Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2013 Ford models hit with trio of recalls, 465k for fire risk]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/03/2013-ford-models-hit-with-trio-of-recalls-465k-for-fire-risk/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/03/2013-ford-models-hit-with-trio-of-recalls-465k-for-fire-risk/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/03/2013-ford-models-hit-with-trio-of-recalls-465k-for-fire-risk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Ford Fusion - front three-quarter view, silver

According to The Detroit News, Ford is issuing three separate recalls on new 2013 models, one of which affects 465,000 vehicles. That largest recall comes as the result of 600 complaints of fuel leaks, which could lead to a fire risk, the report indicates. Included in the 465k-unit recall are the 2013 Explorer, Flex, Fusion, Taurus and Police Interceptor sedan, as well as the Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ.

According to Ford, in a statement obtained by the Detroit News, "The condition could result in customers detecting a fuel odor, or in some cases, observe evidence of a fuel leak on the ground." Ford continues, "While a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, there have been no reports of fires. We are not aware of any accidents or injuries attributed to this condition."

In addition to all of this, Ford is recalling 500 examples of its 2013 Lincoln MKZ equipped with engine block heaters. The Detroit News states that, according to Ford, the insulation on the engine block heater's electrical cord may crack in cold temperatures.

Lastly, an extra 23 Ford Fusion models are being recalled due to potential impairment or loss of steering control. The News says this is due to faulty steering gears that may have been built without an internal retaining clip.

Since launching, the 2013 Fusion has been the subject of a number of recalls, two of which have involved the potential for engine fires. The fresh-faced 2013 Lincoln MKZ has had its own share of problems, with early production woes leaving many dealers without cars. Instances like this are causing Ford to rethink its vehicle launch strategy, in which the automaker will work better to smooth out the new car launch process, with the goal being fewer quality issues and recalls.

2013 Ford models hit with trio of recalls, 465k for fire risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford explorerford flexford fusionford police interceptorford recallford tauruslincolnlincoln mktlincoln mkzrecallMon, 03 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20596791/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/03/2013-ford-models-hit-with-trio-of-recalls-465k-for-fire-risk/20596791/article-detail.xml 20596791 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/01a-2013-ford-fusion-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/01a-2013-ford-fusion-fd.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA launches investigations into Ford Crown Victoria police cars, Dodge Viper and Porsche 911]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

​2005 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor - dead-on front view

Reuters reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating certain Ford Crown Victoria, Porsche 911 and Dodge Viper models for potential defects. NHTSA is currently looking into 2005-2008 Crown Victoria police car models for steering column failures that could cause the upper and lower portions of the steering shaft to separate. Such a condition would lead to a loss of control. So far there are 195,000 vehicles involved with 15 warranty claims.

Meanwhile, 10,000 Porsche 911 sports cars are under investigation for a faulty cooling hose fitting. The loose hose could cause a rapid loss of coolant that could not only damage the engine, but cause a slick road surface that could pose a danger to other traffic. The investigation is only concerned with models equipped with 2001-2007 models. There have been 10 owner complaints of failures, with one owner saying the coolant caused him to loose control and spin the vehicle off of the road.

Investigators are also looking into certain 2005-2006 Dodge Viper models for a rear suspension knuckle failure. Two owners have filed complaints after crashes, and NHTSA is now looking into 2,500 of the vehicles.

Note: these probes aren't recalls, but can lead to them if NHTSA or the automakers find sufficient evidence of danger to drivers.

NHTSA launches investigations into Ford Crown Victoria police cars, Dodge Viper and Porsche 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dodge viperfordford crown victoriaford crown victoria police interceptorford police interceptornational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsanhtsa investigationnhtsa probeporsche 911viperWed, 01 May 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554541/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/nhtsa-launches-investigations-into-ford-crown-victoria-police-ca/20554541/article-detail.xml 20554541 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2005-ford-crown-victoria-police-interceptor-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2005-ford-crown-victoria-police-interceptor-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford claims victory in latest round of Michigan State Police testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/ford-claims-victory-in-latest-round-of-michigan-state-police-tes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/ford-claims-victory-in-latest-round-of-michigan-state-police-tes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/26/ford-claims-victory-in-latest-round-of-michigan-state-police-tes/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Ford Crown Victoria relinquished its crown as the top police car when it went out of production last year, but Ford is claiming it still produces the dominant police vehicles on the market. This, following the most recent cop car comparison test held by the Michigan State Police.

While we're still waiting to see the official results for the 2013 model year vehicle evaluations, Ford is saying its new Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan and Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility outperformed other cars intended for rigorous police duty.

