Firstly, it announced the Taurus-based Police Interceptor back in March. Now that vehicle has been joined by a second dedicated Police Interceptor, this time developed from the new Explorer.
It’s not just a case of giving it a black-and-white paint job and slinging a light bar across the roof, though. The utility Interceptor, as Ford is terming the Explorer model, has been specially engineered to cope with police work. Things like withstanding a 75 mph rear impact test, for example - a critical feature given the numerous morons who seemingly fail to see a fully lit-up police vehicle stopped by the roadside.
The brakes have also been beefed-up to cope with the increased workload, while the power transfer unit for the all-wheel drive system gets water cooling. There’s also a larger radiator, and the standard alternator has been junked in favour of a heavy duty item to cope with the additional electrical systems.
As with civilian versions of the Explorer, there’s no V8 on offer. Instead, power comes from a 3.5 litre Ti-VCT V6 engine, producing ‘at least’ 280 bhp (208 kW / 283 PS). It’s coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, which has unique ratios chosen to improve both standing start acceleration and fuel consumption when cruising.
Despite being a big SUV, it’s claimed that drivers won’t need any special training before going on duty in the utility Interceptor. But just in case they are overly enthusiastic, it comes equipped with AdvanceTrac and Roll Stability Control. This technology uses two gyroscopic sensors to monitor both yaw rate and roll rate, and reduces engine torque or applies the brakes to avoid wheel slip. Also fitted is Curve Control, which cuts the vehicle’s speed by 10 mph in around a second if a bend is entered too quickly.
The interior has been designed with comfort in mind - for those riding in the front, at least. The seats are sculpted to accommodate officers’ utility belts, and the gearshift is moved to the steering column to give more space for data terminals, switches and other dash-mounted equipment. Things aren’t so luxurious in the back, though. Miscreants have to make do with sitting on a wipe-clean vinyl bench seat.
Both the Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptor models will be made available as soon as manufacture of the Crown Victoria ends next year.
