for them back there. The loss of trunk space for your gear - depending on how much you carry. Also having to dig out that gear to get to the doughnut spare which puts you out of commision until you can get it changed since it's not a full sized spare... I work the Interstate so I average about a flat tire a month riding the shoulder.

I does take a little getting used to especially as far a viewpoint compared to the CV but I would say it has been more of a + so far... thats just my 2 cents.

[MOstang]

Ford News Release from today...

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Ford Police Interceptors Prevail in Recent Michigan State Police Testing
Sep-24-2012 5:55 AM ET

Body.
​DEARBORN – Ford’s new Police Interceptors led the pack in recent testing conducted by the Michigan State Police.

The Police Interceptor sedan equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine topped the competition in 0-60 mph, 0-80 mph and 0-100 mph acceleration. These fast closing-in speeds are critical for first responders and law enforcement professionals.

In testing at Grattan Raceway, the Ford Police Interceptor with EcoBoost V6 engine and all-wheel drive posted the fastest single lap and best average lap times.

Competitors with larger V8 engines could not keep up with the superior advanced engineering of the Ford EcoBoost V6. The purpose-built Police Interceptor is designed to outperform the competition by optimizing handling and control in combination with a high-torque engine and robust brakes.

“This year’s testing by the Michigan State Police once again proves Ford Police Interceptors are industry leaders, offering government agencies the desired combination of capability, technology and long-lasting value,” said Lisa Teed, Marketing manager for the Ford Police Interceptor program.

The 3.7-liter V6 all-wheel-drive sedan also boasted the shortest stopping distance for all police vehicles tested.

The Police Interceptor all-wheel-drive utility vehicle posted top 0-60 mph and 0-80 mph times in the acceleration tests and also achieved the quickest lap times versus competing police utility vehicles. The Police Interceptor utility vehicle combines the performance of a sedan with a larger interior package for agencies that require increased cargo capacity.

“We are very proud of the test results,” said Bill Gubing, Ford Police Interceptor chief engineer.

“During post-event inspection, the vehicles show proof of purpose-built durability,” he adds. “The status of the tires and brake pads still show useful life, and are ready for more grueling testing.”

A tough lineup
Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy provides a V6 lineup that performs better than V8 engines of years past. The Police Interceptor sedan lineup now comes with three powertrain options, allowing police to choose the engine that best meets their patrol requirements. The sedan is available with a standard 3.5-liter V6, the new 3.7-liter V6 and the performance powerhouse 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost – all paired with all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

The 3.7-liter V6 engine with 305 horsepower is now available on the all-wheel-drive Police Interceptor sedan and is common with the utility vehicle.

A high-capacity six-speed automatic transmission is uniquely calibrated and adapts to pursuit mode for responsiveness to an officer’s demands. All-wheel drive is standard on both sedan and utility vehicle Police Interceptors to optimize handling and control, which is important to meet the needs of first responders in their daily environment.

To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, who provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.

Building on Ford’s safety leadership, the Police Interceptor is engineered to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing.

Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicles recently earned top safety ratings in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration New Car Assessment Program testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

[chism]

Ford News Release from today...

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Ford Police Interceptors Prevail in Recent Michigan State Police Testing
Sep-24-2012 5:55 AM ET

Body.
​DEARBORN – Ford’s new Police Interceptors led the pack in recent testing conducted by the Michigan State Police.

The Police Interceptor sedan equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine topped the competition in 0-60 mph, 0-80 mph and 0-100 mph acceleration. These fast closing-in speeds are critical for first responders and law enforcement professionals.

In testing at Grattan Raceway, the Ford Police Interceptor with EcoBoost V6 engine and all-wheel drive posted the fastest single lap and best average lap times.

Competitors with larger V8 engines could not keep up with the superior advanced engineering of the Ford EcoBoost V6. The purpose-built Police Interceptor is designed to outperform the competition by optimizing handling and control in combination with a high-torque engine and robust brakes.

“This year’s testing by the Michigan State Police once again proves Ford Police Interceptors are industry leaders, offering government agencies the desired combination of capability, technology and long-lasting value,” said Lisa Teed, Marketing manager for the Ford Police Interceptor program.

The 3.7-liter V6 all-wheel-drive sedan also boasted the shortest stopping distance for all police vehicles tested.

The Police Interceptor all-wheel-drive utility vehicle posted top 0-60 mph and 0-80 mph times in the acceleration tests and also achieved the quickest lap times versus competing police utility vehicles. The Police Interceptor utility vehicle combines the performance of a sedan with a larger interior package for agencies that require increased cargo capacity.

“We are very proud of the test results,” said Bill Gubing, Ford Police Interceptor chief engineer.

“During post-event inspection, the vehicles show proof of purpose-built durability,” he adds. “The status of the tires and brake pads still show useful life, and are ready for more grueling testing.”

A tough lineup
Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy provides a V6 lineup that performs better than V8 engines of years past. The Police Interceptor sedan lineup now comes with three powertrain options, allowing police to choose the engine that best meets their patrol requirements. The sedan is available with a standard 3.5-liter V6, the new 3.7-liter V6 and the performance powerhouse 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost – all paired with all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

The 3.7-liter V6 engine with 305 horsepower is now available on the all-wheel-drive Police Interceptor sedan and is common with the utility vehicle.

A high-capacity six-speed automatic transmission is uniquely calibrated and adapts to pursuit mode for responsiveness to an officer’s demands. All-wheel drive is standard on both sedan and utility vehicle Police Interceptors to optimize handling and control, which is important to meet the needs of first responders in their daily environment.

To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, who provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.

Building on Ford’s safety leadership, the Police Interceptor is engineered to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing.

Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicles recently earned top safety ratings in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration New Car Assessment Program testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

Ford really did do their homework on these cars from everything to the seat being comfortable with gear on, ballistic door panels, and steering wheel controls. I wish I saw more of them. My guess is they are pricey compared to the charger and maybe the Caprice. My homwtown has a couple of Caprices, and they do look sharp and sound great doing it. :)

[93chipper]

chp looks to be using the caprice or testing them also with the police interceptor utility 5 were spotted being used at the fallen chp officers funeral in vacaville