For the Police Interceptor Sedan, departments that opt for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 will be rewarded with the best 0-60 mile per hour, 0-80 mph and 0-100 mph times of all police cars, including V8-powered models like the Dodge Charger Pursuit and Chevrolet Caprice PPV. New for 2013, the sedan will offer a 3.7-liter V6, and Ford claims this model will have the best braking distance of the bunch. Even the Police Interceptor Utility with all-wheel drive had top acceleration to 60 mph and 80 mph compared to the Chevy Tahoe. Both the Sedan and Utility held the fastest average lap times around Grattan Raceway, the track where some of the testing was performed.

Until the official results come out, we can't fully call this a win for Ford just yet, but it sure does make a good case for the next generation of Ford police cars.

Continue reading Ford claims victory in latest round of Michigan State Police testing

Ford claims victory in latest round of Michigan State Police testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford police interceptor sedan2013 ford police interceptor utilityfordford police carford police interceptormichigan state police vehicle evaluationpolice carWed, 26 Sep 2012 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20330344/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/26/ford-claims-victory-in-latest-round-of-michigan-state-police-tes/20330344/article-detail.xml 20330344 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ford-police-interceptors_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ford-police-interceptors.jpg <![CDATA[Ponch Approved? California chooses Ford Explorer Police Interceptor as next patrol car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/ponch-approved-california-chooses-ford-explorer-police-intercep/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/ponch-approved-california-chooses-ford-explorer-police-intercep/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/ponch-approved-california-chooses-ford-explorer-police-intercep/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility

How many cops does it take to choose a new police car? In California, the answer is four. But this is also a trick question, because the California Highway Patrol didn't choose a car to replace its aging Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors - it chose an SUV. That's right, Cali 5-0 will be rolling in the Ford Explorer starting this fall.

According to Motor Trend, due to the CHP's requirement that each of its cruisers be able to carry four officers plus all their equipment, none of the three police sedans currently on the market were even eligible for consideration. Only the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, as the Explorer-based pursuit vehicle is known, and the Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle are able to carry the roughly 1,700-pound payload that CHP requires. According to the report, the Explorer out-performed the Tahoe in testing by the L.A. County Sheriff's Office and the Michigan State Police, however Ford won the CHP bid by virtue of having the lower price.

Motor Trend says the contract is good for some 1,800 Explorers over the next two years, although the the CHP may also be buying some sedans to use for "executive vehicles." As CHP is one of the major players in the police vehicle market, its decision to adopt the Explorer carries considerable weight with other agencies - meaning that Ford has to be happy with how things are shaking out in the post-Crown Vic world.

Ponch Approved? California chooses Ford Explorer Police Interceptor as next patrol car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford explorercalifornia highway patrolchpexplorerExplorer Police Interceptor Utilityfordford police interceptormichigan state policepolice carTue, 29 May 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20246719/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/ponch-approved-california-chooses-ford-explorer-police-intercep/20246719/article-detail.xml 20246719 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fordpiutility-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/fordpiutility-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a Taurus and Charger cop car team up on new Shelby GT500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/watch-a-taurus-and-charger-cop-car-team-up-on-new-shelby-gt500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/watch-a-taurus-and-charger-cop-car-team-up-on-new-shelby-gt500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/watch-a-taurus-and-charger-cop-car-team-up-on-new-shelby-gt500/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

GT500 vs Cop Cars

The good old boys at Motor Trend got their hands on not only a 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, but a Ford Police Interceptor and a Dodge Charger Police Pursuit, as well. Like any good, upstanding group of hooligans, the crew set to playing cops and robbers in the shadow of Detroit's vacant factories. With the big 662-horsepower, supercharged V8 Mustang left with no long spans of asphalt to stretch its legs, the two pursuit vehicles have a clear advantage. Watching the three go at each other is a decent way to blow five minutes of your work day.

Of course, this reminds me of a pearl of wisdom served up by my grandfather on the subject of evading the long arm of the law. He always said, "You can out run one, you might even out run two, but you'll never outrun that radio." Amen.

Check it out for yourself.

Continue reading Watch a Taurus and Charger cop car team up on new Shelby GT500

Watch a Taurus and Charger cop car team up on new Shelby GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford shelby gt5002013 shelby gt500 videocharger police carcop chase videododge charger police pursuitford police interceptorshelby gt500 cop chasevideoTue, 22 May 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242628/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/22/watch-a-taurus-and-charger-cop-car-team-up-on-new-shelby-gt500/20242628/article-detail.xml 20242628 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gt500-vs-charger-pursuit-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gt500-vs-charger-pursuit-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptor production begins]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/ford-taurus-and-explorer-police-interceptor-production-begins/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/ford-taurus-and-explorer-police-interceptor-production-begins/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/ford-taurus-and-explorer-police-interceptor-production-begins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford Police Interceptors

Ford has begun producing the company's two new Police Interceptor models. According to Ward's Auto, both the Taurus and Explorer-based cruisers are rolling off of the line at the automaker's Chicago Assembly Plant. All told, the sedan variant has accounted for around 60 percent of orders so far. Currently, the law enforcement market is Ford's to lose: Dearborn has controlled up to 70 percent of police car sales in the U.S. with its now defunct Crown Victoria in the past, but General Motors has made it clear it wants a larger slice of that pie.

