Ford Police Interceptors Prevail in Recent Michigan State Police Testing

• Ford Police Interceptors proved victorious in speed, acceleration and braking in recent tests by the Michigan State Police

• The Police Interceptor all-wheel-drive sedan equipped with the EcoBoost^® V6 engine outperformed the competition in 0-60 mph, 0-80 mph and 0-100 mph acceleration tests, as well as setting the fastest single lap and average lap times of the week

• The Police Interceptor utility vehicle posted the fastest times in 0-60 mph and 0-80 mph acceleration tests in addition to posting the fastest single lap and average lap times versus competitive police utility models

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 21, 2012 – Ford’s new Police Interceptors led the pack in recent testing conducted by the Michigan State Police.

 

The Police Interceptor sedan equipped with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® V6 engine topped the competition in 0-60 mph, 0-80 mph and 0-100 mph acceleration. These fast closing-in speeds are critical for first responders and law enforcement professionals.

 

In testing at Grattan Raceway, the Ford Police Interceptor with EcoBoost V6 engine and all-wheel drive posted the fastest single lap and best average lap times.

 

Competitors with larger V8 engines could not keep up with the superior advanced engineering of the Ford EcoBoost V6. The purpose-built Police Interceptor is designed to outperform the competition by optimizing handling and control in combination with a high-torque engine and robust brakes.

 

“This year’s testing by the Michigan State Police once again proves Ford Police Interceptors are industry leaders, offering government agencies the desired combination of capability, technology and long-lasting value,” said Lisa Teed, Marketing manager for the Ford Police Interceptor program.

 

The 3.7-liter V6 all-wheel-drive sedan also boasted the shortest stopping distance for all police vehicles tested.

 

The Police Interceptor all-wheel-drive utility vehicle posted top 0-60 mph and 0-80 mph times in the acceleration tests and also achieved the quickest lap times versus competing police utility vehicles. The Police Interceptor utility vehicle combines the performance of a sedan with a larger interior package for agencies that require increased cargo capacity.

 

“We are very proud of the test results,” said Bill Gubing, Ford Police Interceptor chief engineer.

 

“During post-event inspection, the vehicles show proof of purpose-built durability,” he adds. “The status of the tires and brake pads still show useful life, and are ready for more grueling testing.”

 

A tough lineup
Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy provides a V6 lineup that performs better than V8 engines of years past. The Police Interceptor sedan lineup now comes with three powertrain options, allowing police to choose the engine that best meets their patrol requirements. The sedan is available with a standard 3.5-liter V6, the new 3.7-liter V6 and the performance powerhouse 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost – all paired with all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

 

The 3.7-liter V6 engine with 305 horsepower is now available on the all-wheel-drive Police Interceptor sedan and is common with the utility vehicle.

 

A high-capacity six-speed automatic transmission is uniquely calibrated and adapts to pursuit mode for responsiveness to an officer’s demands. All-wheel drive is standard on both sedan and utility vehicle Police Interceptors to optimize handling and control, which is important to meet the needs of first responders in their daily environment.

 

To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, who provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.

 

Building on Ford’s safety leadership, the Police Interceptor is engineered to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing.

 

Ford Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicles recently earned top safety ratings in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration New Car Assessment Program testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.