Ford unveils Taurus-based Police Interceptor [Update]

As we previewed yesterday, Ford finally released images and specifications of its long-anticipated replacement for the Crown Victoria-based Police Interceptor today. Ford says it is a "purpose-built" and toughened up version of the standard Ford Taurus, with optional EcoBoost and all-wheel drive.



Ford confirmed both of Taurus' two 3.5-liter V6 engines will be offered, giving departments the option of either the 263-horsepower naturally aspirated unit or the 365-pony twin-turbo EcoBoost engine from the Taurus SHO. Ford says the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 will report 25 percent better fuel economy than the current 4.6-liter V8 in the Crown Victoria.

The new Taurus-based Police Interceptor will be offered in either front or all-wheel-drive; with either configuration giving it a competitive disadvantage against more conventional rear-wheel-drive offerings from Dodge (Charger) and General Motors (Caprice PPV). Police agencies have long been skeptical of any front or all-wheel-drive offering without a V8 powertrain.

Real world testing

Ford says that it has put the new Police Interceptor through its paces with the Michigan State Police and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in order to evaluate the vehicle's durability and capability. Ford says it increased the brakes in terms of size and performance, the cooling package is purpose-built, as well as a heavy-duty alternator and a larger radiator.

"This vehicle is pursuit-ready," said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. "It's no nonsense, through and through."

What about the interior?

"Working with our police partners, we've considered every detail," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of marketing, sales and service. "Approximately 90 percent of the interior has been redesigned to meet the needs of our special police customers."

Ford explained that the front seats have been designed with lower bolster in order to accommodate the officers' utility belts. The seats have anti-stab plates inserted into them in order to protect front occupants from potentially being stabbed by a passenger during transport.

The second row seats were also specifically designed to improve space and legroom. The rear door hinges were modified to open an additional 10 degrees. Up front, Ford put the gear selector on the column in order to free up space in the unique center console area.

Safety first in the new Police Interceptor

Ford says one of the key advantages to the new Police Interceptor is the substantial advancement in occupant safety. The vehicle feature Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Cross Traffic Alert, a reverse sensing system and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. It also passes the 75-mph rear-end crash test - currently, the Ford Crown Victoria is the only other Police Interceptor to pass the test.

Ford says the Interceptor also features Ford's exclusive Safety Canopy - a side-curtain air bag rollover protection system.

Deju vu?

This isn't the first time that Ford has tried to market its Taurus as a police vehicle; movie fans will remember that the first-generation Taurus served as a police car in the Robocop series. Ford has mostly unsuccessfully pushed every generation of Taurus on police fleets across the U.S. since.

The venerable Crown Victoria (and its Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis Panther platform mates) is set to go out of production in about 18 months when Ford closes its St. Thomas, Ontario, assembly plant.