Just months after announcing its new Taurus-based Interceptor with a screaming 365 horsepower engine, Ford had followed up with its newest addition to the Ford law enforcement vehicle family: the Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle. Details flew out via the web this week as thousands tuned in to see the police version of the Ford Explorer, designed to compete directly against the GM “Tahoe” Police Package and brings a welcomed addition to a small but powerful duo in the police SUV market.
No Shortage of Horsepower
Citing the need for adaptability, Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas, stated that “We’re offering law enforcement officials a complete portfolio of options that are purpose-built, capable, and delivered with the safety, technology, and performance they need to excel at their jobs.”
Considered a crossover SUV, the new Ford Police SUV sports a 3.5 liter, V-6 engine with 280 horsepower and touts a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. It will come standard with front-wheel drive along with an optional all-wheel drive version.
While some behind the badge may balk at the low horsepower output, do not dismiss the real value of SUV’s in an ever increasing demanding profession. This SUV can carry hundreds of pounds of equipment while giving K-9s much needed room and supervisors the space needed to equip their officers.
Modular Additions
Speaking of equipment, Ford designed the SUV so that aftermarket additions such as lights, computer mounts, and radios can be interchangeable with sedan version. This will certainly appeal to many fleet managers as they deal with budget woes.
While there is excitement about the “dynamic duo” that Ford has put together, that excitement will need to turn into patience for those wanting their own. Both vehicles will not be available until late 2011 but you can satisfy your appetite in just a few weeks. The annual police vehicle testing by the Michigan State Police takes place September 18-20 and the results will certainly influence many.
Fields is not shy about the competition. “Bring the competition on and let the product speak for itself.”
Indeed, the time for real talk is just about here and from what Ford is showing us, they expect to have a lot to talk about.
For more information, visit http://www.fordvehicles.com/fordpoliceinterceptor/.
