Ford Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptor Test In Los Angeles

Ford has been working hard to remain in the top spot for police vehicle in America with their replacements for the aged Crown Victoria which goes out of production soon. They have been going the extra mile to show that their new Taurus and Explorer based Police Intercepor models can cut the mustard.

In so, this week they recorded the fastest lap time of any police car with their all-new Police Interceptor sedan in testing by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Ford says that the results achieved by the next-generation Police Interceptors are proof that they have engineered suitable replacements for the all time favorite Crown Victoria.

Ford’s Police Interceptor AWD sedan, equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, delivered an impressive 0-60 mph test of 5.8 seconds and the fastest lap time – trumping all V8 competition from Chevrolet and Dodge. Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engine that will deliver at least 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque across a broad rpm range.

“These are purpose-built vehicles that we have developed with the support of police agencies across the U.S. and Canada,” said Kevin Koswick, director of Ford’s North American Fleet Operations. “As the leader in police vehicles 15 years running, Ford is committed to remaining the nation’s largest provider of police vehicles. We’re offering law enforcement officials a portfolio of products that are purpose-built and deliver on our commitment of providing the safety, technology, durability and performance they need to excel at their jobs.”

Even the base 3.5-liter V6 Ti-VCT Police Interceptor sedan with AWD beat all V6 competitors in braking, acceleration and lap times. The combination of 280 horsepower with twin-injected variable cam timing technology, six-speed transmission and unique pursuit suspension tuning and calibration delivered the goods.

For the first time ever, Ford has a Police Interceptor utility vehicle equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 Ti-VCT engine and all-wheel-drive technology. When tested with a 400-pound loaded cargo box, the Police Interceptor utility posted the fastest lap time, beating the Chevrolet Tahoe by more than two seconds. These results achieved Ford’s target of delivering a pursuit-rated utility that matches the performance and handling of the V6 Police Interceptor sedan.

Ford says their new portfolio of Police Interceptors provides departments the ability to select the vehicle that best meets their needs. Agencies can now select from a combination of two bodystyles, AWD or FWD, and multiple powertrains delivering at least 20 percent more fuel efficiency than the 4.6-liter single-overhead-cam (SOHC) V8 offered in the current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. Both Ford Police Interceptors debut after production of the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends at the end of 2011.

I figure we better let these cars into our club as well!