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[Carbon Motors strikes back with new police truck]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/#commentsFiled under: ,



Carbon Motors couldn't have picked a better time to get into the police car business with the departure of the Ford Crown Victoria leaving the market wide open, but with its purpose-built E7 police sedan still a few more years away from production, the Indiana-based company decided to launch another vehicle for first responders. There was a big demand to get something out quick, and that something is the TX7. Designed to be more of a multipurpose vehicle, the TX7 is able to fill many roles making it a more practical expense for police agencies.

Unlike the E7, the TX7 is based on an existing powertrain and chassis, which allowed Carbon to develop the truck in less than eight months, but the company has not yet announced where it got these components from. What we do know is that a diesel V8 producing at least 300 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque is under the hood, and it is paired to a four-wheel-drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Referred to as a "multi mission vehicle," the TX7 is designed to be more practical than a standard SUV police vehicle while costing hundreds of thousands of dollars less than a full assault-type SWAT truck. Carbon spokesman Stacy Dean Stephens said that most specialized police vehicles, like SWAT trucks, are not used on a frequent basis, but the TX7's 10-passenger capacity makes it a versatile vehicle for first responders.

"Command post vehicles and SWAT trucks can sit around unused for most of the year," Stephens said. "The TX7 can perform many different tasks while costing far less... including being a command post following natural disasters or acting as a prisoner transport."

The TX7 is not available with the heavier armor meaning it won't be able to be used in all extreme situations, but Stephens also said it's a much less imposing vehicle than a SWAT vehicle, which he says can "scare the community."

The Carbon TX7 is priced at $149,950, and with deliveries taking place during the second half of next year. Scroll down for the official press release.

Continue reading Carbon Motors strikes back with new police truck

Carbon Motors strikes back with new police truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 carbon tx7carbon motorsemergency vehiclepolice carpolice trucktx7Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20405255/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/20405255/article-detail.xml 20405255 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-carbon-tx7_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-carbon-tx7.jpg <![CDATA[Ford creates Focus ST Wagon cop car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/ford-creates-focus-st-wagon-cop-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/ford-creates-focus-st-wagon-cop-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/25/ford-creates-focus-st-wagon-cop-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The British crime thriller, The Sweeney, was centered around two cops tooling around in an unmarked, blacked-out, five-door, Ford Focus ST. It's only logical, then, that Ford serve pent-up demand for a true police-spec Focus ST.

Reporting for official duty is the Ford Focus ST estate, complete with full cop livery, LED light bar and a mobile data terminal.

Ford says the 2.0-liter 252-horsepower EcoBoost can propel pursuing police to 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds and top out at 154 mph.

The one-off demonstrator was paraded out at the National Association of Police Fleet Managers' (NAPFM) Conference and Blue Light Fleet Exhibition in Peterborough recently.

"With the Ford Focus ST being seen so publicly on cinema screens nationwide, the timing for this 'official' version couldn't be better," said Terry Adams, Ford's Direct Sales Manager for Police, Fire & Ambulance in the press release. "At the NAPFM show we displayed the car's crime-fighting talents to police transport managers and took bookings for demonstrations."

Read the full press release below.

Continue reading Ford creates Focus ST Wagon cop car

Ford creates Focus ST Wagon cop car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford focus stecoboostford focus st estateford focus st policelaw enforcementnapfmpolice carthe sweenyThu, 25 Oct 2012 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20359688/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/25/ford-creates-focus-st-wagon-cop-car/20359688/article-detail.xml 20359688 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-ford-focus-police-estate-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-ford-focus-police-estate-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[NHTSA probing 2005-2008 Ford Crown Victoria police cars over steering issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/nhtsa-probing-2005-2008-ford-crown-victoria-police-cars-over-ste/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/nhtsa-probing-2005-2008-ford-crown-victoria-police-cars-over-ste/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/nhtsa-probing-2005-2008-ford-crown-victoria-police-cars-over-ste/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2003 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into complaints involving steering column shafts that can separate on Police Interceptor versions of the Ford Crown Victoria. An official recall has not been issued yet, but a separated steering column could be dangerous in that it would cause the driver to lose all steering control of the vehicle. Fortunately, there have been no reported crashes or injuries associated with this issue.

