Despite the controversy that can surround law enforcement, the truth is that the equipment put to use in the field can yield some “ooh’s” and “aah’s,” especially the cars. Anyone who is a fan of the Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit games would know what I’m on about. And as pedestrian as the Ford Crown Victorias, Chevrolet Impalas and Dodge Chargers can be, if decked out in the right livery can look flat out badass. Though the current cars employed in law enforcement fleets are aging and as a result, Ford and Chevrolet are hard at work to make sure law enforcement agencies are well catered for.

This past week, Michigan State Police conducted a series of tests to prove that Ford’s and Chevrolet’s latest law enforcement fleet cars are capable of performing in the field. New law enforcement standards require the cars to be all-wheel drive while being able to deliver durability, performance, handling and fuel economy.

“We are pleased that the performance of the Police Interceptor Utility was validated because it provides more choice for law enforcement agencies,” said Lisa Teed, Ford’s marketing manager for the Police Interceptors. “They can be assured that whether in slippery conditions like snow or in pursuit situations the purpose-built Utility will deliver.”

One notable example was from Ford and that was the Police Interceptor “utility vehicle.” Basically a toughened up Explorer, the Police Interceptor utility vehicle features Ford’s 3.5L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 and is good for a whopping 365hp and 350lb-ft of torque. It was noted for excelling in 0-60 acceleration, braking, and handling that kept up with the Taurus-based Police Interceptor sedan. Speaking of which, the standard engine in the Police Interceptor sedan is also Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 but is detuned for 280hp. The 365hp monster is an option.

On the competing GM side, Chevrolet was participating with the Austrailian Holden-based Caprice PPV (yes, that means rear-wheel drive unlike the pussy front-wheel drive Impala’s), an updated Impala PPV (my point stands) and an updated Tahoe PPV.

The highlight was obviously the Caprice PPV. It was noted for meeting and exceeding the requirements of the Michigan State Police.

“When we set out to develop the Caprice PPV, we received critical input from police officers around the nation and they told us they wanted a serious rear-drive performance cruiser,” said James Soo, lead development engineer of the Caprice PPV. “The Caprice has been designed solely for the police officer who depends on performance and technology to get the job done.”

The Caprice is powered by either a 3.6L V6, or a 6.0L V8 (GM’s press release was shy on releasing horsepower figures).
As much as the two automotive giants are competing for the fleet contracts, the test with the Michigan State Police proved to the rest of the world that Ford and Chevrolet will continue to provide for our country’s law enforcement services. Whatever way they go, this serves as a reminder that they’ll be piloting some serious equipment.

That said, if law enforcement agencies get cars like this, imagine the performance bargains to be had when they’re retired and put up for sale at private auctions.

- By: Chris Chin

Haven’t seen the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle on the road yet? Well, if you don’t live in Georgia or Iowa, chances are you won’t see them until later this year. Forsyth County, Ga. Sheriff Ted Paxton and Dennis Hogan, Fleet Services manager in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, were among the first to begin patrolling in the new Chevrolet cop car.

“With its emphasis on the ergonomically designed seats for officer comfort, and enhanced safety features, the Caprice is a vehicle that is made for police work,” said Paxton. “We’ve had our vehicles for a month, and we’re sold. This will be a worthwhile investment.”

Paxton’s office plans to replace the current fleet of approximately 175 patrol vehicles with Chevrolet Caprice PPVs.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Caprice PPV.

“We view the police vehicle as an extended office for our officers,” Hogan said. “We chose the Caprice, because it delivers optimal officer operational space, trunk and storage space, and generally provides our officers the most-suitable operating environment.”

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V8 engine that produces 355-hp with a peak torque of 384 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 60 mph in the sub 6-second range. The Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle is scheduled to hit the streets in 2011. GM says that a V6 option will also be offered beginning in the 2012 model year. Prices start at $30,995.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV):

- By: Omar Rana

General Motors said that it delivered 23 units of its Australian-built Chevrolet Caprice police cars in May. The 23 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol rear-wheel-drive cars were assembled by GM’s Holden brand in Australia and shipped to an outfitter in California.

GM didn’t identify the law enforcement agencies that took delivery of the cars, which share a platform with the Chevrolet Camaro and the discontinued Pontiac G8 sedan.

