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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)

“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.

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