Fox News reports that the NTHSA investigation applies to the 2005 through 2008 model years, accounting for around 195,000 police cars, but there have only been three confirmed instances where the car's steering shaft has failed. The report does state that police agencies have been inspecting their cruisers and there are at least 10 additional complaints of steering shafts that were found to be faulty.

While this problem does not apply to the civilian models of the Crown Vic, there are likely to be numerous privately owned cars affected by the problem since so many decommissioned police cars are purchased at auctions.

NHTSA probing 2005-2008 Ford Crown Victoria police cars over steering issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crown viccrown vic p71crown vic police interceptorcrown victoriacrown victoria p71crown victoria police interceptorfordnhtsanhtsa recallpolice carpolice car recallrecallMon, 17 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20324725/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/17/nhtsa-probing-2005-2008-ford-crown-victoria-police-cars-over-ste/20324725/article-detail.xml 20324725 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/crown-victoria-police-interceptor628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/crown-victoria-police-interceptor628opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Dodge Charger Pursuit AWD better able to catch bad guys in the snow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/15/2014-dodge-charger-pursuit-awd-better-able-to-catch-bad-guys-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/15/2014-dodge-charger-pursuit-awd-better-able-to-catch-bad-guys-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/15/2014-dodge-charger-pursuit-awd-better-able-to-catch-bad-guys-in/#commentsFiled under: , ,



With the Ford Crown Victoria out of the picture, automakers are in a fight for police car domination, and Dodge just upped the ante by adding an optional all-wheel drive system on the Charger Pursuit for 2014.

Previously, the Charger Pursuit was only available with rear-wheel drive, but adding the AWD system gives it an advantage over the rear-drive-only Chevrolet Caprice PPV and makes the car more marketable in Northern police fleets against the Ford Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan which also offers AWD. Dodge's system differs from Ford's mainly by being rear-wheel biased, but Chrysler also says that it features an active transfer case and a front axle disconnect system. These allow the Charger Pursuit to have great traction in slick road conditions and deliver optimal fuel economy in regular driving.

The new Charger AWD police car will only be available on the cars equipped with the V8 engine, and while Chrysler didn't announce fuel economy estimates, the regular Charger AWD gets 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. For top fuel economy, the Pentastar V6 is still available under the RWD Charger Pursuit's hood.

Chrysler's announcement of the Charger Pursuit AWD came on the same day that Ford announced the addition of the more powerful and more fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V6 to the Police Interceptor Sedan.

You can check out the press release below.

2014 Dodge Charger Pursuit AWD better able to catch bad guys in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge charger police car2013 dodge charger pursuit2014 dodge charger police car2014 dodge charger pursuit awdchargercharger police carcharger pursuitcharger pursuit awddodgepolice carSat, 15 Sep 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20323636/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/15/2014-dodge-charger-pursuit-awd-better-able-to-catch-bad-guys-in/20323636/article-detail.xml 20323636 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-dodge-charger-pursuit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-dodge-charger-pursuit.jpg <![CDATA[Ford's Taurus-based Police Interceptor getting more power to catch scofflaws]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/fords-taurus-based-police-interceptor-getting-more-power-to-cat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/fords-taurus-based-police-interceptor-getting-more-power-to-cat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/fords-taurus-based-police-interceptor-getting-more-power-to-cat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford's Taurus-based Police Interceptor - front three-quarter view

Ford has revealed that it is updating the base powerplant on its 2013 Police Interceptor sedan. Ford's 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine will replace the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine in its Taurus cop car, and the new engine will slot under the optional twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.

The V6 offered is a version of the powerplant found in the base Mustang and F-150, and it was already available on Ford's Police Interceptor Utility (read: enforcement-spec Explorer). With the help of twin independent variable camshaft timing, the 3.7-liter V6 makes 305 horsepower and 279 pound-feet of torque. It puts up these numbers while achieving 18 miles per gallon city, 25 mpg highway. Combined fuel economy is 21 mpg.

