Officer Opinions on Current Cruisers

[GSPI]

My question would be: Have you driven any of these cars?

It seems like you are looking on paper if I'm reading what you are saying correctly. I have seen the actual test sequences for the Interceptor during it's development phases in person. The AWD in any of the Interceptor models is very predictable in handling and is well balanced when I drove it. The twin turbo being the real scorcher of a car to add to the amazing handling. I am well trained in the use of the FWD vehicles (as well as RWD) for over 25 years so the FWD Interceptor feels intuitive to me but I don't think would feel the same for an officer coming out of a CVPI to one of these unless it was AWD.

I have driven the 2012 Charger as well as previous models of the Charger as far back as 2006 and they are consistent in their brawn and drive ability but not in their reliability area typically. I have seen too many issues with the V8 in driving characteristics from it being too powerful for most driver's abilities. I do not have a complete feel yet on the 2012 but it has some really nice features but at the CPD they are strictly using the V6 model which is adequate for most city activity from what I've seen and what I've been told by officers assigned to those units. CPD will be going to the Fords next year per the Chief.

I have only one opinion on the Chevy is in equipment placement issues as that is the only thing that I've been able to personally see on this car and I have not been able to drive one yet to give an opinion.

Unfortunately, I have to say that departments are falling well short in the EVOC and driver training area so I venture a guess that officer's reaction especially to any FWD vehicle is due to not being properly trained or retrained in driving the new vehicles. I think this is the key item in changing up in any of these vehicles regardless of drive train configuration.

[CNTLOSE]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and opinions.

I have a request in to the CHP for their test and evaluation results. However, the manager of fleet services at the EVOC facility stated they do not typically release their full reports to other agencies. He has sent my request up the chain of command. I was able to get Michigan SP results as they publish those online.

As far as driving I have drove the civilian versions of the Chargers and Taurus. Both seem like great civilian cars, just not sure how they would be in Police service.

The area I work has everything as far as geography. We have two major interstates, several state routes, downtown shopping area, neighborhoods, and rural farm land...basically everything but mountains. We are approx. 27 square miles in size with a population over 50k.

If we went with the Interceptor I am sure it would be the Ecoboost AWD model. The Charger is looking like it will fall out of the lineup due to all the mechanical issues I keep hearing about....just wish we had better input on the 2012 model year.

I did get a chance to sit in a neighboring agency's Taurus Interceptor. I did like the cockpit feel, but the rear prisoner is small...and we have some big boys we deal with here.

Chevy is coming to our PD on Monday with a Caprice that is outfitted with a cage. I am going to try and get the neighboring agency's Taurus here at the same time and compare them side by side. As much as I would love to have a HEMI Charger, with the mechanical issues I am thinking that would be a bad idea.

Lastly I have to say I am disappointed in Ford Fleets customer service. I can not get anyone to call or write me back. The local Ford dealership can not provide me a demo. All they can do is provide me with paperwork and test results...which I already have.

[GSPI]

To note, any Ford dealership cannot get the demo car issued to them. It has to come from Ford Fleet. Call the fleet line and ask for your representative for your area and they normally give you that information and then contact them directly.

[28HopUp]

My buddy is a Lieutenant for a local police department. He was over the other night and commented that they ordered 2 V6 Caprices to see how well they hold up. Not wanting their young patrol officers to have cars that are too powerful, they decided not to get the V8 to err on the side of safety.

[CNTLOSE]

Originally Posted by GSPI

To note, any Ford dealership cannot get the demo car issued to them. It has to come from Ford Fleet. Call the fleet line and ask for your representative for your area and they normally give you that information and then contact them directly.

I have tried to get a hold of Ford Fleet sales directly and no one has yet to call me or write back....maybe they are on vacation.

Originally Posted by 28HopUp

My buddy is a Lieutenant for a local police department. He was over the other night and commented that they ordered 2 V6 Caprices to see how well they hold up. Not wanting their young patrol officers to have cars that are too powerful, they decided not to get the V8 to err on the side of safety.

