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In a sign of the impending apocalypse, Michigan police departments are steadily switching from the stalwart Ford Crown Victoria to less expensive FWD Chevy Impalas with more efficient V6 engines. Oakland county plans on saving $220,000 per year in lower fuel and vehicle costs by making the switch. Wayne County, which includes Detroit, began switching to the Impalas in 2005. While the Crown Vic looks almost cool in interceptor guise, the body-on-frame tank on wheels isn't exactly fast with its 239hp V8 engine, so the Impala should at least equal its velocity in high-speed chases. The county fleets will be transformed over a number of years, but the strategy may be short-lived due to the pending arrival of the RWD Impala in 2009 or 2010.
Time will tell if the Impalas will hold up as well as the RWD Crown Vics, especially when the FWD cars jump a curb at speed, but for counties struggling to keep funding, hundreds of thousands of dollars per year is hard to pass up.
[Source: Freep via Jalopnik]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
EM @ Aug 14th 2007 2:40PM
Wow. I never thought the V8 in the Vic's was that anemic. I mean, that's almost comical. Jeez, if it weren't for the jail sentence (among other things) if you get caught, it makes out running cops in something mildly sporty seem rather easy.
and if some of you actually think that it's a good idea to out run cops, seriously don't be that stupid.
Mr. Oak @ Aug 14th 2007 2:58PM
That was the motor in the civillian\taxi cab version. Police interceptors however, had a little more umph. Don't know where to get those specs though.
Stronger engine beefier suspension etc. Word to the wise, more than likely, you can't outrun that, in most cars on the road today.
Jugomugo @ Aug 14th 2007 3:09PM
Most taxis, like the ones in Chicago, USE the Police Interceptor packages.
They're not that fast or powerful.
BLS @ Aug 14th 2007 3:13PM
According to the article in Motor Trend the cop version of the V8 is weaker because it comes with the cheaper single exhast rather than the civilian dual exhast.
Don @ Aug 14th 2007 7:21PM
Yeah, good luck catching anyone, gents.
tritonofg @ Aug 14th 2007 2:50PM
Can't outrun a radio...
EM @ Aug 14th 2007 2:55PM
Hence the "don't be that stupid..."
jgp @ Aug 14th 2007 6:38PM
Or a helicopter.
Remember, hooligans: even if you can outrun the interceptor chasing you, they've got some way of getting you.
Gardiner Westbound @ Aug 14th 2007 2:55PM
The local PD tried Impalas. They were constantly out of service for transmission repairs. You can buy a lot of gasoline for the cost of a rebuilt transmission.
Calebe @ Aug 14th 2007 3:09PM
The Crown Vic is a waste of my tax dollars. My local PD has switched to Impala's and I think they should have went cheaper and gone with the Malibu. They didn't switch because fo the cost, but because of the fire problem with the CV
That One Person @ Aug 14th 2007 3:55PM
What fire problems? Are you referring to those cars that were rearended on freeways by people going around 70-80 mph? I would like to see the Impala handle that. And do you know how many lives the CV has saved? Think about how man CV interceptors are out there right now and compared that to the number of fires and deaths. There have been reports of CVs getting hit at over 100+mph and the occupants walking away with small scratches. The whole "fire issue" was overblown by the press.
Hey, let's get some Camries and Accords out there.
Also, the Interceptor comes with dual exhaust...
A.J. @ Sep 10th 2007 12:02AM
Please get your FACTS strait!!
Once again AutoBlog gets easily checked info wrong.
Engine – 4.6L overhead cam, SEFI V8 with 250 hp and 297 lb.-ft. of torque
Exhaust system – Dual stainless steel
Our Dept attempted to use the impala but the trans and over heating problems forced them to relegate them to GENERAL SERVICE
The Crown Vic is an old style but doeas take a severe beating and keep in the Fight. Just ask the Dodge Charger that rammed two of our units trying to get away last night! He ended getting pitted and t-boned. Needless to say the Crown Vic succeeded in winning the fight. I ask would you rather push a fleeing car with 3000lbs or 4200lbs?? Which do you think you are going to walk away from? HUMMM
Snark @ Aug 14th 2007 3:13PM
"Time will tell if the Impalas will hold up as well as the RWD Crown Vics, especially when the FWD cars jump a curb at speed"
I always laugh at this. Somehow, cops in other countries deal with FAR shoddier and less durable cars than the Impala and manage to do just fine. What the hell do you need to jump a curb for anyway?
felipe @ Aug 14th 2007 4:25PM
jeez...it's not a 'hot' persuit unless you jump a curb and smash a bistro.
even when they arrive at 'the scene' you have to skid up onto the curb.
dont you watch NYPD blue or anything like that?
A.J. @ Sep 10th 2007 12:06AM
Because bad guys really try to get away!!
Eddie @ Aug 14th 2007 3:19PM
On the interstate in Illinois you still see mid 90s Caprice cop cars. I bet theyre a lot faster than a Crown Vic because they use the good old LT1.
Todd @ Aug 14th 2007 5:00PM
Agreed about the chevy engine. It actually made the caprice into a car that you would like to drive.
Mike @ Aug 15th 2007 10:09AM
I remember getting pulled over many years ago. The cop asked me if I had any questions, so I asked which of the two vehicles her preferred, the Crown Vic or the Caprice. He told me with out a doubt the he would take the Caprice, and that most officers thought the Crown Vic was a POS. He handed me my ticket for 20 something over and went on his way. And I don't think the Impala will have too many problems, I have worked in the auto service sector for quite a few years and we don't tend to see too many of their vehicles in the shop, with the exception of collision repair, didn't Oakland Co. already have a lot of Impala cop cars? I know their were a lot when I was living there.
A.J. @ Sep 10th 2007 12:08AM
Yea they were faster (in a strait line) BUT try to take a corner in one!! Pushed like a SHIP!
JayP @ Aug 14th 2007 3:21PM
One of the cities I pass thru on my commute have bought several Chargers, complete with "Yea, it's got a Hemi." stickers on the bumpers.