According to Ford, the 3.7-liter provides the highest output of any naturally aspirated V6 pursuit engine. The change should improve its 0-60 time, especially compared to competing six-cylinder pursuit vehicles. If you recall, the outgoing 288-hp 3.5-liter V6 resulted in a 0-60 run of 8.36 seconds, well behind the 7.34 of the Chevrolet Caprice PPV V6 (301 hp), and the 7.68 of the Dodge Charger Pursuit V6 (292 hp). The new 3.7-liter mill should put the Ford Police Interceptor in that range, though we do not yet have those numbers.

If a police department decides that 305 horsepower is not enough to chase down perpetrators, Ford still offers its 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine with 365 horsepower, and it's still the only twin-turbocharged V6 engine being offered in America's police vehicle fleet. For more information on the naturally aspirated V6, click below to read through the press release.

Continue reading Ford's Taurus-based Police Interceptor getting more power to catch scofflaws

Ford's Taurus-based Police Interceptor getting more power to catch scofflaws originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford police interceptorecoboostfordlaw enforcementpolicepolice carpolice interceptortaurusFri, 14 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20322410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/14/fords-taurus-based-police-interceptor-getting-more-power-to-cat/20322410/article-detail.xml 20322410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/police-interceptor-sedan-630_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/police-interceptor-sedan-630.jpeg <![CDATA[VT farmer goes on rampage, crushes 7 police vehicles with tractor [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/vt-farmer-goes-on-rampage-crushes-7-police-vehicles-with-tracto/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/vt-farmer-goes-on-rampage-crushes-7-police-vehicles-with-tracto/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/vt-farmer-goes-on-rampage-crushes-7-police-vehicles-with-tracto/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As you can see from the screenshot above, the Orleans County Sheriff's Department in Vermont did not have a good Thursday. At 12:40 pm yesterday, they received a 911 call that a tractor was running over police cruisers. The location of the crime? Their very own sheriff's barracks! The man behind the wheel of the tractor has been identified as Roger Pion, a Newport, VT farmer who was reportedly angry over a previous arrest for a minor violation.

In a scene that sounds straight out of Hazzard County, the officers stormed outside, but the culprit was gone, and they had no uncrumpled vehicles with which to pursue to Pion. The sheriff's department called in, well, everyone - Vermont State Police, Border Patrol, and Newport City Police, who finally tracked the offender down. Pion was about a mile and a half down the road when they found him, at which point he took off on foot and was soon after apprehended and arrested.

The damage, totaling an estimated $250,000 included six cruisers and an unmarked police van.

While the original offense Pion was upset over was for marijuana possession and resisting arrest, he now reportedly faces charges including aggravated assault, unlawful mischief, gross negligent operation and leaving the scene of an accident.

Continue reading VT farmer goes on rampage, crushes 7 police vehicles with tractor [w/video]

VT farmer goes on rampage, crushes 7 police vehicles with tractor [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>orleans countypolice carpolice carsroad rageroger piontractorvermont tractorvideoFri, 03 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20292758/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/03/vt-farmer-goes-on-rampage-crushes-7-police-vehicles-with-tracto/20292758/article-detail.xml 20292758 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/crushedcruisers-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/crushedcruisers-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Leaf gets badged for police duty in Portugal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/nissan-leaf-gets-badged-for-police-duty-in-portugal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/nissan-leaf-gets-badged-for-police-duty-in-portugal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/14/nissan-leaf-gets-badged-for-police-duty-in-portugal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan Leaf Portugal Police Car

Plug-in vehicles perform police duties for Scotland Yard (Vauxhall Ampera) and the NYPD (Chevrolet Volt) and we've all seen the little EV parking-enforcement vehicles, so today's announcement that the Nissan Leaf will be used as a police vehicle in Portugal isn't surprising. What's interesting is that the eight patrol EVs are touted as a way for the fuzz to "arrive at the scene of a crime in near silence."

