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2012 Police Interceptor Unveiled by Ford
Ford says this Taurus-based Police Interceptor Concept will exceed the durability, safety and performance of the Ford Crown Victoria, which is being phased out. (Ford photo)
Detroit Free Press via YellowBrix
March 13, 2010
“We are very optimistic that with this vehicle … we could even gain on that” level of market share, Czubay said.
General Motors, Chrysler and Connersville, Ind.-based Carbon Motors plan to increase their market share or launch new police cars.
Chrysler has set a goal of expanding its police car market share from 17% to 40% in the next 12 to 18 months with its rear-wheel drive Dodge Charger patrol car.
And, in October, GM announced plans to introduce the Chevrolet Caprice police car in 2011. GM said the new Caprice will offer V8 or V6 engines.
Ford also is offering two engine options: A 3.5-liter V6 engine with 263 horsepower and a 3.5-liter direct-injection turbocharged EcoBoost engine with 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
Ford’s Crown Victoria Police Interceptor has been popular with police departments because of its rigid, full-frame construction and rear-wheel drive transmission, all for a relatively low price, said Jim Hall, managing director of 2953 Analytics in Birmingham.
“The bottom line is they have a police car that defines the American police car,” Hall said. “Police departments love it for a million reasons, including its durability.”
Ford executives said the new vehicle is more durable and performs better than the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.
“We routinely run over 8-inch curbs at 40 m.p.h. to validate suspension strength,” said Scott Tobin, Ford’s vehicle line director for product development.
Fields also said the new vehicle is the only police car on the market that can withstand a rear-end collision at 75 m.p.h. The seats have areas cut out to accommodate utility belts, and the interior has space for standard police equipment.
vaccaroja
over 3 years ago
654 Comments
When will this be available for test drives?
delano388
over 3 years ago
4218 Comments
Awesome, when can we take it for a test drive?
smitharrr
over 3 years ago
92 Comments
It's a good start. It looks way better than the nerw Caprice though. I'm still a big fan of the Carbon Motors concept. I'm definitely looking forward to the SUV concept Ford is working on... hopefully CM does the same. I'd like to see some K-9 applications.
bluebrother
over 3 years ago
760 Comments
I like the carbon one more. I wish Ford better luck with this one than with the "fire traps" called Crown Vics.
rstuard
over 3 years ago
26 Comments
carbon motors is coming out soon with something better. I will say it is about time that Ford changed. If there are any problems maybe they will listen this time. You know like when we all had problems with the plastic intake manifold or the rear end eplosions or the cars jumping out of gear.
los008
over 3 years ago
480 Comments
We will have to see about this one!
RenoPD8702
over 3 years ago
22 Comments
What I would like to see is a side-by-side comparison of the new Taurus, the old Vic, the Charger, the Caprice, and the new Carbon vehicle. Rumor is that the carbon company is making their 1 vehicle strictly for LE. It's not a modified Civilian vehicle. And, it was designed with officer's input. show me all options..... Then I'll decide.
DDemlong
over 3 years ago
2240 Comments
Its still fwd. A good police car is rwd. Although it has optional awd I don't forsee most agencies ordering awd models due to cost. I am still really liking the new caprice.
Whalewatcher
over 3 years ago
9932 Comments
"Ford executives said the new vehicle is more durable" ...... Gonna take a wait-&-see attitude about that. Hope the interior is big enough up front for the larger officers.
MannBearPig123
over 3 years ago
100 Comments
Why doesn't Ford keep the Crown & the new one (which is sharp, by the way)? Let us have our cake & eat it too!
Anonymous
over 3 years ago
Not bad at all!
ethan2010
over 3 years ago
52 Comments
if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'm sad to see the Crown Vic go.
alexy
over 3 years ago
3970 Comments
Lets see GM has a 6 cyl front wheel drive car for police use and after 8 years they are going to a larger rear wheel drive V-8 platform based on what officers want and departments need. (the holden)
Ford that has 82% of the market for police vehicles goes from a large V-8 rear wheel drive car to a smaller V-6 FWD/AWD vehicle.
I will be intrested to see how EVOC traing will have to change to accomidate a FWD vehicle.
jimspolice
over 3 years ago
210 Comments
Considering this is the new product ... too early for real results, after a year on the streets .. should bring about any bugs it may have. Comfort and space is a must, especially for tall officers, and space for the necessary equipment [radio, radar, camera, control box etc.] Looking forward to hearing about how this vehicle fares through the storm.
BklynsFinest347
over 3 years ago
2014 Comments
Looks good, but I'm worried about the comfort level inside of the car, especially with a cage inside of it. I hope it's really huge in the inside & still cranks out the same power as the CVPI or better. Durability is must have too!! Let's just wait & see till it's on the real test track, the streets.