Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![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 <![CDATA[Dodge Charger Pursuit claims its victories in Michigan State Police tests]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/dodge-charger-pursuit-claims-its-victories-in-michigan-state-pol/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/dodge-charger-pursuit-claims-its-victories-in-michigan-state-pol/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/dodge-charger-pursuit-claims-its-victories-in-michigan-state-pol/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dodge Charger Pursuit

The Big Three are finally done one-upping each other in this year's Michigan State Police vehicle evaluations, with the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V8 laying down some heady numbers on the test track. The Charger emerged with the fastest lap time ever recorded in the Michigan State Police test's history, at 1:33.7.

That, boys and girls, is something else. The Chevrolet Caprice PPV may have the best top speed and braking, but the Charger has shown it has the chops to slice up the twisties as well. The Hemi-powered Charger also gets to 60 in under six seconds with the optional 3.07 gears.

The only strike against the Charger is that needed a V8 to post those numbers, while both the Chevrolet Caprice and Ford Interceptor employ less thirsty V6s. Full presser after the jump.

Continue reading Dodge Charger Pursuit claims its victories in Michigan State Police tests

Dodge Charger Pursuit claims its victories in Michigan State Police tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capricechargerchevroletdodgefordinterceptorpolicepolice carpolice carsppvpursuitSun, 25 Sep 2011 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20065492/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/25/dodge-charger-pursuit-claims-its-victories-in-michigan-state-pol/20065492/article-detail.xml 20065492 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-charger-cop-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-charger-cop-lead.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[Mopar's Dodge Charger Pursuit police car says "Respect Mah Authoritah!"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/mopars-dodge-charger-pursuit-police-car-says-respect-mah-autho/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/mopars-dodge-charger-pursuit-police-car-says-respect-mah-autho/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/07/mopars-dodge-charger-pursuit-police-car-says-respect-mah-autho/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

mopar dodge charger pursuit

A Dodge Charger Pursuit police car is a rather unwelcome sign in your rearview mirror. Especially if you've got an eye towards criminal pursuits and a mind to press your luck and your throttle pedal to make a run for it. Now, you better ask yourself... do you feel lucky, punk? Do you? We know what you're thinking. Is that Mopar-equipped Dodge Charger carrying the 292-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, or does it have the 390-horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8 under the hood?

Either way, this new Dodge cop car has a slew of features handed down from the minds at Mopar, including slide-out trunk trays, trunk ventilation (to keep expensive electronics cool), a 100-watt siren, and upgraded electrical systems. Dodge is offering police officers the choice of one of six quick-order packages so America's various law enforcement divisions can get the car that fits the job. In addition to the pre-prepped vehicles, Mopar is offering 24 more items that an officer might want to make his cruiser even more battle ready.

Click past the jump to go through the full list of Mopar options for Dodge's new Charger Pursuit police car.

Continue reading Mopar's Dodge Charger Pursuit police car says "Respect Mah Authoritah!"

Mopar's Dodge Charger Pursuit police car says "Respect Mah Authoritah!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargercharger pursuitcop cardodgedodge chargerdodge charger pursuitlaw enforcementmoparpolice carpolice carsWed, 07 Sep 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20036748/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/07/mopars-dodge-charger-pursuit-police-car-says-respect-mah-autho/20036748/article-detail.xml 20036748 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[What the fashionable detective will be driving this fall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/27/what-the-fashionable-detective-will-be-driving-this-fall/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/27/what-the-fashionable-detective-will-be-driving-this-fall/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/27/what-the-fashionable-detective-will-be-driving-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 chevrolet caprice ppv

Anybody can buy a cop car. The roadway is littered with clapped-out Chevrolet Caprice cruisers that cause motorists to instinctively to slam on the brakes while the driver rolls smugly on by. Not everybody can pick up a brand-new 2011 Chevrolet Caprice cop car, however, but a few dealers actually have them in stock.

A reader (Thanks, Manzer!) managed to spy one wearing the Detective Package guise - complete with tinted windows - and sent in a few pics of the updated Caprice parked at in a nearby lot. While we are sad because it reminds of the gone-too-soon Pontiac G8, we're happy that we might someday be able to pick up a used one for far less than the nearly $32,000 price tag these command when new.

What do you get for all that coin? Well the average Joe Citizen gets exactly nothing, since you can't officially buy one since General Motors closed a contractual loophole with its dealers that saw a few examples selling to civilian buyers. Johnny Law, however, gets lights hidden in the front grille and rear window, a modest cloth interior and Police Performance mode as part of the Stabilitrak system. The best part lies under the hood, though, as this cruiser comes equipped with a 6.0-liter V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque.

Do you happen to wear a badge and desire a new ride to stop the baddies? Check out the listings at Jim Ellis Chevrolet in Atlanta, Georgia for a few options to put on your shopping list.