Portugal's PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) will use the all-electric hatchbacks mostly for the Safe School Program, Nissan said in a statement, but they are decked out and ready "to perform other police duties at any time" should the need arise. We'd assume chases won't be part of the mission, but other than that, we don't see any reason the eight electric Nissans will be treated much differently than the other 5,000 cars in the PSP fleet, especially since Portugal has been implementing a network of EV chargers, Level 2 and quick chargers among them.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf gets badged for police duty in Portugal

Nissan Leaf gets badged for police duty in Portugal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jul 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan leafleafnissannissan leafnissan leaf policepatrol carpolícia de segurança públicapolice carportugalpspsafe school programSat, 14 Jul 2012 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20277762/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/14/nissan-leaf-gets-badged-for-police-duty-in-portugal/20277762/article-detail.xml 20277762 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/nissan-leaf-portugal-police-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/nissan-leaf-portugal-police-car-628.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[Dodge introduces Durango Special Service model for police and fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Dodge Durango Special Service models - police and fire vehicles

The Dodge Charger has already done a fine job ingratiating itself with our nation's police forces, and with Ford's Crown Victoria finally off the beat, Chrysler is understandably keen to gain a bigger share of the law enforcement pie. Enter the 2012 Durango Special Service.

Available in both rear- and all-wheel drive and Pentastar V6 or Hemi V8 flavors, this Durango variant has been uprated for the sort of duty cycles common among police and fire crews. Available modifications include a heavy-duty brake setup, larger battery, 220-amp alternator, as well as an engine cooler and upsized water pump. Properly equipped, Chrysler says the Durango SS can tow a class-leading 7,400 pounds, and it offers a bladder-perforating 550-mile range.

Dodge has improved interior lighting to make sure that officers don't have to squint while writing you that speeding ticket, and they've also gone to the trouble of brooming the third row of seats for increased capacity (K9 duty, anyone?). Thoughtfully, they've left the second-row HVAC controls so that perps can be stored at proper temperatures.

Want to know more? Check out our high-res image gallery and then shuffle past the jump to see the official press release.

Continue reading Dodge introduces Durango Special Service model for police and fire

Dodge introduces Durango Special Service model for police and fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dodge durango2012 dodge durango special servicedurangodurango firedurango policefirelaw enforcementpolicepolice carspecial serviceMon, 19 Mar 2012 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196176/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/20196176/article-detail.xml 20196176 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-dodge-durango-special-services-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-dodge-durango-special-services-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Police Interceptor line gets official EPA fuel economy ratings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor undergoing testing

Police forces didn't care much about fuel economy back in the early days of the Ford Crown Victoria, but these days, efficiency is front and center for cash-strapped municipalities. The cost of fuel keeps rising and cities continue to cut their budgets, so one or two miles per gallon might make the difference for a city deciding between a fleet of Ford's new Taurus-based Interceptor, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV and Dodge Charger Pursuit.

And so it is with great interest we read the news today that Ford has released official EPA-certified fuel economy figures for the new Interceptor. The base model equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 18 miles per gallon city / 26 highway, while the twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated at 16 mpg city / 23 highway. Finally, the Interceptor Utility (read: cop-spec Ford Explorer) powered by a 3.7-liter V6 returns 16 mpg city / 22 highway.


We scoured through official specs and data from Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge to produce the comparison table above. As you can see, the new Police Interceptor from Ford is not the precinct captain of fuel economy, not even when comparing the V6 EcoBoost model against its V8-powered competitors. The acceleration numbers, meanwhile, were all taken from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Annual Law Enforcement Vehicle Test and Evaluation Program for 2012 models. Based on their results and the official EPA numbers that we found, the Chevrolet Caprice PPV V6 looks like the best combination of both quickness and thriftness. One thing, though, is for certain: No matter which model they choose, police forces everywhere should be saving lots of fuel compared to the aged Crown Vics in their fleets now. Learn more in Ford's official press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford Police Interceptor line gets official EPA fuel economy ratings