GM has given law enforcement agencies an alternative to the two Interceptors from Ford with its Caprice PPV and Tahoe law enforcement SUV. Even so, Ford remains confident it will stay on top of the police market. The company says that early orders indicate it will remain the segment leader.

With a turbocharged, direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine in place of the old 4.6-liter V8 found in the Crown Victoria, Ford also says its new Interceptor models should be capable of returning 20 percent better fuel economy - an attribute that should salve relationships somewhat with fleet orderers who were fond of the anvil-like reliability and simplicity of the old Crown Vic.

Ford Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptor production begins originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>explorerford explorerford interceptorford police interceptorford taurusinterceptor productionlaw enforcementpolicepolice carpolice interceptortaurusWed, 22 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20176907/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/ford-taurus-and-explorer-police-interceptor-production-begins/20176907/article-detail.xml 20176907 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-interceptors-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/ford-interceptors-628.jpg <![CDATA[Georgia police car accidentally sold on Craigslist]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/georgia-police-car-accidentally-sold-on-craigslist/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/georgia-police-car-accidentally-sold-on-craigslist/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/georgia-police-car-accidentally-sold-on-craigslist/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Police Interceptor

We're not strangers to the allure of Craigslist. The classified ad site is our go-to distraction when it comes time to contemplate our next project vehicle, and we've been tempted by the occasional decommissioned Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor more often than we care to admit. As one Chattanooga, Tennessee man recently found out, those vehicles may be more trouble than they're worth. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Luke Ridings was recently stopped by authorities as he was driving his newly acquired Crown Vic, complete with lights, camera and radar equipment. Ridings said that he bought the vehicle for $4,000 from an individual in Georgia.

The only problem was that the cruiser was supposed to be crushed by a towing company after electrical issues had forced officials in East Ellijay to pull the vehicle from service. At this point, the company is trying to discover how it originally lost track of the doomed Interceptor. Ridings had his slightly used cop car confiscated and was charged with operating an unregistered vehicle as well as underage drinking.

Georgia police car accidentally sold on Craigslist originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chattanoogacrown victoriafordford crown victoriaford police interceptorluke ridingspolicepolice carpolice interceptorSat, 26 Nov 2011 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20114548/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/26/georgia-police-car-accidentally-sold-on-craigslist/20114548/article-detail.xml 20114548 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/police-interceptor-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/police-interceptor-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Police Interceptor vehicles pacing NASCAR races in Miami]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/ford-police-interceptor-vehicles-pacing-nascar-races-in-miami/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/ford-police-interceptor-vehicles-pacing-nascar-races-in-miami/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/ford-police-interceptor-vehicles-pacing-nascar-races-in-miami/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Police Interceptor pace cars

Oh, how far things have come. NASCAR, as you may have heard, traces its roots back to moonshiners trying to outrun police cars. Now it'll be the stock cars chasing after the police when NASCAR rounds out the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The vehicles in question are Ford's latest "purpose-built" Police Interceptors - the Taurus-based sedan and Explorer-based utility - which Dearborn rolled out last year to replace the old-school Crown Victoria-based squad cars patrolling America's highways and city streets. The pair have been selected, much to the anticipated delight of race-loving cops, to serve as the pace cars for the upcoming Ford Championship Weekend, where all three of NASCAR's major series - Camping World trucks, Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup - wrap up their seasons.

It's not the first time, of course, that Fords have been used as pace cars in NASCAR - far from it - but while the Focus, Explorer, Fusion Hybrid and Mustang GT have all taken their turn recently as what they'd call "safety cars" overseas, this is the first time in the many years of leading the field in law enforcement vehicles that Ford will use its cop cars for the task.

Continue reading Ford Police Interceptor vehicles pacing NASCAR races in Miami

Ford Police Interceptor vehicles pacing NASCAR races in Miami originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford championship weekford interceptorford police interceptorford police interceptor sedanford police interceptor utilityhomesteadhomestead-miami speedwayinterceptornascarpace carpolice interceptorsafety carWed, 09 Nov 2011 18:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20102088/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/09/ford-police-interceptor-vehicles-pacing-nascar-races-in-miami/20102088/article-detail.xml 20102088 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webfordpolicepacecar01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/webfordpolicepacecar01.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Police Interceptors earn official pursuit ratings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/ford-police-interceptors-earn-official-pursuit-ratings/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/ford-police-interceptors-earn-official-pursuit-ratings/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/ford-police-interceptors-earn-official-pursuit-ratings/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Police Interceptor Sedan

The Michigan State Police have officially graced the Ford Police Interceptor line with a Pursuit-Rated designation after a volley of tests. Both the Interceptor Sedan and Utility withstood the organization's battery of 0-60, braking and handling evaluations over a period of two days. And, the results?