What the fashionable detective will be driving this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet caprice police detective sedancapricechevroletchevrolet capricecop cardetectivespolicepolice carpolice cruisersquad carWed, 27 Jul 2011 14:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20001232/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/27/what-the-fashionable-detective-will-be-driving-this-fall/20001232/article-detail.xml 20001232 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/lead-2011-chevrolet-caprice-ppv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/lead-2011-chevrolet-caprice-ppv.jpg <![CDATA[Beatboxing cop car can pull you over by way of a song]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/beatboxing-cop-car-can-pull-you-over-by-way-of-a-song/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/beatboxing-cop-car-can-pull-you-over-by-way-of-a-song/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/25/beatboxing-cop-car-can-pull-you-over-by-way-of-a-song/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

beatboxing cop car

Doug E. Fresh, Swifty, Buffy and Wise were the pioneers. Rahzell, Wes Carroll and Gavin Tyte moved it into the modern era, and Beardyman is moving it into the future. What the hell are we talking about? The art of beatboxing, of course.

A new challenger has arrived to take on the kings of vocal percussion. Actually, this challenger is a Charger - a Dodge Charger police car to be exact. The car's emergency sirens have been programmed to "beat box." (We put that term in quotes so as not to offend the people we listed above). Click past the jump to see and hear the car in action.

Continue reading Beatboxing cop car can pull you over by way of a song

Beatboxing cop car can pull you over by way of a song originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beat boxbeatboxingcop cardodge chargerpolicepolice carpolice chargersirensvideoMon, 25 Jul 2011 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19999844/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/25/beatboxing-cop-car-can-pull-you-over-by-way-of-a-song/19999844/article-detail.xml 19999844 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/beat-box-cop-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/beat-box-cop-car.jpg <![CDATA[PSA: First batch of 2012 Chevy Caprice police cars hitting the streets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/psa-first-batch-of-2012-chevy-caprice-police-cars-hitting-the-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/psa-first-batch-of-2012-chevy-caprice-police-cars-hitting-the-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/psa-first-batch-of-2012-chevy-caprice-police-cars-hitting-the-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

Do you own a fast car? Does your inner conscience often lose control of your right foot? If so, dear speeder, we have an important Public Service Announcement you'll be keenly interested in:

The first batch of Australian-built 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV police cruisers has reportedly made it to the States. So says Automotive News, who reports that the tally is currently very small (just 23 were sold in May to unidentified law agencies), but more are clearly on the horizon - AN helpfully reminds that police car sales can average 65,000 to 70,000 units when the economy isn't in a funk.

So, all you horizon scanners out there on the lookout for the Boys in Blue (or is that the boys in the black and whites?), you've got one more silhouette to burn into your brains. Take a good look at the Chevrolet in our high-res image gallery below, and commit it to memory. You have been warned.

(Or, ya know, you could just obey the posted speed limits...)

PSA: First batch of 2012 Chevy Caprice police cars hitting the streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capricecaprice ppvchevroletchevrolet caprice policechevrolet caprice ppvpolice carpolice carspolice cruiserFri, 03 Jun 2011 16:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19957935/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/03/psa-first-batch-of-2012-chevy-caprice-police-cars-hitting-the-s/19957935/article-detail.xml 19957935 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[Chrysler replaces Dodge Charger police car after 'suspicious' fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/chrysler-replaces-dodge-charger-police-car-after-suspicious-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/chrysler-replaces-dodge-charger-police-car-after-suspicious-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/chrysler-replaces-dodge-charger-police-car-after-suspicious-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dodge Charger Patrol on Fire

Chrysler has agreed to replace a Dodge Charger Pursuit and all of the police gear inside for free after the vehicle mysteriously burnt to the ground. As you may recall, a Curry County, Oregon sheriff's deputy saw his new cruiser (which had 6,000 miles on it) go crispy after stopping to assist in a search and rescue operation.

Patrick Combs, the rescuee, was found and taken to a local hospital by ambulance, but deputy Jared Gray's new Charger Patrol didn't survive the scene. The fire seemed to take hold in the passenger-side front wheel well and continued to reignite after fire crews extinguished the blaze.

There was one small caveat to the vehicle's generous replacement, however. In exchange for the new set of wheels, the sheriff's department had to agree to sign a non-disclosure, which means we may never know exactly what set the car ablaze.

As our friends at The J point out, no reports of toasty civilian Chargers have been made to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Chrysler replaces Dodge Charger police car after 'suspicious' fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargerchryslerdodgedodge chargerdodge charger firedodge charger pursuitfirepolice carTue, 31 May 2011 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19954324/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/31/chrysler-replaces-dodge-charger-police-car-after-suspicious-fi/19954324/article-detail.xml 19954324 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/charger-fire-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/charger-fire-630.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 -1 2