Ford Police Interceptor line gets official EPA fuel economy ratings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford police interceptorcaprice ppvcharger pursuitchevroletdodgeenvironmental protection agencyepaexplorerfordfuel economylaw enforcementpolicepolice carpolice interceptortaurustaurus shoFri, 16 Mar 2012 17:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20195226/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/16/ford-police-interceptors-get-official-fuel-economy-ratings-from/20195226/article-detail.xml 20195226 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/11hmstdbc02740-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/11hmstdbc02740-opt.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[Nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cars recalled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit police car - front three-quarter view

With the era of Ford's dominant Crown Victoria finally drawing to a close, automakers are working harder than ever to court law enforcement with more modern police cruisers. Key among their tactics? Facilitate easier fleet ordering by making common police equipment upgrades available from the car companies themselves instead of forcing precincts to seek out aftermarket specialists. Instead of sending their new cruisers off to third party vendors, those in charge of ordering new police cars can get them fitted with items like heavy-duty secondary batteries, special lighting, trunk coolers, laptop docking consoles and so on - all from the factory.

An unintended consequence of this shift in strategy is that the police cruisers are now more complex than ever, particularly in the area of wiring. Just ask Chrysler, which is now facing the recall of nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cruisers from 2011 and 2012 model years.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler will recall 9,688 cop specials because some vehicles could incur an overheated lighting harness connector that could cause the cruiser's low beams to fail. In addition, some Chargers may also suffer from an overheated power distribution center that could result in a loss of the vehicle's anti-lock braking and stability control systems. Just as they would with a car sold to the general public, Chrysler will notify owners covered in the recall and inspect and replace the affected parts free of charge.

Click through to the jump to read over NHTSA's official recall notice... and be safe out there.

Continue reading Nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cars recalled

Nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cars recalled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dodge chargerchargercharger pursuitdodgelaw enforcementnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsapolice carpolice car recallrecallMon, 13 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20170047/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/20170047/article-detail.xml 20170047 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-dodge-charger-pursuit628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-dodge-charger-pursuit628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Why haven't you seen many new Chevy Caprice police cars? GM delays.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/why-havent-you-seen-many-new-chevy-caprice-police-cars-gm-dela/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/why-havent-you-seen-many-new-chevy-caprice-police-cars-gm-dela/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/why-havent-you-seen-many-new-chevy-caprice-police-cars-gm-dela/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Caprice Patrol Vehicle

The sun has long since set on the Ford Crown Victoria and the big sedan's Police Interceptor variants, but many parts of the country still haven't seen the next-generation of pursuit vehicles take to the street. In the case of the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle, that's because General Motors has hit a delay in providing the Holden-based sedans. According to the DuPont Registry, the delay is two-fold. Shipping from Australia is taking longer than expected, and Chevrolet dealers aren't outfitting the vehicles quickly enough to satiate demand.

The report quotes Deputy Chief Jeff Undestad of the Largo Police Department in Largo, Florida as saying his office waited more than eight months for GM to deliver their Caprice Patrol Vehicles to the dealer. Undestad should consider himself lucky. A neighboring department waited 10 months for its new patrol cars. Chrysler, meanwhile, usually takes two to three months to deliver its police-duty Dodge Charger models.

GM, meanwhile, says that the company is working to address the shipping issues. The company now has a pool of Caprice Patrol Vehicles at port, which should help trim the wait time.

Why haven't you seen many new Chevy Caprice police cars? GM delays. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacaprice delaychevroletchevrolet caprice delaychevrolet caprice police patrol vehiclechevrolet caprice ppvdelaygeneral motorsgmpolice carpolice patrol vehicleppvshippingMon, 06 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20164709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/06/why-havent-you-seen-many-new-chevy-caprice-police-cars-gm-dela/20164709/article-detail.xml 20164709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chevrolet-caprice-patrol-vehicle-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/chevrolet-caprice-patrol-vehicle-628.jpg <![CDATA[When your country floats on oil, your police drive only Porsches]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/31/when-your-country-floats-on-oil-your-police-drive-only-porsches/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/31/when-your-country-floats-on-oil-your-police-drive-only-porsches/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/31/when-your-country-floats-on-oil-your-police-drive-only-porsches/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Qatar's police force has a sizable fleet of Porsche Panamera and Cayenne patrol vehicles at its disposal. How is this? Well, Qatar has lots of oil, for starters, so there's that income. The emirate also holds a 17 percent stake of preferential shares in the Volkswagen Group. So, it's not particularly hard to see how the stable of luxo-cop cars came to be. The force took them for a spin on December 18, Qatar National Day, and you can get a look at the coolest fleet in the video after the jump.

