New car to memorize:Ford's new Taurus-based Police Interceptor revealed
03-12-10, 06:22 AM
#1
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New car to memorize:Ford's new Taurus-based Police Interceptor revealed
Later today, Ford will officially unveil its new Police Interceptor at a private fleet sales event in Las Vegas, but the first images of the new vehicle were posted this morning on the company's website. As has been rumored for some time, Ford will be adapting the Taurus to take over from the aged Crown Victoria which is finally being euthanized in September 2011.
At this point, we don't have any mechanical details on the new cop car. We wouldn't be surprised if Ford offers the Interceptor in two forms. A naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 version with front-wheel drive could serve for all those local applications like liaison officers, supervisors, etc. where extra performance is not needed. The true Interceptors for highway patrol applications will probably use the SHO powertrain with the 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 and all-wheel drive.
This twin-turbo cop car would provide the first real performance challenge to the increasingly popular Dodge Charger while likely getting much better fuel economy, and we presume that the Blue Oval will field the new units with the obligatory upgrades, including a more robust suspension, cooling system, electrical, and hopefully, brakes. We should have all the answers for you around lunch time.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/0...mages
At this point, we don't have any mechanical details on the new cop car. We wouldn't be surprised if Ford offers the Interceptor in two forms. A naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 version with front-wheel drive could serve for all those local applications like liaison officers, supervisors, etc. where extra performance is not needed. The true Interceptors for highway patrol applications will probably use the SHO powertrain with the 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6 and all-wheel drive.
This twin-turbo cop car would provide the first real performance challenge to the increasingly popular Dodge Charger while likely getting much better fuel economy, and we presume that the Blue Oval will field the new units with the obligatory upgrades, including a more robust suspension, cooling system, electrical, and hopefully, brakes. We should have all the answers for you around lunch time.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/0...mages
03-12-10, 06:36 AM
#2
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nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
03-12-10, 07:17 AM
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03-12-10, 09:53 AM
#9
Pole Position
Not bad...
But cops seem to like the good old fashioned body-on-frame RWD sedans.
The FWD NA V6 may get a few hits, as the Chevy Malibu has been somewhat popular with the 5-0. Which I never understood - FWD unibody cop cars?
But the SHO? I don't think they will love having high maintenance twin turbo AWD cruisers. The abuse those cars get on a daily basis demands cheap and easy fleet maintenance. Cheap oil changes versus expensive synthetics, etc, etc. Even simple maintenance should be a chore trying to work around an engine bay packed with a huge V6, two turbos and an AWD transmission. Imagine having to keep a fleet of these cars that idle for hours on end and rack a couple hundred miles a day? Yikes.
The Dodge offerings seem to be the best bang for buck for any department that has any sort of budget constraints (99% of 'em probably).
But is it cool? Hell yes!
Just not cost effective (SHO). Departments will favor the more sensible alternatives.
Some Highway Patrol departments might be interested in one or two for show but I can't see them in widespread usage. It's a $37k car MSRP in civilian trim. Even stripped out for cop use and priced for fleet sales, it's too expensive.
But cops seem to like the good old fashioned body-on-frame RWD sedans.
The FWD NA V6 may get a few hits, as the Chevy Malibu has been somewhat popular with the 5-0. Which I never understood - FWD unibody cop cars?
But the SHO? I don't think they will love having high maintenance twin turbo AWD cruisers. The abuse those cars get on a daily basis demands cheap and easy fleet maintenance. Cheap oil changes versus expensive synthetics, etc, etc. Even simple maintenance should be a chore trying to work around an engine bay packed with a huge V6, two turbos and an AWD transmission. Imagine having to keep a fleet of these cars that idle for hours on end and rack a couple hundred miles a day? Yikes.
The Dodge offerings seem to be the best bang for buck for any department that has any sort of budget constraints (99% of 'em probably).
But is it cool? Hell yes!
Just not cost effective (SHO). Departments will favor the more sensible alternatives. Some Highway Patrol departments might be interested in one or two for show but I can't see them in widespread usage. It's a $37k car MSRP in civilian trim. Even stripped out for cop use and priced for fleet sales, it's too expensive.
03-12-10, 10:05 AM
#10
Lexus Connoisseur
I have a friend who works for CHP. I was told they like to keep the CVPI's because they are a body on frame type of chassis. Because of that type of frame's rigidity, it helps with pushing cars off the road and they can take a good beating. Each CHP unit has at least 1 Dodge Charger in their fleet, but because of the questionable maintenance problems they've had, the cramped interior cabin and the fact it's a unibody contruction, they are going to stick it out with CVPI's as long as they can. Chevy has been knocking on their door for a very long time with their police packaged Impala, but they aren't intrested. This new Taurus looks pretty killer but it doesn't seem like CHP will be sporting that car anytime soon for the fact it's a unibody frame.
03-12-10, 10:26 AM
#11
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yeah looks like CVPI is still the best choice to give the push bars full strength
and most cops have training on driving RWD and taking ppl off the road with that setup
maybe the Taurus will be mainly a Sheriff's car?
too bad cvpi is being killed off
and most cops have training on driving RWD and taking ppl off the road with that setup
maybe the Taurus will be mainly a Sheriff's car?
too bad cvpi is being killed off
Last edited by UberNoob; 03-12-10 at 10:30 AM.
03-12-10, 10:28 AM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
Yes, the LAPD loves the old body on frame cars too, especially good for ramming suspects at speed (including bump and spin maneuvers). They own 3 frame straightening machines for regular use on the old Crown Vics.
03-12-10, 10:53 AM
#15
Pole Position
All Ford has to do is redesign the Crown Vic with a new, modern version.
Make it RWD, V8, Body on Frame, easy to work on and cheap to maintain. Departments are familiar with and love this recipe.
They will sell. Look at all the specialized fleet cars Ford makes... TONS of them. From Limos, Mail trucks, RV's, to ambulances and shuttle busses. Redesigning this car will not kill them.
A new CVPI will sell and sell well. Police departments and Taxi companies alone will receive it very well. No one else will be offering such an ideal package for fleet use. They'd clean up.
The Taurus just doesn't make a good cop car, period. They are making it one cuz it's all they got to keep the PI name going.
Make it RWD, V8, Body on Frame, easy to work on and cheap to maintain. Departments are familiar with and love this recipe.
They will sell. Look at all the specialized fleet cars Ford makes... TONS of them. From Limos, Mail trucks, RV's, to ambulances and shuttle busses. Redesigning this car will not kill them.
A new CVPI will sell and sell well. Police departments and Taxi companies alone will receive it very well. No one else will be offering such an ideal package for fleet use. They'd clean up.
The Taurus just doesn't make a good cop car, period. They are making it one cuz it's all they got to keep the PI name going.