The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor police cruiser is well known across the nation. Police agencies, Sheriffs' offices, state highway patrols, federal agencies and more have used the full-sized specially equipped sedan for law enforcement for more than two decades. In these changing times and in a law enforcement world of changing needs, Ford is answering the call and making requisite changes to their vehicle designs.
Earlier this year Ford introduced its new Police Interceptor sedan and now has released news of its newest pursuit-rated vehicle: the Police Interceptor utility. Combined, the two vehicles represent Ford's solution to providing law enforcement agencies with versatility and choice in their patrol fleet.
"We understand today's police departments require adaptability," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas. "Ford is committed to remaining the nation's largest provider of police vehicles, and we're offering law enforcement officials a complete portfolio of options that are purpose-built, capable and delivered with the safety, technology and performance they need to excel at their jobs."
Reportedly, both vehicles will debut simultaneously and be offered without interruption when production of the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends in late 2011.
Ford's new Police Interceptor Utility is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is flex-fuel compatible and reportedly delivers a minimum of 285 horsepower. The vehicle has a six-speed automatic transmission geared for quick starts but high-speed low-RPM fuel efficiency and two options in drive-trains, one specifically designed for off-road large-load carrying needs. Perhaps of greatest interest to those who have to budget fuel costs, the new Ford Police Interceptor vehicles are reported to deliver at least 20% better fuel efficiency than the currently used 4.6-liter V8.
To develop the new Police Interceptor vehicles, Ford depended on the input from its Police Advisory Board comprised of law enforcement professionals. "The combination of both sedan and utility versions of the Police Interceptor allows Ford to deliver a complete, diverse and efficient solution to all of law enforcements' pursuit needs," said Ken Czubay, vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service. "These vehicles were developed step-by-step with our valuable Police Advisory Board, so we ahve had customer feedback throughout the development process and provided an efficient solution for fleet managers."
Ford also put a focus on safety. Ford boasts that both of the new Police Interceptor vehicles have passed the 75-mph rear-end crash testing - the only pursuit sedan to meet the test so far. Additionally the vehicles feature side-curtain airbag rollover protection systems that help to protect passengers in both roll-over and side-impact crashes. Finally, Ford's "curve control technology" is incorporated. This technology senses when a vehicle is entering a curve too quickly, and can apply four-wheel smart braking to reduce vehicle up to 10-mph in approximately one second and help drivers control their vehicles.
To get an exclusive look at our video in and around these new vehicles, check out the links below.