Continue reading When your country floats on oil, your police drive only Porsches

When your country floats on oil, your police drive only Porsches originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cayennepanamerapolicepolice carporsche cayenneporsche panameraporsche patrol carqatarqatar policeSat, 31 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137589/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/31/when-your-country-floats-on-oil-your-police-drive-only-porsches/20137589/article-detail.xml 20137589 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/qatarpoliceporsche_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/qatarpoliceporsche.jpg <![CDATA[Police dash cam catches tree attacking cruiser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/police-dash-cam-catches-tree-attacking-cruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/police-dash-cam-catches-tree-attacking-cruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/police-dash-cam-catches-tree-attacking-cruiser/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Police Car hits tree video screen cap

Law enforcement officers face perils most of us never have to worry ourselves with. Between irate drivers, armed criminals and the tangle that is the U.S. justice system, it's a wonder anyone willingly volunteers to protect and serve. Still, we doubt many officers have had to face off against an attacking tree. That's exactly what happened as one police officer was driving through Mission, Kansas. The cruiser's dash camera caught the action as a massive limb came crashing down onto the road just as the patrol car passed underneath.

Fortunately, the policeman wasn't harmed in the resulting collision, though the cruiser in question required substantial body work, including a new windshield. Hit the jump to check out the brief clip for yourself.

Continue reading Police dash cam catches tree attacking cruiser

Police dash cam catches tree attacking cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>law enforcementpolicepolice carpolice car hits treepolice officertree hits police carvideoSun, 04 Dec 2011 16:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20120333/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/04/police-dash-cam-catches-tree-attacking-cruiser/20120333/article-detail.xml 20120333 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/police-car-tree-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/police-car-tree-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[Ram Special Services Police Truck gives the Five-O a 5.7]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/ram-special-services-police-truck-gives-the-five-o-a-5-7/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/ram-special-services-police-truck-gives-the-five-o-a-5-7/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/ram-special-services-police-truck-gives-the-five-o-a-5-7/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ram Special Services Police Truck

Law enforcement agencies may now sink their teeth into a specially prepared version of the Ram pickup truck. The Special Services Police Truck is built to take the abuse that only police officers can throw at a vehicle with additional door supports to handle the weight of optional ballistic protection, a 220-amp alternator for added electronic gadgetry and a 390-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine.

Each truck is built with a unique wiring harness specifically engineered to endure the heavy loads of the radar, computer, lighting and radio equipment officers need in the field. Speaking of fields, this is one pursuit vehicle that can chase you anywhere you run thanks to the presence of a four-wheel-drive system.

Ram isn't saying how much the Special Services Police Truck will cost municipalities or whether or not regular-Joe buyers can tick the right boxes and get their own service truck. We do know that with 407 pound-feet of torque on tap and a 3.92 axle ratio, this vehicle will be plenty quick off of the line when it comes time to give unruly motorists a stern talking to. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Ram Special Services Police Truck gives the Five-O a 5.7

Ram Special Services Police Truck gives the Five-O a 5.7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1500law enforcementpolicepolice carpolice carspolice truckramram 1500ram police truckram special services police trucktruckTue, 08 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20100819/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/08/ram-special-services-police-truck-gives-the-five-o-a-5-7/20100819/article-detail.xml 20100819 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-ram-police-truck-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-ram-police-truck-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Nissan GT-R is the scariest police car ever]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/2012-nissan-gt-r-is-the-scariest-police-car-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/2012-nissan-gt-r-is-the-scariest-police-car-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/2012-nissan-gt-r-is-the-scariest-police-car-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Nissan GT-R police car screen capture

An unnamed Northern Virginia police agency has apparently scored itself a Nissan GT-R to use as a pursuit vehicle. Call it the last of the V6 Interceptors.

