Ford is America’s leading supplier of police vehicles, and its current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is the only pursuit sedan to pass a 75mph (120km/h) rear end crash test.
The new vehicle will meet this test, and feature a side-curtain air bag rollover protection system to help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollover and side-impact crashes.
Brakes have been increased in size and performance. The cooling package is purpose-built as well, featuring a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. The standard 18-inch steel wheels are vented and designed to work with the enhanced brake system.
The new Ford Police Interceptor sedan will be turbocharged V6 powered and have an all wheel-drive option.
“This vehicle is pursuit-ready,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “It’s no nonsense, through and through.”
Approximately 90 per cent of the interior has been redesigned. Front seats have their lower bolster removed to better accommodate officers’ utility belts.
Inserted into the seatback are anti-stab plates, designed to protect front-seat occupants.
Easy-clean vinyl rear seats are specially sculpted and set back to improve second-row space and maximise legroom.
The back door hinges are modified to open up another 10 degrees versus traditional rear doors.
The Ford Police Interceptor is also equipped with a column shift specifically designed so the console area is free for the electronic equipment necessary for officers to do their jobs.
Safety features include two radar sensors located in the rear quarter panels to detect vehicles in the surrounding lanes.
If a vehicle enters the driver’s blind-spot zones, the system alerts the driver with a warning light in the side-view mirror.
Cross Traffic Alert senses oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. This industry-exclusive system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross-traffic appears within three car widths.
Ford’s new Police Interceptor sedan will be manufactured at Ford’s Chicago (Ill.) Assembly Plant from late 2011.