According to Ford, both vehicles offer increased fuel economy and performance compared to the outgoing Crown Victoria Police Interceptor thanks to the use of the company's 3.5-liter turbocharged Ecoboost V6. With 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, the engine offers more grunt than the old 4.6-liter V8 with a smaller appetite for fuel.

The addition of a larger alternator and radiator means that the forced-induction six-pot can now handle the abuse that patrol duty can wreak on a vehicle. In addition, Ford says that its offerings are the only law-enforcement-specification options on the market right now specifically engineered to protect occupants from a 75 mph rear-end collision.

While both the Sedan and Utility have received the thumbs up from the Mitten State, the Los Angeles Police Department will also put the vehicles through the ringer in November. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Ford Police Interceptors earn official pursuit ratings

Ford Police Interceptors earn official pursuit ratings originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford police interceptormichigan state policepolice carpolice interceptorpolice interceptor sedanpolice interceptor utilityWed, 21 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20048903/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/21/ford-police-interceptors-earn-official-pursuit-ratings/20048903/article-detail.xml 20048903 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/police-interceptor-sedan-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/police-interceptor-sedan-630.jpg <![CDATA[Last Ford Crown Victoria build documented by St. Thomas Assembly]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/last-ford-crown-victoria-build-documented-by-st-thomas-assembly/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/last-ford-crown-victoria-build-documented-by-st-thomas-assembly/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/last-ford-crown-victoria-build-documented-by-st-thomas-assembly/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Pour a 40 out, dance a dervish or do whatever your people do to celebrate the dead, because yesterday, the final Ford Crown Victoria rolled off the assembly line at St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. Workers from the plant have been documenting the wind-down on a Facebook page, and you can check out some choice build pictures of the last-ever Vicky in our gallery. The final Crown Victoria was a white model with tan interior and optional rear-seat air conditioning for a customer in Saudi Arabia. With the long-serving Lincoln Town Car also ending production, only 250 of the plant's roughly 1,200 workers will be kept through December to help decommission the facility.

On sale for roughly 32 years, the Crown Victoria was a mainstay of the Ford lineup that refused to modernize. Aside from the Lincoln, it was the only rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame sedan left on sale in America. You could get it with a column-mounted shifter. You could order two bench seats and seat six comfortably (front bench seats in passenger vehicles are now officially dead in America). It rode on the oldest continuously produced platform on sale in America, Ford's tough-as-nails Panther platform that was first used back in 1979. Lastly, it always offered a V8 no matter what gas was going for at the corner station. Click through the jump to continue reading...

Continue reading Last Ford Crown Victoria build documented by St. Thomas Assembly

Last Ford Crown Victoria build documented by St. Thomas Assembly originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford crown victoriacrown victoriacrown victoria taxifordford police interceptorlast crown victoriapolice cruiserst. thomas assembly planttaxiFri, 16 Sep 2011 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20044699/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/16/last-ford-crown-victoria-build-documented-by-st-thomas-assembly/20044699/article-detail.xml 20044699 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/0000-last-ford-crown-victoria-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/0000-last-ford-crown-victoria-opt.jpg <![CDATA[LA Sheriff's Department tests new police cruisers, compiles findings in 174-page report]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/16/la-sheriffs-department-tests-new-police-cruisers-compiles-find/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/16/la-sheriffs-department-tests-new-police-cruisers-compiles-find/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/16/la-sheriffs-department-tests-new-police-cruisers-compiles-find/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 chevrolet caprice police car
2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Curious about the latest crop of cop cars? The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department - which undoubtedly has good reason to be interested in such machines - has released a bit of data to help clue you in on the newest cruisers. California's Boys in Blue put 15 vehicles through rigorous testing, and they ended up with a rather large stack of results. How large are we talking?

174 pages.

We thought cops hated paperwork, but it appears the movie industry has again lied to us. Those 174 pages are filled with stats on all 15 test vehicles, officer insight into vehicle performance and results from the various types of tests applied.

We'll be honest... we've only skimmed. We're not quite ready to take a deep dive into this particular PDF, however, it's available for you to peruse at the LA County Sheriff's Department website, should you have some time to kill.