I like what Chevy did with the pricing...both motors are the same price. The only down side is the V8 only has 54 more hp (355hp). You would think the difference would be more and you would think the V8 would be closer to the Charger at 370hp. But other than highway traffic enforcement maybe we don't need all that horsepower...maybe.

Whatever car we go with I am going to try and get our Chief to send some officers to driving school. All of these cars are much different than the CV and Expeditions we are use to.

[NoDrama43]

I drive an expedition. we bought one new explorer. it is everything it needs to be for police work. AWD, roomy inside, comfortable, handles well. The Taurus is to small inside, as the newspaper won't open all the way, like in my expedition.

The new explorer will out run a cvpi from 0 to 60 with ease. Cops don't need top end, just gets them killed. When I make Chief they will all drive 4 cyl fusions.

[CNTLOSE]

I do like our Expeditions...plenty of leg room and room for all my crap. I have heard a couple people also liking the Explorer based Interceptor over the Taurus one. I am curious if they will eventually offer the Ecoboost in the Explorer to match the Taurus.

I am meeting with the Chevy sales rep today. He is bringing a 6.0 Caprice already outfitted with a cage. Our Chief told me the car must fit our tallest guy who is 6'9"...Jim I think you know who I am talking about.

[GSPI]

Originally Posted by CNTLOSE

I have tried to get a hold of Ford Fleet sales directly and no one has yet to call me or write back....maybe they are on vacation.

Let me look in my notes. I should have your representative's phone number somewhere as I am pretty sure it's the same one as it is for Cleveland and I will get that to you.

[MOstang]

Ford just press released the following this morning...

Ford Boosts Police Interceptor Sedan Performance and Fuel Economy with New 3.7-Liter Ti-VCT Engine
Sep-14-2012 6:00 AM ET

Body.
​DEARBORN –The new Ford Police Interceptor is getting another boost under the hood with the addition of the 3.7-liter twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine, offering law enforcement agencies fuel economy with more power.

The 3.7-liter V6, now available on the Police Interceptor sedan, delivers a performance increase to 305 horsepower and 279 lb.-ft. of torque while also achieving increased fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway, 18 mpg in the city and 21 mpg combined. The horsepower and torque ratings are the highest of any naturally aspirated V6 engine offered for pursuit-rated sedans.

“This combination of great performance and top-notch fuel economy means law enforcement agencies won’t have to compromise power or fuel efficiency while getting the job done,” said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Police Interceptor.

A tough lineup
Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy provides a V6 lineup that performs better than V8 engines of years past. The Police Interceptor sedan lineup now comes with three powertrain options, allowing police to choose the powerhouse that best meets their patrol requirements. The Police Interceptor sedan is available with a standard 3.5-liter V6, the new 3.7-liter V6 and the performance powerhouse 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost® engine.

The 3.7-liter engine now available on the sedan was already available on the Police Interceptor utility vehicle.

To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, who provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.

Safe, durable, functional
Building on Ford’s safety leadership, Police Interceptor is engineered to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing.

Both sedan and utility Police Interceptors recently earned top safety ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

Throughout its development, Ford’s new Police Interceptor has been put through the paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to the rigorous driving styles of police professionals.

To meet the rigors of durability testing, the unique police brakes have been increased in size and performance for confidence. The cooling package is purpose-built as well, featuring a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Its honeycomb grille is designed to work in harmony with the interior components, offering more airflow throughout the vehicle. Plus, the standard 18-inch steel wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.

Front seats have been specially designed, with a lower bolster removed to better accommodate officers’ utility belts. Inserted into the seatback are anti-stab plates, designed to protect front-seat occupants.

The Police Interceptor second row also has been optimized to address police-specific needs. The vinyl seats are specially sculpted and set back to improve second-row space and maximize legroom. The back door hinges are modified to open up another 10 degrees versus traditional rear doors.

The Ford Police Interceptor also is equipped with a column shift specifically designed so the console area is free for the ever-increasing amounts of aftermarket police equipment necessary for officers to do their jobs.