About a month or so ago, we told you that Ford was developing a police package to go heads up with the Chevrolet Caprice Interceptor announced by General Motors. Today, Ford made its intentions official, but made no definitive statements regarding which vehicle it would use as the basis for the new police cruiser.
This strikes us as odd since the Ford Taurus is the only sedan in the company's lineup big enough to tackle such duty. The release also notes that the new vehicle will set reduce ownership costs through increased efficiency. Sounds like Ecoboost to the rescue.
Look for the official unveil of Ford's new cruiser early next year as the current Crown Victoria is scheduled to go out of production in 2011.
sylvia says:
10:06 AM, 11/13/09
Whatever they offer, I hope they are at prices municipalities can afford.
rick8365 says:
10:17 AM, 11/13/09
Finally.
xprojected says:
10:23 AM, 11/13/09
They could always import their own Australian, rear-wheel drive sedan. Ford Falcon, anyone?
rsholland says:
12:08 PM, 11/13/09
I wonder if it might be built off the Ford Edge, which offers AWD (which could be a big benefit to police forces)?
hondacura4 says:
01:00 PM, 11/13/09
The Crown Vic is finally going to die? This car should have been axed at least 10 years ago as it's ancient.
brn says:
03:39 PM, 11/13/09
hondacura4, it may be ancient, but it's one hell of a good platform. It's dead reliable, incredibly durable, and has a very low cost of TCO. No matter what Ford replaces it with, it's going to be a hit on departments all over the country.
stephen987 says:
04:41 PM, 11/13/09
I like the idea of the Falcon as a base--if civilians can get a taste of it too.
greenpony says:
05:36 PM, 11/13/09
xprojected, I was thinking the same thing. Ford Falcon.
brn says:
09:31 PM, 11/14/09
Press release says built in USA. Unless they move production of the Falcon here, that's out.
allthingshonda says:
05:40 PM, 11/16/09
A Taurus Ecoboost Police Interceptor would be nice but I don't think it's going to happen. Ecoboost is a VERY expensive engine and most governments can't afford to risk 35,000-40,000 on a car that will be jumping curbs and performing PIT maneuvers. I'm willing to bet Ford is going to pull a page out of GM's playbook and squeeze the old (but reliable and proven) 4.6 V8 from the Mustang under the Taurus' hood. Most of these cars are going to have the standard V6 since fuel economy is more important to cash strapped cities and states than 160 mph top speeds. Don't forget that even the Caprice Police Package will have the DI V6 as the standard engine and at 300 horsepower that is stiil more that the current V8 used in today's Crown Vic.