- Ford unveils the stealth edition of its Police Interceptor car at the SEMA show.
- Concept version of Taurus-based cop car is said to draw inspiration from SR-71 Blackbird spy plane.
- Ford says the standard Police Interceptor and its Explorer-based companion will go into production in late 2011.
LAS VEGAS — When Ford revealed its Taurus-based Police Interceptor last March, it looked pretty much like a standard-issue black-and-white cop car, complete with "gumball machine" on the roof. Not so the new "stealth" edition that debuts this week at the 2010 SEMA Show.
Ford designer Melvin Betancourt says he drew inspiration for his Stealth Police Interceptor from the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane, designed by Lockheed for the U.S. Air Force in the early 1960s.
The "undercover" edition of the Ford Police Interceptor features reworked grille, lights, exhaust and cockpit. The body has been lowered by an inch, and the car is fitted with 22-inch wheels and tires.
The Stealth Police Interceptor is painted solid black, with a thick-mesh grille, heavily tinted windows and smoked taillamp lenses. Bead lights in the rear spoiler are painted black to remain unobtrusive. The only bit of flash: The rims are chrome, and the center hubs are gloss black.
Even the interior has been repackaged to reflect the stealth function of the vehicle. The headliner and B-pillars are black, and there are secret compartments for weapons, computers and communications equipment.
Ford says the standard Police Interceptor and its Explorer-based companion will go into production in late 2011, when the current Crown Victoria police car is phased out.
Inside Line says: Best-looking Taurus we've seen yet. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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tdiluv says:
06:59 AM, 11/05/2010
I think the FIESTA would be a better overall choice for the police !!
campi3ell says:
06:39 PM, 11/03/2010
Given the number of Tauri (is there a plural for "Taurus?" I have seen rolling around, this actually would fit in. Speeding past this on the highway, you wouldn't think "cop." If it were sitting in a parking lot, you would casually think "nice upgrades" and keep rolling...only to have it pull up behind you and flash it's lights.
There's an officer a town over that drives a '96 Impala SS with tint and after-market rims. Everytime I see him he has someone pulled over for something...
k55 says:
09:57 AM, 11/02/2010
I cant believe Edmunds leaves out the most crucial aspect in this article.............How many doughnut holders does it have?
scottyscooter says:
04:19 AM, 11/02/2010
That thing looks mean. I would be afraid to pull over!
fsu_seminole1 says:
01:40 AM, 11/02/2010
Very nice, but you can tell it's only for show. The way I've seen some officers drive, those rims do not stand a chance, same with the height of the car. Defensive driving would be fun and scary at the same time in FWD. Overall I like it, but it'd be better as a SHO that is, minus the lights and you have a winner.
nhridge1 says:
01:06 AM, 11/02/2010
A cop's wet dream come true!
05stangdriver says:
12:34 AM, 11/02/2010
This brings to mind an ad campaign for the Chevy Impala SS back in the 90's, I believe it was. One simple line:
"Lord Vader, your car is ready."
I want this car. Minus the police lights, of course. :)
Well, I'd want a Taurus SHO that LOOKS like this, I should say.
mmmmtocino says:
09:37 PM, 11/01/2010
hey officer nice ride! say, you think i could get off with just a warning???
mce63 says:
09:14 PM, 11/01/2010
This looks like a twofer concept. The first to showcase all the lights and LEO features they can integrate into a Taurus. The second is to showcase what SHO could really look like.
They just got the feedback they were looking for. That this is what people would like to see in a SHO without transmitting the fact (to the competition) that they care.
tbone85 says:
08:01 PM, 11/01/2010
I think it's a pretty good bet this package would get the ecoboost and AWD treatment. I have no idea if that setup would be sufficient for law enforcement or not, but it has received decent reviews as a sporty/touring sedan.
I think the look is really nasty--in the best possible way. Minus the lights and with 20" wheels, this would make a very nice 2012 SHO.