GM spokesman Tom Henderson said non-pursuit detective versions of the cars were delivered in May. He did not confirm how many orders GM has received so far.

Henderson said that sales of the cars will be reported as dealers start delivering cars and that June figures will be higher. He said the pursuit models will greatly outnumber the detective models.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V8 engine that produces 355-hp with a peak torque of 384 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 60 mph in the sub 6-second range. The Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle is scheduled to hit the streets in 2011. GM says that a V6 option will also be offered beginning in the 2012 model year. Prices start at $30,995.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV)

In a testing conducted by law enforcement of Michigan,  the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) is faster from 0 to 60 mph and 0 to 100 mph and stops in a shorter distance than its rivals from Ford and Dodge. The 2011 Caprice PPV tested against the 2011 Dodge Charger Police Pursuit and the 2011 Ford Crown Victoria. FoMoCo’s new Taurus based police interceptor was not a part of the test since the CrownVictoria will go on until the end of 2011.

“Police departments around the country told us they needed a modern, high-performance rear-drive pursuit car,” said Joyce Mattman, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations product director.  “These results are proof that the Caprice PPV delivers the performance officers want, without compromising safety or comfort.”

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V8 engine that produces 355-hp with a peak torque of 384 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 60 mph in the sub 6-second range. The Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle is scheduled to hit the streets in 2011. GM says that a V6 option will also be offered beginning in the 2012 model year.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV):

Press Release:

Chevrolet Caprice PPV Busts Competitors in Driving Tests
Sweeps Key Performance Categories in 2011 Model Year Michigan State Police Vehicle Evaluation

DETROIT ““ Law enforcement testing finds the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) is faster from zero to 60 and zero to 100 miles per hour, achieves a higher top speed and stops in a shorter distance than its competitors from Ford and Dodge.

The performance testing against the 2011 Dodge Charger Police Pursuit police card and the 2011 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was conducted on Saturday in Chelsea, Mich., and on Monday during a vehicle dynamics comparison at the Grattan Raceway near Belding, Mich., where the Caprice PPV had the best overall average time per lap.

Results from the tests from the Michigan State Police Evaluation Program are considered preliminary. Final results will be published later this year.

“I”m tickled to death to see all of the manufacturers back into (police cars) in a big way after a period of stagnation,” said Jerry Newberry, Fleet Manager for the Texas Department of Public Safety, which purchases 900-1,000 vehicles annually.  “It”s still a work in progress for all manufacturers, but that”s been the nice thing in the development of this Caprice ““ GM is doing what it takes to bring the best car to the market.”

The Caprice”s 6.0-liter V-8 is rated at an estimated 355 horsepower (265 kW) with 384 lb-ft of torque (521 Nm).  It is also backed by a six-speed automatic transmission, which is performance-calibrated for police duty, and standard Stabilitrak electronic stability control.  A unique Performance Algorithm Liftfoot (PAL) calibration, within Sport shift mode, allows the transmission to “understand” the driving conditions and select the appropriate gear – even through tight turns – and provides the required engine torque.

With segment leading interior space and sculpted front seats to “pocket” the equipment belt, the Caprice PPV provides maximum comfort for officers, allowing them to effectively do their jobs with minimal back soreness.

Reporting for duty next spring, the Caprice PPV joins the front-wheel drive Impala PPV and Tahoe PPV, making Chevrolet the only manufacturer to offer a full range of police vehicles.

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV)

General Motors is determined to take the lead against FoMoCo and Chrysler in the police fleet vehicle market. The company is touting the new Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle’s rear-wheel-drive and interior room. The model will be the first rear-wheel-drive police car form Chevrolet since 1996.

While the vehicle “has a smaller overall exterior, the Caprice has more interior volume than a Crown Victoria,” said Al Oppenheiser, the vehicle’s chief engineer.

The first units of the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol vehicle will arrive in the United States in April and will be the unmarked detective vehicles. Those will be followed official patrol cars that will join the lineup in June with orders to begin in January 2011. Both will be 2011 models and will carry a price tag of $30,995. All will come with a five-year/100,000-mile warranty. When full production begins for the 2012 model year, Chevrolet expects orders to be processed and cars delivered in 14 to 16 weeks.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V8 engine that produces 355-hp with a peak torque of 384 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 60 mph in the sub 6-second range. The Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle is scheduled to hit the streets in 2011. GM says that a V6 option will also be offered beginning in the 2012 model year.

