- Ford unveils new police-spec SUV.
- Police Interceptor Utility is based on the 2011 Ford Explorer.
- It's the first police SUV developed by Ford.
DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford's newly introduced Police Interceptor sedan now has a sibling, the Police Interceptor Utility, based on the 2011 Explorer. Together they will supplant the outgoing Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, with a late-2011 rollout date.
This first-ever police utility vehicle from Ford, like the sedan, was developed with input from a Police Advisory Board assembled by Ford. It also underwent certification and track testing by the Michigan State Police and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. It has been engineered, Ford says, to pass a 75-mph rear crash test.
The Police Interceptor utility vehicle has unique curve control technology that applies "smart" four-wheel braking to cut vehicle speed by as much as 10 mph in 1 second to "help drivers follow their intended path," Ford says.
In addition to a new look and equipment upgrades, the Police Interceptors will provide at least a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy over the Crown Vic, which has a 4.6-liter V8, and will be E85-capable. The new Police Interceptor utility vehicle has a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 280 horsepower, and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The interior of the SUV has a column shifter, leaving the console area free for police equipment, and a lower bolster in the front seats to accommodate utility belts. Additional space in the utility model is expected to be attractive for police operations such as K-9 officers and SWAT teams, Ford says.
Ford technology found on civilian vehicles makes its way onto the Police Interceptor utility as well, including Sync, BLIS (blind-spot information system), AdvanceTrac stability system, a rearview camera and a reverse sensing system.
Inside Line says: Ford offers a pair of good choices for law enforcement needs. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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ford_flexer says:
06:18 PM, 09/11/2010
when i become a cop i hope this is the patrol truck i'll have
juan_mx says:
07:11 AM, 09/02/2010
"......... It has been engineered, Ford says, to pass a 75-mph rear crash test."
That is requiered when you have a......
"......... unique curve control technology that applies "smart" four-wheel braking to cut vehicle speed by as much as 10 mph in 1 second"
sniperruff says:
06:18 AM, 09/02/2010
1) I still don't see the point of E85. It should be eliminated from North American markets
2) The backseats look like vinyl, not leather
3) I guess this is the first "official" Explorer with police package - the previous ones are civilian Explorers with crash bars, similar to the Caravan's in police squads.
hn4u says:
08:32 PM, 09/01/2010
another ford plastic
joeil says:
08:17 PM, 09/01/2010
Sweet! Looks very cool. Nice job!
mk10 says:
07:06 PM, 09/01/2010
I hope ford puts the ecoboost engine in the ford explorer. (PIUV) police interceptor utility vehicle looks bad to the bone. FORD did a great job. cloth seats in back would be better leather up front cloth in back. I would like to see a bad to the bone ford mustang police interceptor chase car. Just like to what other people think of my mustang question.
m1tankr says:
06:54 PM, 09/01/2010
I'm guessing it's part of the rear view camera system. We had to have them installed aftermarket. ALmost impossible to see out the back w/weapons/equipment lockers & prisoner cage. Curious how this is the 1st Ford police SUV when we've had them from Ford for 2 years. They're POS's.
timlikescars says:
06:51 PM, 09/01/2010
I guess I'm going to have to get used to projector headlamps and 20% improved fuel economy in my rear view mirror.
xxchevyguyxx says:
04:44 PM, 09/01/2010
Whats next? A VW Beetle "Police Interceptor"?........ btw, This is Hilarious!
cardesigner82 says:
03:05 PM, 09/01/2010
Why do the bad guys need leather seating surfaces? I know it'll be swapped out for the hose-down tub...but its funny to see in the promotion of a police vehicle. :)