Slideshow
Police Are Hitting The Roads In Today's Newest And Baddest Cop Cars
Oct 1, 2013
- Image Credit: Chrysler
Ford has long been the dominant supplier of police cars, with its Crown Victoria Police Interceptor being the favorite for law enforcement. It's big, roomy and with a V8 engine. It is also an old-style body-on-frame design, which has long made it economical to repair and maintain, versus modern-day uni-body cars.
But Ford had to stop making the Crown Vic. It was an old design, terrible in fuel economy, and thus would compromise Ford's overall fuel economy ratings going forward. The new Ford police car is based on the Ford Taurus. But the changing of the guard is opening up the market to law enforcement who have a broad menu of "interceptors" to choose from.
Police precincts have started to buy up these newer vehicles and the cops are very happy with what they have to offer.
Along with the Taurus and Charger, we've compiled a gallery of a few of the baddest police vehicles around. You'll be better served to not try outrunning any of these. You probably won't stand a chance.
- Image Credit: Chrysler
Ram Special Services Police Truck
Police departments that opt for the Ram Special Services Police Truck will be treated to tons of tech and power.This Ram employs a 5.7-liter V8 engine, which produces a mean amount of power: 390-hp and 407 lb-ft of torque, to be exact. The Ram's four-wheel-drive system will allow it to chase perps pretty much anywhere on the ground, too.
- Image Credit: Chrysler
- Image Credit: Chrysler
Dodge Charger Pursuit
This mean-looking cop car is another offering from Chrysler. The Charger Pursuit employs either a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or 5.7-liter Hemi V8, either of which provide more than enough power to run down ne'er-do-wells. Highway Patrol tend to opt for the Hemi V8.This particular Charger is customized with anti-lock brakes, front and rear stabilizer bars, a two-mode police-specific stability control system and 18-inch performance tires.
- Image Credit: Chrysler
Additionally, the interior has police-duty front seats, column-mounted automatic transmission with Auto Stick, red/white LED interior lighting for night-vision equipment and more.
- Image Credit: Ford
The EcoBoost is designed to save on fuel economy, but it also gives the car some pop at the pedal.
- Image Credit: Ford
- Image Credit: Ford
Ford Explorer Interceptor
A bigger, more versatile option from Ford comes in the form of the Ford Explorer Interceptor. Like the Taurus, this SUV is a highly customized version of a vehicle already in production.The Explorer Interceptor comes with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 that delivers more than 280-hp and comes with both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, allowing for on and off road police work.
On the inside, the Explorer Interceptor employs customized seats, a rear climate control system (for K9 units, not bad guys) and stab plates in the front seat backs to keep the driver and passenger safe.
Ford has also customized its SYNC system to function better with police commands.
- Image Credit: GM
Chevrolet Caprice PPV
This rear-wheel-drive mean machine uses a 6.0-liter V8 engine to produce 355-hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. A V6 producing 301-hp and 265 lb-ft of torque is also available which nets better fuel economy than the V8.- Image Credit: GM
Like the Taurus, the seats are specially designed to accommodate for cops' gear and provide comfort and support. The PPV also includes features like an available auxiliary battery, heavy-duty vinyl flooring and disabled rear door handles, locks and windows.
Check out more on the Caprice PPV here.