A company by the name of EVI Corporation spends its days outfitting law enforcement vehicles with all of the necessary electronics to track down baddies, and the company recently released a video showing a GT-R boasting a full range of blue and red flashers as well as the standard strobe treatment for both the headlights and taillights. Now, we've seen agencies snag high-dollar vehicles from drug kingpins and other seedy characters in the past, but this is something different.

According to the word kicking around the web, this GT-R showed up at EVI with a mere 13 miles on the clock, meaning its as fresh as a fallen snow. The only question is; which law-enforcement agency in the area (if any) saved up enough pennies to buy itself a Nissan GT-R for pursuit or public relations duty? EVI isn't saying for obvious reasons, but we're guessing it won't be too long before this machine gets its cover blown. Hit the jump for a video of the car with its lights blazing.

Continue reading 2012 Nissan GT-R is the scariest police car ever

2012 Nissan GT-R is the scariest police car ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>godzillagt-rgt-r policegtrnissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r police carnissan gt-r police car videopolice carunmarked carvideoThu, 06 Oct 2011 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20075321/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/06/2012-nissan-gt-r-is-the-scariest-police-car-ever/20075321/article-detail.xml 20075321 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/nissan-gt-r-interceptor-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/nissan-gt-r-interceptor-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/2012-chevrolet-caprice-ppv-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/2012-chevrolet-caprice-ppv-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/2012-chevrolet-caprice-ppv-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Anything But A Trivial Pursuit



There's something inherently satisfying about using a blunt force object for its exact purpose, be it ripping the cover off a baseball with a Louisville Slugger or bonking one of those animatronic pop-up varmints with a rubber mallet at the local arcade. At the opposite end of the spectrum, there's something equally satisfying about using a precise tool designed for an exact purpose, be it a Montblanc pen or a pickle fork. With the introduction of its 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV, General Motors is betting that law enforcement customers are willing to trade-in the former brand of satisfaction for the latter.

For decades now, an overwhelming majority of America's policemen and women have relied on the four-wheeled equivalent of a blunt object, the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, as a primary tool in combating crime. Stubbornly resistant to change since its introduction during the Carter administration, the Crown Vic proudly rode its pig iron and scrimshaw frame into retirement earlier this month, a victim of growing legislative hurdles and slowing sales. Yet despite - or perhaps because of - its antiquated technology and crude construction, precincts far and wide have been clawing over each other to secure the last few examples.

GM believes it has a better way: 2012 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle. Company officials say they are so cognizant of the unique needs of law enforcement that they've designed and built this special pursuit vehicle specifically for their use. GM has divulged no plans to park a civilian version in your Bowtie showroom and you won't be seeing them in New York yellow, either. This is a purpose-built piece of kit. Of course, the truth is a bit more complicated than that. The Caprice PPV is actually a lightly modified version of GM's long-wheelbase Zeta sedans that are marketed in Australia as the Holden Caprice and in the Middle East as... well, a Chevy Caprice. GM recently offered ordinary U.S. consumers a shorter Zeta, in the form of the well liked but short-lived Pontiac G8, but it expired when its brand was shuttered.

GM invited us out to its Proving Grounds to play cops and robbers on the very same day that the pilot light was going out at Ford's Crown Vic plant. Coincidence? Rather than mull the question, we hightailed it out to Milford, Michigan to live out our childhood policeman fantasies and file this report.

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV

2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet caprice ppv2012+chevrolet+caprice+ppv+crown+victoria+comparison2012chevroletcapriceppvcrownvictoriacomparisoncapricecaprice ppvchevroletchevrolet+caprice+2012chevroletcaprice2012chevychevy police carcop carfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivepolice carppvzetaFri, 30 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20070150/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/2012-chevrolet-caprice-ppv-first-drive-review/20070150/article-detail.xml 20070150 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-2012-chevrolet-caprice-ppv-9c1-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-2012-chevrolet-caprice-ppv-9c1-opt.jpg -1 2