General Motors made some news today with the announcement of its Chevrolet Caprice police package, but don't think for a second that Ford is going to hand over the market once the current Crown Victoria ceases production.
Sources at Ford have told Inside Line that the company is already looking into a police package for the latest Taurus. The source gave no details on the specifications of the proposed Taurus interceptor, but we're guessing an Ecoboost V6 would be part of the package.
Improved fuel economy could be a big selling point over the V8-powered Caprice although Chevrolet will offer a V6-powered version as well. Chevrolet said it's Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) will be available in 2011, so Ford has plenty of time to develop a suitable competitor.
GM Announces Chevrolet Caprice Police Package
Murtman says:
10:11 AM, 10/ 5/09
I don't know about the rest of the nation, but departments in PA and Jersey have been switching from Crown Vics to Charger Interceptors. I have to say, seeing a Charger cruising down I-95 dressed in the State Trooper livery is intimidating. My home town is currently cycling out it's old Crown Vics for Chargers, so you still see both on the roads. Has there been a time in recent memory when all of the Big 3 have fought for police sales?
I do seriously want one of those Caprice Interceptors now.
xprojected says:
10:41 AM, 10/ 5/09
Will be interesting to see how a FWD ford plays with police depts.. but then, Impalas have seen some success on patrol.
brn says:
10:50 AM, 10/ 5/09
Our department started switching to Charges, but then switched back to Crown Vics. The Crown Vic isn't as fast, but it's still a darn good vehicle for police work. It handles surprisingly well. It's tough. It may take a while to reach 150mph, but it can stay there for extended periods of time. It's also relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain.
I'm curious to see if they switch to the ecoboost. If it has the same kind of durability as the 4.6L, that says a lot!
altimadude00 says:
11:06 AM, 10/ 5/09
Bad memories of Robocop flashes before my eyes.
But then again, Ford doesn't have any other car to fill in the gap to compete with the Charger, Impala, Caprice (hopefully!), and that diesel thing.
rick8365 says:
01:38 PM, 10/ 5/09
That Taurus '92 looks hideous....so lame.
@brn - What was the deal with the Chargers so that your department has switched back to the Vic?
brn says:
01:52 PM, 10/ 5/09
Rick,
A lot of it had to do with usability. It's easier to fit the CV with the proper equipment. It's easier to get in and out of the CV. The CV actually handles better/easier. The CV can take more abuse. The CV costs less in just about every standpoint (purchase price, maintenance, accessories, etc).
Also, Ford has been making subtle adjustments to the CV for decades, to make it more suitable to law enforcement. 100's of subtle things like the duty flashlight fits nicely between seat and the door.
It was funny. When they first got Chargers, the officers would clamor for them. A year later, officers would clamor for the CVs.
They're still using Chargers for traffic enforcement, because they're so darned fast. I remember one incident where the CVs had a hard time keeping up with an Acura. The charger joined the chase and PITT the Acura almost immediately. Chargers have their benefits, but so do CVs.
rallyandbosox says:
02:59 PM, 10/ 5/09
@ altimadude,
There is no such thing as a bad part of Robocop. Blasphemer.
I like the idea of the big three having competing interceptors. The Crown Vic, while dependable and relatively cheap, is also a danger because of the defective anti-spill valve and placement of the fuel tank. The new Caprice looks fantastic (if only they'd offer a civilian version to keep the G8 going) and with that 6.0L V8 should be a blast.
eric808 says:
05:40 PM, 10/ 5/09
This ought to be an interesting battle.
estreka says:
05:47 PM, 10/ 5/09
Wyoming's highway patrol uses Chargers. They are awfully intimidating.
rick8365 says:
05:21 AM, 10/ 6/09
Thanks for the info, brn. Interesting. I have said it before, here, that Ford is missing the boat by not coming out with a next gen CV based on the current proven but dated package.