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[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[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[Chicago Police Department orders 500 new Ford Police Interceptors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/chicago-police-department-orders-500-new-ford-police-interceptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/chicago-police-department-orders-500-new-ford-police-interceptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/26/chicago-police-department-orders-500-new-ford-police-interceptor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

police interceptors

Ford has just landed a solid punch in the battle to win over police departments in the post-Crown Vic era. The automaker announced the sale of 500 new Police Interceptor models (a mix of sedans and SUVs) to the Chicago Police Department. The 2013 Interceptor is responsible for the addition of 230 jobs at the Torrence Avenue plant, which is conveniently located in Chicago.

Okay, so the location of the plant likely made the CPD's vehicle of choice a foregone conclusion, but the latest PI models may also help the department in terms of its fuel expenditures. With an expected fuel economy gain of 25 percent compared to the now-defunct Crown Victoria, and gas prices expected to get much uglier than they already are, the more efficient Interceptor's arrival is nothing if not timely.

Some municipalities worry that the new Police Interceptors won't match the old Panther-platform cars' toughness when it comes to handling the rigors of police use, but Ford counters that its new PI models, a Taurus-based sedan and Explorer-based utility variant, are designed specifically for police work.

The automaker worked with the LAPD and and Michigan State Police to certify the the new vehicles for patrol duty. Departments can choose from a normally aspirated 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 or the turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5 with 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.

Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release.

Continue reading Chicago Police Department orders 500 new Ford Police Interceptors

Chicago Police Department orders 500 new Ford Police Interceptors originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagocopsecoboostfordpolice interceptortaurusSun, 26 Feb 2012 15:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20179518/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/26/chicago-police-department-orders-500-new-ford-police-interceptor/20179518/article-detail.xml 20179518 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[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[How Ford plans to phase out the best-selling E-Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/how-ford-plans-to-phase-out-the-best-selling-e-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/how-ford-plans-to-phase-out-the-best-selling-e-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/how-ford-plans-to-phase-out-the-best-selling-e-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In a commercial market where "change" is a four-letter word, Ford has a lot of explaining to do.

It is not often that an automaker decides to dump a best-selling vehicle line, one that's dominated its segment for decades. But Ford's commercial vehicle team is doing it not once, but twice. Ford had been phasing out its Panther platform for a good five years before it finally ceased production of its Crown Victoria taxi, Police Interceptor and Lincoln Town Car livery offerings in September. Now the company is set to do similarly with its E-Series van, which will eventually be replaced by Ford's Transit, the venerable European equivalent. Ford divulged a few more details about its commercial vehicle plans at a press event in Dearborn yesterday.

When the final Panthers rolled off the assembly line in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, Ford was left with no direct replacement. Instead, the company plans to sell the compact Transit Connect van in the taxi market, upgraded Tauruses and Explorers as police cars, and a "Town Car" version of the Lincoln MKT crossover to livery operators. All things being equal, these are significantly better products than their Panther-based predecessors, yet in a commercial market where "change" is a four-letter word, Ford has a lot of explaining to do.

Continue reading How Ford plans to phase out the best-selling E-Series

How Ford plans to phase out the best-selling E-Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-serieseconolinefordford e-seriesford econolineford transitpanther platformpolice interceptortaxitown cartransitThu, 08 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20123684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/08/how-ford-plans-to-phase-out-the-best-selling-e-series/20123684/article-detail.xml 20123684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/transitwhatvanawards-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/transitwhatvanawards-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Georgia police car accidentally sold on Craigslist]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/georgia-police-car-accidentally-sold-on-craigslist/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/georgia-police-car-accidentally-sold-on-craigslist/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/26/georgia-police-car-accidentally-sold-on-craigslist/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Police Interceptor

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

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

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

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

Ford Police Interceptor pace cars

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

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

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

Continue reading Ford Police Interceptor vehicles pacing NASCAR races in Miami

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

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

Ford Police Interceptor Sedan

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Ford Police Interceptors earn official pursuit ratings

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford police interceptormichigan state policepolice carpolice interceptorpolice interceptor sedanpolice interceptor utilityWed, 21 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20048903/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/21/ford-police-interceptors-earn-official-pursuit-ratings/20048903/article-detail.xml 20048903 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/police-interceptor-sedan-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/police-interceptor-sedan-630.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor shows its face]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/2013-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-shows-its-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/2013-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-shows-its-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/2013-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-shows-its-face/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford police interceptor2013+ford+taurus2013+police+interceptor2013fordtaurus2013policeinterceptorbreakingfordford police carford police interceptorford tauruspolicepolice carpolice interceptortaurusWed, 11 May 2011 09:36:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19937491/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/11/2013-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-shows-its-face/19937491/article-detail.xml 19937491 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/interceptor-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/interceptor-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Taurus Police Interceptor to hit streets with 2013 updates]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/25/report-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-to-hit-streets-with-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/25/report-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-to-hit-streets-with-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/25/report-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-to-hit-streets-with-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 ford taurus
2013 Ford Taurus and 2012 Taurus Police Interceptor - Click either image for high-res gallery

