The typical vehicle created by major auto makers is for the average person that wants or needs a brand new ride for everyday purposes. Fleet vehicles, though, are a large part of the sales from major car makers. Rental automobiles must be made, also as vans and trucks for transportation purposes. Among the most legendary fleet vehicle configurations is the law enforcement auto, or rather, the interceptor. There isn’t really a large automobile maker that doesn’t make one. All of the “Big Three” domestic firms do. Ford and Dodge are both making interceptor models that a lot of people would not mind driving.
Brand new Ford Motors interceptors
Ford Motors is retiring a mainstay among police cruisers. As a result, Ford Motors is introduction two new interceptor models. The Crown Victoria is getting retired. So Ford has to come up with something else. There will be Ford Motors Explorer and Ford Taurus interceptor models. According to the NY Times, the interceptor Taurus will come with typical additions such as a sturdier frame and greater performance enhancements. It will be powered by a 365 horsepower turbo V-6. The law enforcement Explorer is situated around the brand new generation of Explorer models. The new Taurus and Explorer share a lot of components.
Dodge in Pursuit of police sales
Dodge and Chevrolet are rolling out new police interceptors as well. Though Chargers are already being bought by police departments, the new Dodge Motors Charger Quest model is being introduced soon. The Pursuit is rear wheel drive, with standard law enforcement upgrades like a beefier suspension and electronic additions. It may have turbo V-6 and V-8 engine choices. The new Chevrolet Caprice is being offered as a law enforcement automobile only, as the Caprice was formerly a really popular model among law enforcement until it was retired and also the Crown Victoria gained a near monopoly on the market.
Crime does pay
Law enforcement cars are actually lucrative for automobile manufacturers, but police cruisers have to meet a laundry list of demanding requirements in contrast to other fleet autos that only need an engine, steering wheel, belts and seats. Greater use of electronics is part and parcel to the modern police cruiser, rather than sheer raw power, durability and maneuverability. A cop car also has to be comfortable enough for somebody to sit in one for hours on end.
Additional reading
Wall Street Journal
blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/08/26/2011-dodge-charger-designed-for-police-chases/
NY Times
nytimes.com/2010/05/23/automobiles/23POLICE.html?pagewanted=1 and fta=y
