South Yorkshire police enlist Mitsubishi Evo X in the force
Click above for high-res image gallery of the Police Evo X
The South Yorkshire police just added a ten to their squad. No, that's not a sexist statement about some new hire, it's a reference to the new Mitsubishi Evolution X they just added to the fleet. Joining an already-intimidating Evo VIII and IX in the motorpool is a specially equipped X that should help keep the Road Crime Unit (RCU) ahead of the baddies. The Evo X should be more than adequate for tracking down drug dealers and car thieves by itself, but deployed as a pack, the trio of Evos will probably scare scofflaws into simply giving up the chase.
The new Evolution X squad car will also be fitted with an onboard Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, which allows officers to "check who the vehicle is registered to and if there is anything remotely suspicious about the vehicle." So it even does a bit of detective work, too. This sounds like just about the perfect pursuit and apprehend vehicle. While it's no Lamborghini LP560-4, it's no i MIEV either. Looks a bit like that Carbon Motors E7, but it's a proven platform with SUPER ARREST POTENTIAL! There's a full press release after the jump and a small gallery of high-res pics available below.
Gallery: South Yorkshire Police Evolution X
[Source: Mitsubishi]
PRESS RELEASE
SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE HUNT IN PACKS WITH THEIR LANCER EVOLUTION TRILOGY
- Lancer Evolution X to be used in the Road Crime Unit
- Inspector praises Evolution's strong visual impact, performance and safety credentials
- All-new Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system adds extra value to crime stoppers
Evo X Has Excellent Pursuit Capabilities
The new Police specification Evolution X has arrived with South Yorkshire Police to the great delight of its drivers, and the chagrin of local villains. The new car will be used alongside the ever present Evolution VIII and IX in the Road Crime Unit where proactive road policing is the mission and officers will be driving the new car in cases involving drug dealers and car thieves. "The Evo X was the car of choice because of its excellent pursuit capabilities and the fact that so much time and effort has been put into maximising performance whilst minimising the risk of accidents" Inspector Slack explained.
An intimidating view for any criminal
The Hunted Will Give Up
The new member of the team will be used on the same missions and at the same time as its previous-generation siblings, creating such a strong visual impact that the vehicle being pursued will often simply give up the chase and pull over, knowing they won't be able to out-run the RCU. What is more, the Police Evolutions 'hunt' in packs of three, which, Inspector Slack explained is often enough of a deterrent that high-speed chases are avoided.
Evo X Has The Latest Software and Hardware
Not only will the new Evolution X be one of the most capable performing cars, it will also be fitted with the latest Police hardware and software combinations. The onboard Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system allows officers to check who the vehicle is registered to and if there is anything remotely suspicious about the vehicle.
The latest hi-tech ANPR system is now fitted to the Evolution X
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
akboss 1:12PM (12/10/2008)
So why do we use Impalas and Crown Vic's again?
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happy_penguin 4:07PM (12/10/2008)
Because the stress of police use on American roads would have that little unibody beat to hell in less than a year.
JB 4:37PM (12/10/2008)
then train the police how to drive.. it's a car not a fairground dodgem
happy_penguin 5:24PM (12/10/2008)
They'll need to train the criminals first.
Rich 6:00PM (12/10/2008)
Happy penguin is, of course, referring to the doughnut-enhanced rears of the U.S. Police forces. U.S. roads suffer years of neglect, it's true, but they're only a little worse than some of the roads in the area these things will be patrolling. Moreover, they're far narrower, and have more twists and turns in 100 yards than an Impala will ever see from assembly to rust.
He obviously hasn't been to Yorkshire -- or even looked at a map -- there's a lot of interesting terrain west of Barnsley and Sheffield.
happy_penguin 9:55PM (12/10/2008)
No Rich, I'm referring to people like my brother who despite the stereotype does not eat doughnuts but does in fact serve the public and has done his share of nabbing piece of sh*t criminals, sometimes with the use of a proper police cruiser which is able to handle the rigors of police work on dilapidated Michigan roads.
akboss 8:49AM (12/11/2008)
Interesting, I didn't know the Crown Vic was body-on-frame, and actually just about the only car available in North America with that frame style. In Canada, we use Impalas and Chargers in increasing amounts, probably because of their cost savings, better fuel economy, and safety compared to the big Vic. Admittedly the Japanese compact may not have the longevity of the truck-car Vic, but I bet if you ask the drivers of any of these three beauties, they wouldn't complain ; ) Police forces often use specialized vehicles for specific purposes - I've seen Tahoes, Camaros, Mustangs, even a VW Beetle!
Gomi 1:14PM (12/10/2008)
I would pull over.
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adrian 3:31PM (12/10/2008)
They still need the helicopter most of the time even with these cars.
Bob Aman 4:04PM (12/12/2008)
Me too. I own an Evo X MR, so I'd pull over just for the conversation. :-D
Mr_Pie 1:20PM (12/10/2008)
lol i love that picture with the bmw
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Doug 1:07AM (12/11/2008)
Is there a nitrous button on the shifter, or is it just me?
brainy435 1:28PM (12/10/2008)
Say, maybe they could use this to fill a certain soon-to-be-vacant Wednesday time slot.....
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Stumpy 1:30PM (12/10/2008)
Good call! That would be something I would watch!
catgirlshyla 5:17PM (12/10/2008)
It's called Police Interceptors.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_Interceptors
They use both the Subaru WRX and the Mitsubishi Evo. I think one episode focused on the chief trying out a new Evo X at a trade show.
Same channel that Fifth Gear airs.
Mobius_1 1:28PM (12/10/2008)
SUPER ARREST POTENTIAL!
Hilarious :)
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Kitko 1:33PM (12/10/2008)
Well, in Manchester they have "Passenger waiting enviroment". It's a bus stop, by the way.... :-)
BigMcLargeHuge 1:31PM (12/10/2008)
Almost like Hot Fuzz!
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why not the LS2LS7? 1:44PM (12/10/2008)
Point Break or Bad Boys II?
Frank Filipponio 1:46PM (12/10/2008)
Yarp!