LA Sheriff's Department tests new police cruisers, compiles findings in 174-page report originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet caprice ppvcop carcopsdodge charger pursuitford police interceptorla sheriffs departmentlapdpolicepolice carMon, 16 May 2011 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19941671/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/16/la-sheriffs-department-tests-new-police-cruisers-compiles-find/19941671/article-detail.xml 19941671 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/caprice-cop-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/caprice-cop-car.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor shows its face]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/2013-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-shows-its-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/2013-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-shows-its-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/2013-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-shows-its-face/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Ford Police Interceptor spy shots
2013 Ford Police Interceptor spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks as if the recent update to the 2013 Ford Taurus will translate to the company's new Police Interceptor. Our elite squad of spy photographers have managed to capture a few images of a revamped Interceptor during transport, and while several mules have been spotted with heavy front-end camouflage, this particular car has dropped its gown for the whole world to see. Along with a more aggressive front fascia, the vehicle wears a larger grille than its civilian counterparts to accommodate additional lighting, and perhaps enable better breathing.

Speaking of lighting, Ford looks to have reworked the vehicle's taillights to accept emergency strobes as well. Take this as an official warning - if you see this guy stalking you through traffic, it's probably already too late. Just go ahead and pull on over.

It's unclear exactly what performance modifications will accompany the aesthetic alterations. Still, given that the 2013 Taurus is now available with 290 horsepower from the base 3.5-liter V6 as well as a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and the mighty EcoBoost V6 with 365 ponies, law enforcement will likely have plenty of options to chose from.

2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor shows its face originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 May 2011 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford police interceptor2013+ford+taurus2013+police+interceptor2013fordtaurus2013policeinterceptorbreakingfordford police carford police interceptorford tauruspolicepolice carpolice interceptortaurusWed, 11 May 2011 09:36:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19937491/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/11/2013-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-shows-its-face/19937491/article-detail.xml 19937491 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/interceptor-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/interceptor-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Austin police looking to stockpile Crown Vics ahead of model's phase-out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/20/report-austin-police-looking-to-stockpile-crown-vics-ahead-of-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/20/report-austin-police-looking-to-stockpile-crown-vics-ahead-of-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/20/report-austin-police-looking-to-stockpile-crown-vics-ahead-of-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

The age of the Ford Crown Victoria cop car is almost at an end, but law enforcement in Austin, Texas wants one more crack at the old standby. Actually, the police are asking city council for $4.5 million to buy 176 Police Interceptor squad cars at an average price of $25,568.

Why the mad rush to buy 176 vehicles when all the new cop cars are on the way? Police officials tell the Austin Statesman that the department already has parts like computer mounts and light bars that fit on the Crown Vic, and a new model would call for a fresh batch of parts. Further, automakers haven't yet set official prices for the new models, and new models like the Taurus-based 2012 Police Interceptor and Chevrolet Caprice haven't been extensively tested in the streets. And the department has already determined that the Dodge Charger isn't the answer, saying that the back seat is too cramped for passengers and the trunk too small for computer equipment.

Assistant Police Chief Sean Mannix says that the department typically buys vehicles every year, but this allotment should last five years, adding "this will last us while we are determining what the next model will be." We're sure Ford will be more than happy to fill the order, and we'd also wager that the Austin police department won't be the only municipality to ask for one more big order of Crown Vics. Hat tip to Marcus!

[Source: Austin Statesman]

Report: Austin police looking to stockpile Crown Vics ahead of model's phase-out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinaustin texas policechevy capricecrown vic cop cardodge chargerford crown victoriaford police interceptorpolice carpolice interceptorpolice vehicleWed, 20 Apr 2011 07:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19918341/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/20/report-austin-police-looking-to-stockpile-crown-vics-ahead-of-m/19918341/article-detail.xml 19918341 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/ford-crown-victoria-police-interceptor-f-3-4-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/ford-crown-victoria-police-interceptor-f-3-4-630.jpg <![CDATA[Videos: Jay Leno spends time with Ford's new Police Interceptor, Automoblox]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/14/videos-jay-leno-spends-time-with-fords-new-police-interceptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/14/videos-jay-leno-spends-time-with-fords-new-police-interceptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/14/videos-jay-leno-spends-time-with-fords-new-police-interceptor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jay Leno and the Ford Police Interceptor
Jay Leno and the Ford Police Interceptor - Click above to watch video after the jump

Jay Leno has been a busy little denim-clad bee lately. The late-night host and car aficionado managed to get up close and personal with what Ford is hoping will become law enforcement's vehicles of choice in the near future - the Ford Police Interceptor and its Utility counterpart. Leno was lucky enough to get a full walk around both bruisers as well as a stint behind the wheel in the rain. The man with the chin managed to run down the current-generation Crown Victoria-based interceptor during a lead follow, so the footage from the track is a little more entertaining than your run-of-the-mill hot lap.

But that's not the only vehicle that Leno's been playing with recently. The comedian also took the time to get familiar with the latest new toy by the guys at Automoblox. The wooden racers are modular in design, allowing kids (and grown-ups, too) to build their own custom model from the available pieces. Think of it as Legos meets Hot Wheels. The pieces are made of German Beachwood, and the latest line of hot rods are right up our alley.

