USA - Ford's Police Interceptor has the quickest acceleration & fastest lap times in Michigan, California Agency tests.

• Ford EcoBoost^® Police Sedan turns in fastest 0-60 mph and 0-100 mph acceleration times, fastest quarter-mile time, fastest top speed in the quarter mile and fastest average lap time for overall vehicles in Michigan State Police and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department tests
• Ford EcoBoost Police Utility clocks fastest 0-60 mph and 0-100 mph acceleration times, fastest quarter-mile time, fastest top speed in the quarter mile and fastest average lap time for utility vehiclesinMichigan State Police and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department tests
• 2.0-liter Special Service Police Sedan now “pursuit rated” by both Michigan State Police and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department; tests faster than Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

New testing protocols adopted by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) last year and Michigan State Police (MSP) this year only underscored the performance dominance of Ford’s best-selling Police Interceptors. In the most recent tests performed by LASD and MSP of 2016 model-year vehicles, both the Ford EcoBoost^®Police Interceptor Sedan and the Ford EcoBoostPolice Interceptor Utility set records and beat out competitors.

“We are proud to maintain our performance advantages, and these validate Ford Police Interceptor leadership,” said Arie Groeneveld, Ford Police Interceptor chief engineer. “We love the bragging rights, but for these officers, best-in-class performance is a huge safety attribute. Pursuits that end quickly are more likely pursuits that end safely. This team is obsessed with officer safety.”

For the first time ever, both police agencies conducted testing with a “key on and drive” policy, meaning stability and traction control settings were in default mode, as when the vehicles are first turned on and how officers drive these vehicles in the real world. LASD began implementing the test protocol last year.

Ford EcoBoost Police Interceptor Sedan repeated its top performance in MSP and LASD testing of 2016 police vehicles, retaining its title as quickest-accelerating pursuit vehicle, and turned in faster lap times than all competitors.

The EcoBoost-powered Ford Police Interceptor Sedan bested all vehicles, including V8-equipped competitors’ sedans in testing by both Michigan and California authorities, while Ford Police Interceptor Utility with EcoBoost out-accelerated the competition’s newest V8-equipped utility and all base V6-powered sedans. 

Interestingly, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost Special Service Police Sedan test results showed the turbo four-cylinder to be quicker to 60 mph than the last Crown Victoria Police Interceptor tested by MSP for the 2011 model year (8.6 vs. 8.9 seconds).

Highlights of Test Results: Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD)

• Ford EcoBoost Interceptor Sedan repeats as best-in-class acceleration for overall pursuit vehicles (0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds vs. 6.6 seconds for the 5.7-liter Charger and 6.7 seconds for the 6.0-liter Chevrolet Caprice)
• EcoBoost Interceptor Utility repeats as best-in-class acceleration for utilities and repeats faster than all base V6 cars
• Ford 2.0-liter Special Service Police Sedan achieves 0-60 and 0-100 times faster than the 2011 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

LASD Fontana/Auto Club Speedway High-Speed Pursuit Tests:

• Ford 2.0-liter Special Service Police Sedan passes 32-lap Fontana Vehicle Dynamics test, and for the first time will be in the LASD Vehicle Test book as a pursuit-rated vehicle
• 3.5-liter EcoBoost Interceptor Sedan repeats as best-in-class lap time and fastest average lap speed among all police vehicles tested
• 3.7-liter all-wheel-drive Interceptor Sedan achieves fastest lap and fastest average lap among base V6 police vehicles
• EcoBoost Interceptor Utility repeats as best-in-class lap time and fastest lap in utility segment
• Both the 3.7-liter and 3.5-liter EcoBoost Interceptor Utilities achieve faster average lap time than a competitor’s utility vehicle, having implemented a “Track Detect” automatic stability control mode, which reduces stability control intervention

Highlights of Test Results:Michigan State Police

• Ford EcoBoost Interceptor Sedan repeats as top acceleration for overall pursuit vehicles
• EcoBoost Interceptor Utility acceleration repeats as top acceleration for utilities and repeats as faster than all base V6 sedans
• Ford 2.0-liter Special Service Police Sedan achieves 0-60 and 0-100 times faster than the 2011 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

Grattan Raceway (Belding, Michigan) Test Highlights:

