New Ford Police Interceptors Validated as Pursuit-Rated in Tests Conducted by the Michigan State Police

Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicle: The all-new Ford Police Interceptor utility (left) and Police Interceptor sedan (right) comprise Ford's first-ever police portfolio.

• The all-new Ford Police Interceptors deliver more performance, handling and fuel economy
• The only all-wheel-drive vehicles specifically built for law enforcement, the Police Interceptors meet stringent law enforcement standards
• Now police departments and other law enforcement agencies can get an all-new, American-made vehicle with the expected durability and price of the popular Crown Victoria
• Ford Police Interceptor Utility expands ability for law enforcement to get the job done efficiently and effectively

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 20, 2011 – The 2013 Ford Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility today passed stringent Michigan State Police tests and have proven they are ready for law enforcement use. Of special note was the performance of the Police Interceptor Utility, which not only outperformed the Chevrolet Tahoe but held its own amongst the sedans.

The Ford Police Interceptor Utility excelled in 0-60 acceleration, braking, and handling over the two day testing.

"We are pleased that the performance of the Police Interceptor Utility was validated because it provides more choice for law enforcement agencies,” said Lisa Teed, Ford’s marketing manager for the Police Interceptors.  "They can be assured that whether in slippery conditions like snow or in pursuit situations the purpose-built Utility will deliver."

Building on more than 15 years of leadership Ford has taken the key product attributes that made Crown Victoria Police Interceptor the leading law enforcement vehicle and increased the next-generation products' capabilities including offering the first and only pursuit-rated all-wheel-drive police vehicles. Now police departments and other law enforcement agencies can get an all-new, American-made vehicle with the same durability and price range of the popular Crown Victoria. The new Police Interceptors will be built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant.

Working with Ford’s Police Advisory Board, consisting of law enforcement professionals from the United States and Canada who provided feedback on attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.  Ford has ensured that the new Police Interceptors are purpose-built to meet the requirements of this demanding industry.

“Our experience with the Crown Victoria helped us develop the next generation of Police Interceptor vehicles that serve as tools for public safety officials to do their jobs safely, efficiently and effectively,” added Teed.   

Officer protection is the first priority. The Ford Police Interceptors are the only vehicles certified to pass 75 mph rear collisions. Ballistic door panels to protect from gunshots are available on the driver or passenger doors. Safety cell construction helps direct the force of a collision around the occupant compartment. Crumple zones help absorb and dissipate the energy of a crash.

Power and efficiency
The V6 powertrain portfolio of engines on the Police Interceptors provides the fuel efficiency improvement to assist government agencies in reducing their operating costs.  More importantly, the smaller-displacement engines provide increased performance and capability when compared to the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI) 4.6-liter V8. The highly efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers at least 280 horsepower in the Sedan. An all-new EcoBoost® V6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engine is also available producing 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

“This week’s testing by the Michigan State Police proves our powerful and efficient V6 powertrains exceed CVPI V8 performance and deliver savings back to government agencies," said Bill Gubing, chief engineer of the Ford Police Program.  "Government agencies have been seeking money saving solutions.  Increased performance and improved fuel economy deliver on our commitment.  In addition, engineering common components between the Sedan and Utility, and upfit-friendly solutions will aid the fleet's maintenance.  Our goal was to streamline and reduce complexity for the customer, whose resources are constrained in these economic times.”

Managing increased power, requires more stopping power.  New 18-inch five-spoke steel wheels and tires are designed to work in concert with the new brake system for improved capability. Additional unique components include a larger heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. A honeycomb grille provides increased airflow throughout the vehicle to improve cooling and enhance operation.

Rigorous testing was conducted to ensure the new Police Interceptors could handle the demands of around-the-clock law enforcement duty. In addition to the certification testing designed by the Michigan State Police, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will conduct its vehicle tests in November to further evaluate the durability and capability of police vehicles under the most extreme conditions.

The pursuit-rated Ford Police Interceptors come standard with all-wheel-drive.  The Sedan is available with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT flex-fuel V6 or 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V6 engine.  The Utility has 3.7-liter Ti-VCT flex-fuel V6 engine producing 300 hp.  Front-wheel-drive configuration is optional.