Hit the jump to see both videos.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Videos: Jay Leno spends time with Ford's new Police Interceptor, Automoblox

Videos: Jay Leno spends time with Ford's new Police Interceptor, Automoblox originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobloxford police interceptorjay lenojay lenos garagepolice interceptorpolice interceptor utilityvideoTue, 14 Dec 2010 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19760573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/14/videos-jay-leno-spends-time-with-fords-new-police-interceptor/19760573/article-detail.xml 19760573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/leno-interceptor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/leno-interceptor.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Police Interceptor quickest in LA Sheriff's Department testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/19/ford-police-interceptor-quickest-in-la-sheriffs-department-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/19/ford-police-interceptor-quickest-in-la-sheriffs-department-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/19/ford-police-interceptor-quickest-in-la-sheriffs-department-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Ford Police Interceptor
2011 Ford Police Interceptor - Click above for high-res image gallery

The battle for law enforcement domination rages on. A gaggle of would-be police cruisers showed up at the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department for public testing recently, and of all the competitors, the Taurus-based Ford Police Interceptor with its twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine managed to turn the quickest lap time of the bunch by beating out the V8-powered forces from Dodge and Chevrolet. It also ran from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds. Ford isn't saying exactly which other cars were on hand for abuse, but we can probably guess they were the Caprice and Charger.

The new 3.7-liter V6-powered Police Interceptor Utility, which is based on upcoming 2011 Ford Explorer, also managed to turn a lap time that was a full two seconds quicker than the new law enforcement Chevrolet Tahoe. Both vehicles were laden with a 400-pound cargo box at the time.

Ford's standard 3.5-liter V6 held its own during the competition, too - beating out the rest of the V6-equipped enforcers in handling, braking, acceleration and lap time tests. Ford says that in addition to performance and durability, the Interceptor also brings impressive fuel economy to the table - offering up to 20-percent better economy than the outgoing Crown Victoria.

How's that for a change from the last time these bruisers locked horns? Hit the jump for the full press release.


Gallery: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor


Gallery: Ford Police Interceptor Utility: Live Shots


Live photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Police Interceptor quickest in LA Sheriff's Department testing

Ford Police Interceptor quickest in LA Sheriff's Department testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford police interceptorford police interceptor utilitylos angeles sherrifs departmentpolice interceptorpolice interceptor utilityFri, 19 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19725506/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/19/ford-police-interceptor-quickest-in-la-sheriffs-department-test/19725506/article-detail.xml 19725506 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/ford-police-interceptor-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/ford-police-interceptor-opt.jpg <![CDATA[SEMA 2010: Ford Police Interceptor Stealth Concept will haunt the dreams of speeders everywhere]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/02/sema-2010-ford-police-interceptor-stealth-concept-will-haunt-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/02/sema-2010-ford-police-interceptor-stealth-concept-will-haunt-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/02/sema-2010-ford-police-interceptor-stealth-concept-will-haunt-th/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Police Interceptor Stealth Concept
Ford Police Interceptor Stealth Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

While we should be excited to see Ford show off a new, updated cop car, the Police Interceptor Stealth Concept already has us checking our rear-view mirrors. The full details on this cop cruiser were released yesterday, but seeing it under the bright lights at SEMA only serves to kick up the nervous anxiety to 11.

The man behind the car, Ford designer Melvin Betancourt, says he drew inspiration from the SR-71 Blackbird stealth plane. The blacked-out finish and hidden blue and reds, coupled with the potential for hosting a 365-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 under the hood are more than enough to cause speed-limit scofflaws to think twice about pushing harder on that gas pedal.

It's not only the outside that incorporates the idea of stealth design. The interior features a police radio hidden in the console, along with the on-board computer and the glove box has a hidden space to hide weapons. Slow down and check out the Stealth concept in our high-res gallery, below.


Gallery: SEMA 2010: Ford Police Interceptor Stealth Concept

Ford Police Interceptor Stealth ConceptFord Police Interceptor Stealth ConceptFord Police Interceptor Stealth ConceptFord Police Interceptor Stealth ConceptFord Police Interceptor Stealth Concept

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

SEMA 2010: Ford Police Interceptor Stealth Concept will haunt the dreams of speeders everywhere originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford police interceptorFord Police Interceptor Stealthpolicepolice interceptorpolice interceptor stealth conceptsemasema 2010sema auto showsema auto show 2010sema showsema show 2010stealth conceptTue, 02 Nov 2010 15:38:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19699625/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/02/sema-2010-ford-police-interceptor-stealth-concept-will-haunt-th/19699625/article-detail.xml 19699625 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/leadford-interceptor-sema-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/leadford-interceptor-sema-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Ford shows off Police Interceptor Stealth concept ahead of SEMA debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/ford-shows-off-police-interceptor-stealth-concept-ahead-of-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/ford-shows-off-police-interceptor-stealth-concept-ahead-of-sema/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/ford-shows-off-police-interceptor-stealth-concept-ahead-of-sema/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Police Interceptor Stealth
Ford Police Interceptor Stealth - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the raft of Mustangs and F-150s that Ford will be debuting at this year's SEMA show, this special Police Interceptor Stealth concept will be on display in Las Vegas this week. Ford designer Melvin Betancourt took inspiration from the SR-71 stealth airplane used in the 1950s and 1960s to create a Taurus-based Police Interceptor that manages to be flashy yet still able to fly under the radar.

