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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.
daredad
over 3 years ago
104 Comments
As always, I'm impressed. Just wish I could drive one!
donmac85
over 3 years ago
86 Comments
Ford's done it again, another kick-ass car! But jumping an 8" curb, well any car can do that, and probably keep driving, but it'd probably bend the rims and rip off some parts from underneath. It may be powerfull and fast, but can it last like the 4.6 or the 5.0, I doubt it. Can't imagine how much they're charging for this thing though -Yikes!!!
donmac85
over 3 years ago
86 Comments
Ford's done it again, another kick-ass car! But jumping an 8" curb, well any car can do that, and probably keep driving, but it'd probably bend the rims and rip off some parts from underneath. It may be powerfull and fast, but can it last like the 4.6 or the 5.0, I doubt it. Can't imagine how much they're charging for this thing though -Yikes!!!
SkinnyKidCTL
over 3 years ago
16 Comments
The first cop car I ever used was a Plymouth Gran Fury! :-D I still think those were nicer even then the current Fords, but it sounds like this one was well thought out. ... My hope is that, being the Taurus is available in all-wheel-drive, the Interceptor will be too.
dcoleman201808
over 3 years ago
14 Comments
MAN I HOPE ON SOMEBODIES FORCE WHEN THESE BAD MOTOR SCOOTERS COME OUT.
Willsnipeforfood
over 3 years ago
274 Comments
Started in a Dodge Diplomat, then got a Chevy Caprice, then the Crown Vic, now I get a Taurus...... Please have a decent size passenger compartment!!!!
mva1053
over 3 years ago
108 Comments
i don"t know what to say. the crown vichas been a part of the dept for ever. i don"t think i could ever get used to driving something different.
sidewinder2100
over 3 years ago
82 Comments
I drive one of the 2010 Taurus' for the college I work for. Thank God they put the shifter on the column and lowered the center console for the LE version. The only problem I have with the car is the A-posts are huge and line up with the mirrors to block your 45 degree angles. Same with the rear, the car does not have good view when backing.
R8699
over 3 years ago
14 Comments
Thanks Ford, just the rear-ended crash spec's make me glad to see it. Those in Blue deserve nothing but the best, to help keep themselves and us safe.
Sgt_Fitz
over 3 years ago
46 Comments
Hey buba_norris: the new Chevy Caprice is a variant of the G8 GT its a slightly longer version of your car, same power train (right up to the floor mounted shifter). Thought you'd like to know your wish has been granted, now you just gotta get your boss to buy one.
As for the Taurus PI, I don't see a lot of administrators buying the twin turbo version. Aside from the scary (in their eyes) H.P. numbers, turbos generate a lot of heat, and heat adds up to more maintenance costs. I'd like to see the results of the Michigan State Police and LASD/LAPD testing. I will reserve a personal judgment until then. I am not a front wheel drive fan. We have some front drive Impalas now, not the most durable or comfortable cars ever made, and there is the ever present torque steer when turning and accelerating. Pretty quick though, for a V6. They make great admin cars. All wheel drive is an option on the Taurus, but like the twin turbo, additional up front costs and added maintenance are going to be a factor.
Etterman65
over 3 years ago
6 Comments
I'm a Ford Technician and I must admit that I am a GM guy, but the Taurus with the 3.5L V6 is a very FAST and handles like a dream.... If they put the EcoBoost engine in the police interceptors... man there's going to be alot of police officers getting pulled over for speeding in thier own patrol cars.
shovelhead1
over 3 years ago
2 Comments
WOW !!! I'd like to be pulled over by that car just to look at it up close, but not get a ticket
bubba_norris2002
over 3 years ago
14 Comments
my personnal car is a G8 GT and i thought it would make a good patrol car but you never know till its done i guess
bubba_norris2002
over 3 years ago
14 Comments
This seems to be a well thought out car. Very nice and durable .......
varadarcop
over 3 years ago
574 Comments
Dont know what some of you have been reading, but you missed the information where the Taurus PI has increased rear seat room, wider opening doors, All Wheel Drive, reverse sensing system, Blind Spot Information System, and a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds. Oh yeah, and 25 mpg.
In durability testing, they ran over 8" high curbs at 40mph, literally hundreds of times. The shift lever on the column was tested 200,000 times.