News >> Browse Articles >> Law Enforcement News
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.
Unit6
about 3 years ago
82 Comments
I'm hesitant on this...I still love the Crown Vic!!!
kevw25
about 3 years ago
1298 Comments
It dosen't have the crown vic headlights!
jewilliamsjr
about 3 years ago
54 Comments
I have had the opportunity to sit in the new Taurus SHO, the compartment has been designed for civlian creature comforts. I hope Ford does this right, and avoids front wheel drive like the plague! Looks and sounds good on paper, time will tell.
mapp
about 3 years ago
4162 Comments
OMG I want one. I am due a new car just get me that one. WOW. Cant wait to see that.
steveRPD
about 3 years ago
24 Comments
Faster acceleration...I can't wait!!!!!! I just hope it's as roomy as the Crown Vic. Can't wait to drive one!!!
Anonymous
about 3 years ago
...pretty mean looking too with the black and white color package
Anonymous
about 3 years ago
*drooling* anyone else just get a stiffy and a little light headed? I want one!
4theblue
about 3 years ago
1564 Comments
I like.
rod3245
about 3 years ago
716 Comments
I used to know a design engineer for Ford and his words to avoid front wheel drive at all costs. I don't remember why, something about the handeling or lack there of. Cam you still do an emergency break turn with a FWD car? I never tried, I was afraid I would break it. LOL But I sure could do them in a RWD car.
DALLASCRANE
about 3 years ago
19386 Comments
The Taurus Interceptor also comes with rear airbags to protect the rear dirt bags. There have been a number of lawsuits on the "Cage Protection." matter. Carbon E7 will cost more, have more.
Anonymous
about 3 years ago
LOOKS GREAT
molineaux4068
about 3 years ago
156 Comments
I love the Vic and I'm sad to see it go BUT I can't wait to get my hands on this thing.
vbranch
about 3 years ago
4 Comments
I'm on the fence about this being FWD or AWD. I'm not too crazy about front wheel drive with abuse factor added in, can it hold up? With the AWD would it not be too pricey when say after ten thousand miles are on the tires and some punk slashes a tire; with AWD are you not susposed to replace all the tires to keep even treadwear so that it doesn't screw the up the transmission , differential , speed sensor or something like that?
canadiancop
about 3 years ago
236 Comments
awesome.....hopefully we will be getting a few as soon as they come out
Patrolman25
about 3 years ago
178 Comments
I want