Motorists may soon be able to stop fearing the long-dreaded Crown Victoria. After more than a decade as the main squad car for U.S. police departments, the Crown Vic is finally being replaced with the new Police Interceptor.
Based on the Ford Taurus, the new Interceptor boasts better fuel economy than the Vic, along with an array of safety features, including electronic stability control and an airbag rollover protection system. The Interceptor uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that gets 263 horsepower and is 25 percent more fuel efficient than the V8 engine it's replacing.
"Police nationwide asked for a new kind of weapon in the battle for public safety, and Ford is answering the call with a purpose-built vehicle - engineered and built in America - that's as dynamic as it is durable," said Lisa Teed, Police Interceptor marketing manager, in a Ford press release.
The Interceptor will also feature a variety of next-generation technologies, such as the FordSYNC information system and sensors to detect objects in the vehicle's blind spots. Other features like cross-traffic alert, the reverse sensing system and a rearview camera intend to prevent rear-end collisions with Interceptors.
"Ford remains committed to leading the police vehicle market, and our new Police Interceptor demonstrates how much engineering and innovation we're willing to invest to address the unique needs of those who protect and serve communities throughout America," Teed said.
In appearance, the Interceptor is shorter and more rounded than the Vic, which from 1998 to 2009 had been most officers' vehicle of choice because of its conventional rear-wheel drive, V8 engine and body-on-frame construction. But due to its out-dated design and poor fuel economy, police departments wanted something more modern and fuel efficient.
Now they've got it. Ford ceased production of the Crown Vic at the end of 2011, and will now focus on equipping police departments with the Interceptor. And so far, its reception has been positive.
"This (the Interceptor) is the best car we've had in 32 years," Lt. Steve Bartek, of the Wilton, CT police, told Aol Autos. "It's a big departure from what we've had. We're getting with the program."
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