2012 Ford Taurus Police InterceptorThe Ford Crown Victoria has been such a valuable asset to police agencies around the U.S. that some municipalities have gone as far as to order extras. The reason? The Crown Vic will be retired at the end of 2011, with a replacement coming in the form of the Taurus Police Interceptor. But with the new 2013 Taurus being shown at the New York Auto Show and Ford already having shown a version of the cruiser based on the 2011 model, which version will the cops get?

USA Today reports that Ford product boss Derrick Kuzak says the Taurus PI will in fact be based off the 2013 model, which includes LED taillights and new front and rear fascias. Beyond cosmetic upgrades, the 2013 Taurus will also receive a 27-horsepower boost from the 3.5-liter V6 (to 290 hp) and an EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbo that boasts highway fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon. The V6-powered EcoBoost Taurus SHO will continue to feature 365 hp.

Since the new Taurus PI will be a 2013 model, will it also offer all three powertrains? We're thinking there might be a few police agencies that would be interested in a more fuel efficient cop car. A 2.0-liter EcoBoost model could save municipalities some bucks, but historically, most departments have shied away from the high-tech and smaller displacement in favor of the less complex and tried-and-true, so we're not sure how well they'd fare in the marketplace. What are your thoughts? Have your say in Comments.


Gallery: 2013 Ford Taurus

2013 Ford Taurus2013 Ford Taurus2013 Ford Taurus2013 Ford Taurus2013 Ford Taurus

Gallery: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor



[Source: USA Today]

Ford Taurus Police Interceptor to hit streets with 2013 updates originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford taurus2013 tauruscrown victoriaford taurusford taurus police interceptorpolice carpolice carspolice interceptortaurusMon, 25 Apr 2011 13:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19922793/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/25/report-ford-taurus-police-interceptor-to-hit-streets-with-2013/19922793/article-detail.xml 19922793 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/03-2013-ford-taurus630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/03-2013-ford-taurus630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Austin police looking to stockpile Crown Vics ahead of model's phase-out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/20/report-austin-police-looking-to-stockpile-crown-vics-ahead-of-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/20/report-austin-police-looking-to-stockpile-crown-vics-ahead-of-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/20/report-austin-police-looking-to-stockpile-crown-vics-ahead-of-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

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

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

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

[Source: Austin Statesman]

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

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

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

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

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

Hit the jump to see both videos.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Gallery: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor


Gallery: Ford Police Interceptor Utility: Live Shots


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

[Source: Ford]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Gallery: SEMA 2010: Ford Police Interceptor Stealth Concept

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

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

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

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

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

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

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


Gallery: SEMA 2010: Ford Police Interceptor Stealth

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

[Source: Ford]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car


[Source: Michigan State Police Vehicle Evaluation]

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

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

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

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

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

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


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car


[Sources: General Motors, Jalopnik]

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

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

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

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

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

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


Gallery: 2012 Ford Police Interceptor


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

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 dodge charger pursuit2011DodgeChargerPursuit2012 ford police interceptor2012FordPoliceInterceptorCharger PursuitChargerPursuitchevrolet capricechevrolet caprice police patrol vehiclechevrolet caprice ppvChevrolet Caprice PPV 2011ChevroletCapriceChevroletCapricePolicePatrolVehicleChevroletCapricePpvChevroletCapricePpv2011Dodge Charger Police carDodge Charger PursuitDodgeChargerPoliceCarDodgeChargerPursuitford police interceptorFordPoliceInterceptormichiganpolicepolice carpolice interceptorPoliceCarPoliceInterceptorMon, 20 Sep 2010 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19639646/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/20/report-authorities-skeptical-of-fords-new-police-interceptor-a/19639646/article-detail.xml 19639646 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/fordpitesting_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/fordpitesting.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Ex-Bondurant Cobra-engined Roush Ford Crown Victoria [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-ex-bondurant-cobra-engined-roush-ford-crow/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-ex-bondurant-cobra-engined-roush-ford-crow/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-ex-bondurant-cobra-engined-roush-ford-crow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Former Bondurant Ford Crown Victoria Roush Cobra-engined car
Ex-Bondurant Cobra-engined Roush Ford Crown Victoria - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're aching for some seat time in the the new Ford Police Interceptor, but given our choice of flogging one of the new-school bruisers or one of the old-school cruisers, we know which one we'd take. And it just happened to appear on eBay Motors. Used as an ex-Bondurant Driving School car, this 1999 Crown Victoria is just one of eighteen cars built by Roush for Bob Bondurant's school. Number 15, to be precise.