Compared to a standard Police Interceptor sedan, the Stealth concept is lowered by one inch and rides on sinister 22-inch wheels. The rest of the car has been blacked out as much as possible - smoked taillamps, tinted windows and black trim all around the car make for a package that, as Betancourt says, gives the illusion of "there, but not there." Hit the jump to read the full details, and scroll through our high-res image gallery to see the concept for yourself.


Gallery: SEMA 2010: Ford Police Interceptor Stealth

Ford Police Interceptor StealthFord Police Interceptor StealthFord Police Interceptor StealthFord Police Interceptor StealthFord Police Interceptor Stealth

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford shows off Police Interceptor Stealth concept ahead of SEMA debut

Ford shows off Police Interceptor Stealth concept ahead of SEMA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 semafordford police interceptorpolice interceptorsemasema 2010stealth cop cartaurusMon, 01 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19696871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/01/ford-shows-off-police-interceptor-stealth-concept-ahead-of-sema/19696871/article-detail.xml 19696871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/pi630-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/pi630-2.jpg <![CDATA[Official MSP Numbers: Chevy Caprice is quickest, fastest police car... barely]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/official-msp-numbers-chevy-caprice-is-quickest-fastest-police/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/official-msp-numbers-chevy-caprice-is-quickest-fastest-police/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/08/official-msp-numbers-chevy-caprice-is-quickest-fastest-police/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Caprice police car
2011 Chevrolet Caprice PPV -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The numbers are in, folks. This year's Michigan State Police Vehicle Evaluation pitted Ford's Jurassic Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (the new Taurus-based Police Interceptor was reportedly on hand, but its numbers won't be included until next year), Chrysler's 2011 Dodge Charger Police Pursuit model and General Motors' Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle against each other in a no-holds-barred fight to the finish. And let's just say the results are closer than you might think.

For instance, as pointed out by the proud parents at Chevrolet, the Caprice did, in fact, manage to set the best acceleration times to 60 miles per hour and 100 mph. But... and there's always a but... the 2011 Charger was pretty much neck-and-neck with the Caprice. In fact, the Charger was quicker to 20, 40, 50, 70 and 80 mph. So, which one is really quicker? Pretty much a photo finish, if you ask us.

Also, top speeds between the two competitors were within spitting distance: 148 mph for the Caprice and 146 for the Hemi-powered Charger. There's plenty more intriguing data as well, such as the fact that the new Pentastar V6-powered Charger was, on average, almost exactly as fast around the race track as its more powerful V8-powered sibling, and both were about a second behind the Caprice in the lap time derby.

And what of the old stalwart? Ford's age-old Crown Victoria did its best, but was still over two seconds behind at 60 mph and a woeful 10 seconds afield by 100. Top speed for the Vic was 129 (with a 3.27 rear end, which was even slower in acceleration tests than its 3.55-equipped brother), and its lap times were well behind that of the Caprice and Charger.

Braking tests also favored the new Caprice and Charger. Chevy's entry posted a projected 60-0 stopping distance of 128.3 feet and the Charger managed to come to a halt in 133.9 feet (133.2 with the V6). For comparison, the Crown Vic needs 141.6 feet to haul itself down from speed.

One final note: If acceleration is really what an officer is into, perhaps he should consider a switch to two wheels. Kawasaki's Concours 14 ABS Police bike hit 100 mph in under 10 seconds and the BMW R1200 RTP did the deed in under 12. See the complete preliminary testing results here at the link below.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car


[Source: Michigan State Police Vehicle Evaluation]

Official MSP Numbers: Chevy Caprice is quickest, fastest police car... barely originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargerchevroletchevrolet capricechevrolet caprice police patrol vehiclechevrolet caprice ppvcrown viccrown victoriadodgedodge chargerdodge charger policeDodge Charger Pursuitfordford policeford police carford police cruiserford police interceptorFord Police Interceptor Crown Victoriamichigan state policemichigan state police vehicle evaluationpolicepolice carpolice carspolice cruiserpolice interceptorFri, 08 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19667013/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/08/official-msp-numbers-chevy-caprice-is-quickest-fastest-police/19667013/article-detail.xml 19667013 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/caprice-ppv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/caprice-ppv.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Caprice outperforms Ford and Dodge police cars in official test... or does it?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/22/chevy-caprice-outperforms-ford-and-dodge-police-cars-in-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/22/chevy-caprice-outperforms-ford-and-dodge-police-cars-in-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/22/chevy-caprice-outperforms-ford-and-dodge-police-cars-in-official/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Caprice PPV
2011 Chevrolet Caprice PPV -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The police vehicle market is flush with new iron from all quarters, making the results of this year's Michigan State Police Vehicle Evaluation hotly anticipated. Ford brought its new Taurus-based Police Interceptor, Chrysler had the 2011 Dodge Charger Police Pursuit model, and General Motors showed up with the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle. Preliminary results of the performance and dynamics testing put the Caprice PPV on top of its rivals, says GM, but there's a catch.

