Dearborn -- Ford Motor Co. today unveiled its new Police Interceptor -- the replacement for the venerable Crown Victoria.
As The Detroit News first reported last year, it will be based on the same platform as the new Ford Taurus. Ford Americas President Mark Fields promised it would be superior in every way to its predecessor, calling it "the ultimate police vehicle."
"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," he said. "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."
Advertisement

The new police car will be built at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant.
Ken Czubay, Ford's U.S. sales and marketing chief, said it also will deliver up to 25 percent better fuel economy than the Crown Vic, thanks to two new engine offerings:
• A 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering at least 263 horsepower and E85 compatibility.
• A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engine will deliver at least 365 horsepower and 350 ft.-lb. of torque.
The new Police Interceptor will feature a six-speed automatic transmission. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions will be available.
"We have an extremely powerful standard engine, and to top that off, we also offer our exclusive EcoBoost technology," said Scott Tobin, Ford vehicle line director for cars and crossovers. "Both are designed for the severe-duty cycle that police engage in on a daily basis."
Ford engineers worked closely with Ford's Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals to design and tune the vehicle.
"Their feedback mattered to us," Tobin said. "Safety and durability were at the top of their list. So safety and durability were at the top of ours."
The new Police Interceptor is designed to withstand a 75-mph rear end crash and offers much better rollover protection than the Crown Vic.
The new Police Interceptor will be available as soon as production of the Crown Victoria ends in September 2011.
Ford also is readying a "utility interceptor" that will debut this fall.