Of the two, the Carbon E7 is the most James Bond-like and intriguing. Its scorns traditional retrofitted cop cars such as the Ford Crown Victoria and Dodge Charger. "It should be illegal to impersonate a police car," says the sales brochure, which also describes the E7 as "a new brand of justice."
The Carbon E7, which is on a nationwide rollout, is powered by a 3.0-liter diesel that churns out 300 horsepower and delivers 420 pound-feet of torque. The engine is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The E7 rides on a 122-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,000 pounds. Its makers say it sprints from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. It also boasts a 75-mph rear impact crash capability.
Carbon Motors said detailed pricing on the E7 will be announced in a few months.
For its part, Dodge brags that the '09 Charger police car with the 5.7-liter Hemi engine is "the most powerful production police vehicle on the road, producing 368 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque."
Inside Line says: Be forewarned. Whether retrofitted or "purpose built," cops' vehicular arsenals are getting more firepower. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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