Chevrolet is touting the unofficial test outcome (final results will be released later this year) as proof of the Caprice PPV's superiority. Being quicker to both 60 and 100 mph and offering shorter stopping distances are performance attributes that officers appreciate, as is a 6.0-liter V8 and a chassis that handled Grattan Raceway with the best average lap time. Thing is, despite the fact that Ford's forthcoming Taurus-based cruiser was on-hand and competed in the tests, GM only compares its new Caprice to the ancient Crown Vic. The reason? The Blue Oval's new PI won't be available for more than a year. According to the blokes at Jalopnik who were on-hand for the shootout, the Caprice was actually bested by the AWD Taurus PI in braking and lap times, but GM has fashioned the 'not available yet' loophole to create victory (nevermind that the Caprice isn't on the streets yet either).

Of course, good performance numbers aren't all there is to police work, or departments would patrol in Corvettes. Chevrolet says the Caprice PPV leads in interior space and thoughtful touches like seats designed to accommodate officers' equipment belts. All of this, GM says, adds up to an open-and-shut case for the Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle. You'd expect no less from a press release (posted after the jump), but clearly, the real victory in the race to replace the Crown Victoria has yet to be determined.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car


[Sources: General Motors, Jalopnik]

Continue reading Chevy Caprice outperforms Ford and Dodge police cars in official test... or does it?

Chevy Caprice outperforms Ford and Dodge police cars in official test... or does it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 dodge charger2011 ford police interceptorcapricechevrolet capricechevrolet caprice police patrol vehiclechevrolet caprice ppvcruiserdodge chargerdodge charger policedodge charger police pursuitDodgeChargerford policeford police interceptorford police interceptor taurusmichigan state policemichigan state police vehicle evaluationpolice carpolice carspolice interceptorPoliceCarPPVWed, 22 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19643447/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/22/chevy-caprice-outperforms-ford-and-dodge-police-cars-in-official/19643447/article-detail.xml 19643447 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/chevy-caprice-ppv-1280189577_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/chevy-caprice-ppv-1280189577.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Authorities skeptical of Ford's new Police Interceptor at testing event]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/report-authorities-skeptical-of-fords-new-police-interceptor-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/report-authorities-skeptical-of-fords-new-police-interceptor-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/20/report-authorities-skeptical-of-fords-new-police-interceptor-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Ford Police Interceptor testing - Click above for high-res image gallery

Michigan law enforcement officials have gathered to run a rodeo with the Ford Police Interceptor, Dodge Charger Pursuit and Chevrolet Caprice police car. The last horse standing will be trying to slide into the spot left by the Ford Crown Victoria, which sold about 50,000 units per year before going out of production. Ford doesn't have the inside line on replacing its standard bearer, though, because the Taurus-based Police Interceptor is front-wheel drive, and that makes some officers skeptical.

An officer's remark that "It is a whole different driving system" symbolizes the wariness, with concerns not only about cost and complexity, but just being able to drive the thing in the way officers are accustomed. The competition is rear-wheel drive, and in the case of the Caprice - which ran the police fleet show until it went out of production - there's more interior room. All the cars have their give-and-take, although the Ford is the only offering with all-wheel drive. Final results from the weekend's testing will be announced in December.


Gallery: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor


Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: Authorities skeptical of Ford's new Police Interceptor at testing event originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 dodge charger pursuit2011DodgeChargerPursuit2012 ford police interceptor2012FordPoliceInterceptorCharger PursuitChargerPursuitchevrolet capricechevrolet caprice police patrol vehiclechevrolet caprice ppvChevrolet Caprice PPV 2011ChevroletCapriceChevroletCapricePolicePatrolVehicleChevroletCapricePpvChevroletCapricePpv2011Dodge Charger Police carDodge Charger PursuitDodgeChargerPoliceCarDodgeChargerPursuitford police interceptorFordPoliceInterceptormichiganpolicepolice carpolice interceptorPoliceCarPoliceInterceptorMon, 20 Sep 2010 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19639646/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/20/report-authorities-skeptical-of-fords-new-police-interceptor-a/19639646/article-detail.xml 19639646 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/fordpitesting_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/fordpitesting.jpg -1 2