• This is the first year all police vehicles were tested with stability control, traction control and engine mode systems full key-on as driven by officers in the real world
• Electronic stability control on agreement results in a 0.5-2.0-second decrease in competitor vehicle performance
• EcoBoost Interceptor Sedan is best-in-class lap time
• EcoBoost Interceptor Sedan achieves fastest lap and fastest average lap
• EcoBoost Interceptor Utility repeats as best-in-class lap time and fastest average lap speed in utility segment
• Even the 3.7-liter non-EcoBoost Interceptor Utility achieves faster lap time than a competitor’s V8-powered police utility vehicle
• 3.7-liter all-wheel-drive Interceptor Sedan achieves fastest lap and fastest average lap time among base V6 police vehicles
• Ford 2.0-liter Special Service Police Sedan passes 32-lap Grattan Vehicle Dynamics test, and for the first time will be in the MSP Vehicle Test book as a pursuit-rated vehicle

USA - Chevy announces new 2015 Tahoe Police Patrol vehicle

Chevrolet today announced a police patrol vehicle, or PPV, version of the all-new 2015 Tahoe. The Tahoe lineup will expand with the addition of an automatic 4WD pursuit vehicle to the existing 2WD pursuit and 4WD special service models. The new Tahoe PPV offers more power, greater efficiency and enhanced features developed for law enforcement.

The 2015 Tahoe PPV features an all-new interior, exterior and EcoTec3 powertrain, while offering the same basic dimensions, sturdy body-on-frame architecture and versatility that made it the best-selling Chevrolet police vehicle for the last several years.

The carryover dimensions allow a seamless transfer of law enforcement equipment used in current Tahoe PPVs. The Tahoe will remain the largest police vehicle on the market designed with driver comfort in mind. It has additional space in the rear seat, which provides more leg room and easier access to individuals and equipment in the back seat.

“The Tahoe PPV’s versatility and low lifecycle cost have made it a leader among police agencies,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, Fleet and Commercial Sales. “The enhancements to the 2015 model have further refined an already great vehicle to give police officers the performance, speed and safety they need to help keep their communities safe.”

The Tahoe PPV is used today by state and local municipalities and federal government officials for patrol, first response, tactical, HAZMAT, Border Patrol and K9.

More power and greater efficiency

The Tahoe PPV’s standard EcoTec3 5.3L V-8 features state-of-the-art technologies, including direct injection, cylinder deactivation, continuously variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system, designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

With the EcoTec3 powertrain, the 2015 Tahoe PPV offers more power, 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque and improved acceleration.

The engine is mated to a Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission with a unique police-service calibration that supports pursuit performance.

Designed for law enforcement use

The 2015 Tahoe PPV was developed to deliver a more controlled ride with improved steering and braking responsiveness compared to previous models. A strong, fully boxed, perimeter frame supports payload and trailering capability that body-frame-integral SUVs can’t match. With the addition of electric power steering, the Tahoe has precisely tuned responsiveness needed in pursuit situations. The increased payload allows law enforcement to carry all equipment that they may need for any job.

Still the only body-on-frame full-size SUV designed for the rigors of police work, the Tahoe offers full-pursuit capability. The addition of more high-strength steel, increased body stiffness, suspension improvements and a wider track for increased stability helps the 2015 Tahoe PPV offers improved ride and handling designed for pursuit.

The Tahoe has a standard 730-CCA Auxiliary Battery, which allows officers to power their equipment, including radios, video cameras and laptops, when the vehicle is not running, avoiding drain on the primary vehicle battery. The vehicle also has a 110V power outlet and USB input.

Key components remain that contribute to the Tahoe PPV’s consistent performance at police vehicle testing:

• V-rated, P265/60R17 Goodyear RSA tires, mounted on 17-inch steel wheels
• Heavy-duty four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS, tuned for police driving
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with Proactive Roll Avoidance and traction control
• A fully integrated electrical system makes it easier to upfit police-specific equipment

Safe and comfortable

The redesigned interior gives officers 360 degrees of safety with new standard features, including rear park assist, backup camera and optional adjustable pedals, which personalize the vehicle to each driver. An optional Driver Alert Package includes lane departure warning, forward collision alert and Chevrolet’s Safety Alert seat.

Increased use of high-strength steel contributes to a safer, quieter ride. New inlaid doors help make it the quietest Tahoe and Tahoe PPV ever. The quiet environment decreases unnecessary distractions, allows police officers to remain focused on the road and can help reduce fatigue after long shifts.

OnStar, the leading provider of connected safety, security and mobility solutions and advanced information technology, is now standard on the Tahoe PPV, OnStar provides automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle slowdown and recovery. The vehicle also comes standard with Bluetooth, which allows officers to stay connected safely and talk hands-free while on the road.

The security of the Tahoe PPV has enhanced security features, including new door locks, side-milled keys and a steering column lock.

The new Tahoe will be built at GM’s Arlington, Texas assembly plant. The 2WD pursuit and 4WD special service models will be available for order in the first quarter and the 4WD pursuit vehicle in the second quarter of 2014.