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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.
TGman
about 3 years ago
594 Comments
It does look small but it sure looks better than that carbon motors thing. The new caprice doesn't look bad either.
snowrider
about 3 years ago
30 Comments
Note: I'm kind of a car nut...
Some of you mentioned that the Taurus is cramped. This is built on the new platform. The old rent-a-car Taurus was retired a few years back. The new one is on a full size frame. This appears to be based on the Taurus SHO, which is a phenomenal car. I'm not sure if the police version will have it but, the SHO has AWD (I never got why people use RWD in snowy places) and 0-60 in about 5 seconds, with some pretty slick handling.
This is a perfect platform to replace the 1970s technology in the Crown Vic. This is durable, fast, big, and has a lot of flexibility for a lot of applications. They say it drives with as good or better performance than a $50k BMW.
Check out this review: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_1003_2012_ford_tauru...
Anonymous
about 3 years ago
LOOKS GREAT, LET'S HOPE DEPT'S CAN AFFORD THEM
usmcmike
about 3 years ago
6 Comments
They look and sound awesome. I hope you guys have fun in them b/c our dept will not see them for a long time.
Berne_4
about 3 years ago
300 Comments
They look sharp. However, looks don't get the job done. What's the cost going to be? Should be a better price than the Crown Vic, but I bet it's not! It's a Taurus for pete's sake! That's fine if you're undercover or a detective who doesn't have all the gear. What about rear seat space for someone you're taking to jail. Not that I really care about the person I'm jailing, but when you are dealing with a larger person, how are you going to get them in and out?
depgomez
about 3 years ago
692 Comments
Sounds good, but does it have the room we need to work in.
MNSC_83
about 3 years ago
16 Comments
I am not happy with the crown Vic leaving the scene, and the Taurus taking it over. I had a Taurus and noticed how cramped it was without a cage, a computer, and a console in it. All i can say with all that in there is CRAMPED! Bad move on fords part. Safety features like stab proof seats? What the hell do you need those for if you have a cage which 99 % of them will have installed? Waste on money.
Anonymous
about 3 years ago
Sounds like a great interceptor. Can't wait to ride one one day.
Scurge
about 3 years ago
1238 Comments
Sounds great except for its friggin smaller. Put all that whiz bang stuff in a vehicle the size of a Crown Vic or Charger instead of a Taurus or Impala.
kevw25
about 3 years ago
1298 Comments
I'm 6'4" and have enough trouble fitting in the crown vic. I hope this car is not designed for someone who's 5-10
Blueblood1974
over 3 years ago
5178 Comments
Sweetie!
Feez
over 3 years ago
48 Comments
Yes. Stick with the Ford (or Carbon Motors). After GM trying to pass off the cramped Impala and Chrysler passing off the even more cramped Intrepid as police vehicles, they should be banned from ever bidding again. It looks so unprofessional to have to pop the hood of your patrol vehicle while working a wreck in the summer to keep your Intrepid or Impala from overheating. Couple this with the bailouts GM and Chrysler received, my loyalties are not with them. Sad to see the Crown Vic go, but it looks like at least Carbon Motors and the new Ford may be worthy replacements.
nkrenz
over 3 years ago
38 Comments
Looks hot! Can't Wait!
sidewinder2100
over 3 years ago
82 Comments
I drive one of these as a patrol car for campus security. Check out my page for a few pics.
Talon
over 3 years ago
640 Comments
Sharp looking vehicle and interesting safety features ... I'm willing to drive anything once.