In a recent AP news article Ford revealed its new Police Interceptor sedan Friday. The car, based on the Ford Taurus, will replace the Crown Victoria-based cruiser at the end of 2011.
Unlike the Crown Victoria, which has a 250-horsepower V-8 engine, the new Police Interceptor will come with two V-6 options: a standard engine with 263 horsepower and one with 363 horsepower. That will bring the Ford Interceptor in the range of the Dodge Charger, whose 362-horsepower Hemi V-8 is now the most powerful in the segment.
Ford also hopes to stand out with exclusive features, like carved front seats to accommodate officers’ holsters and rear doors that open 71 degrees — 10 degrees wider than usual — to make it easier to put people in the back. They will be offered with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
The article went on to say, that the California Police Chiefs Association reported some officers preferred the aggressive looks, faster acceleration and handling of the newer, more powerful Charger.
Later this year, General Motors Co. will relaunch the Chevrolet Caprice police car after a 15-year absence from the U.S. market. GM also sells a police car based on the Impala. Carbon Motors Corp., a new company based in Indiana, plans to build police cars to departments’ exact specifications starting in 2012. Even the Toyota Prius hybrid has been modified for police work in Seattle and other cities.