Under the hood sits a 320-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine plucked from the 1999 Ford Mustang Cobra. The typical police-issue slushbox has been nixed in favor of the T45 five-speed manual normally reserved for SVT Cobra duty. The front and rear suspension setup features Eibach springs and solid sway bars, and the go-fast action can be brought to a quicker halt thanks to a set of Brembo rotors, Hawk pads and Baer steel-braided brake lines. The car is also fitted with a Corbeau driver's seat and five-point safety harness, four-point harnesses for the other seats and a fully-integrated roll cage. If that isn't enough, this potential super-sleeper has a Halon fire suppression system should things get a little warm in the cabin.

The good news is that you can put this car in your driveway by parting with 20,000 of your hard-earned dollars, or perhaps somewhat less if you're a savvy bidder. The bad news? it's not street legal. It's a purpose-built machine for Bondurant and has never been registered or titled. Track beater anyone?

Hop on over to eBay to see the listing to see the specs and hop the jump to see this big black beast in action.


Gallery: Ex-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown Victoria

Ex-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown VictoriaEx-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown VictoriaEx-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown VictoriaEx-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown VictoriaEx-Bondurant Cobra-Engined Roush Crown Victoria

[Source: eBay Motors | Image: Challenger Motorsports]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Ex-Bondurant Cobra-engined Roush Ford Crown Victoria [w/video]

eBay Find of the Day: Ex-Bondurant Cobra-engined Roush Ford Crown Victoria [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bondurantbondurant driving schoolCrown Viccrown victoriaeBayebay Find of the Dayfordford crown victoriaford mustang cobraford police interceptorpolice interceptorROUSHSVTsvt cobraFri, 17 Sep 2010 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19636471/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-ex-bondurant-cobra-engined-roush-ford-crow/19636471/article-detail.xml 19636471 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/bondurant-roush-ford-crown-victoria-lede11_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/bondurant-roush-ford-crown-victoria-lede11.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility prepares to serve and protect]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/ford-explorer-police-interceptor-utility-prepares-to-serve-and-protect/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/ford-explorer-police-interceptor-utility-prepares-to-serve-and-protect/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/ford-explorer-police-interceptor-utility-prepares-to-serve-and-protect/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility
Ford Police Interceptor Utility - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Ford took the wraps off of its Taurus-based Police Interceptor sedan earlier this year, we were told that a second, utility-oriented police pursuit vehicle would be coming down the pipeline. Enter the Police Interceptor Utility, based off the 2011 Explorer crossover. A Flex-styled paddy wagon would have been cool, but the Explorer's higher ground clearance makes it more versatile for law enforcement officials who require all-terrain capability.

Unlike the sedan, which will be available with two different powertrains, the Explorer Interceptor only comes with Ford's 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6, delivering "at least 280" horsepower and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations are available, and it appears that the Explorer's terrain management system will not be offered on the Police Interceptor. The latest host of driver aids like curve control and Ford's AdvanceTrac Roll Stability Control are standard on the Interceptor Utility, as are larger brakes, a tougher suspension and 18-inch steel wheels.

Ford Explorer Police Interceptor UtilityInside, new seats have been fitted up front with reductions in side bolstering to accommodate an officer's utility belt, and the gear shifter is now mounted on the column in order to provide space for computer equipment in the center console. Much like the Taurus Interceptor, Ford specifically designed the spacing between the seats to ensure that existing police equipment can be carried over to the new vehicles without issue. Things aren't exactly luxurious in the rear seats (duh), but occupants out back do get their own climate control system (Ford says this is ideal for K9 units) as well as stab plates in the front seat backs to keep the driver and passenger safe.

Ford has also gone the extra step to rework some of the Explorer's interior functions to better suit police needs. The steering wheel buttons, for example, are remappable and can be programmed to operate a host of auxiliary functions (lights, sirens, etc.). What's more, Ford's SYNC system is on hand and can be used to voice-activate the different police communication and audio equipment.

Don't expect to see the Police Interceptor Utility out on the road until 2012 at the earliest. Ford says that production will begin in late 2011 alongside the sedan at the automaker's Chicago assembly plant. For now, check out our high-res galleries of both live and official images, and follow the jump for the presser.


Gallery: Ford Police Interceptor Utility


Gallery: Ford Police Interceptor Utility: Live Shots


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

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility prepares to serve and protect

Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility prepares to serve and protect originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford explorerexplorerfeaturedfordford explorer police interceptorford police interceptorford police interceptor utilitypolice interceptorWed, 01 Sep 2010 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19614081/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/01/ford-explorer-police-interceptor-utility-prepares-to-serve-and-protect/19614081/article-detail.xml 19614081 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/expy03opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/expy03opt.jpg -1 2