Make the jump for the video.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV)

For townships looking to replace their current GM police interceptor vehicles, General Motors announced today that its 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle with a detective package will be available for order starting October 2010 with deliveries to begin in April 2011. The police package Chevrolet Caprice PPV will be available to order in January 2011 and will be delivered to go on duty in June 2011.

“When we began designing our latest police vehicle, we went directly to our customers and found that they were looking for a rear-wheel, large sedan with a V-8 engine,” said Brian Small, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “By announcing the available specs and ordering information now, we”re following through with our promise to provide them with the advanced technologies that best serve their needs for comfort, performance and safety.”

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V8 engine that produces 355-hp with a peak torque of 384 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 60 mph in the sub 6-second range. The Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle is scheduled to hit the streets in 2011. GM says that a V6 option will also be offered beginning in the 2012 model year.

Make the jump for the video.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV):

Press Release:

Chevrolet Prepares 2011 Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle for Duty

- Specifications, order and delivery dates now available
- Unique to the police market ““ designed and built to law enforcement specifications

DETROIT ““ General Motors today announced order and delivery dates, as well as final package specifications, for the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV). The rear-wheel-drive Caprice PPV joins the front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Impala and the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV, making Chevrolet the only brand to offer a full line of police vehicles.

Chevrolet will begin taking orders for the Caprice PPV detective package (9C3) in October 2010. Vehicles will hit the streets in April 2011. Ordering for the police package (9C1) will begin in January 2011 and the vehicles go on duty next June.

The all-new Caprice PPV features:

• Comfort: Segment-leading interior volume (112 cubic feet / 3,172 liters) provides a spacious interior, providing officers with more comfort for long hours on patrol.  In addition, it has specially designed front seats sculptured to allow for gun belts. The seats are made with high wear material and have a seat back security panel. There”s also an eight-way power driver”s seat with reclining back and lumbar control, featuring quick-adjust manual fore and aft movement for additional comfort.
• Performance: Responsive rear-wheel-drive and a powerful 6.0L V-8 engine, with 355 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. torque, including the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology and E85 capability.  It delivers expected best-in-class top speed and zero-to-60 acceleration in less than six seconds.  A V-6 engine also will be available beginning in the 2012 model year. In addition, the 6-speed transmission has sport shift calibrations for performance driving.  A 2.92 axle ratio with limited slip is standard.
• Safety: Full-width prisoner partition enabled by front seat only head curtain with side impact airbags. Rear seat head curtain side impact airbags are available. StabiliTrak, GM”s electronic stability control technology, provides a “police performance” mode for enhanced stability during high-speed driving.
• Exterior: Vehicle has an overall length of 204.2 inches (5,186.1 mm), an overall width of 74.75 inches (1,898.7 mm) and an overall height of 58.66 inches (1,489.95 mm).  Efficient packaging allows spacious interior, without showing it on the exterior. Standard 18-inch steel wheels with bolt on center caps and wheel covers.
• Interior: Designed for five-passenger seating, the upper-center section of the dashboard can be used for equipment mounting without concern of air bag deployment interference.  A certified speedometer (160-mph certified analog) includes trip odometer, warning lights and multifunction display with Engine Oil Life monitor. A Driver Information Center with a “Trap Speed” feature captures speed when tracking/pacing other vehicles.
• Additional Options: Available auxiliary battery to power police equipment and full-size spare tire under a flat load surface. Vinyl rear seat and floor covering also available.

A full list of vehicle specifications and additional information about the Caprice PPV can be found at the recently updated website, www.chevroletcapriceppv.com.

- By: Omar Rana

Chevrolet Caprice PPV Detective 9C3 spec

We’ve already seen the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) but what’s most interesting is the Police Detective 9C3 spec, unveiled today in the brochure for the new GM police interceptor. Unfortunately, we only have access to one photo thanks to GM Inside News. Apparently the detective version is available in 7 different colors, but we think the black stealth-looking model is the best.

Click here to see our original post on the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V8 engine that produces 355-hp with a peak torque of 384 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 60 mph in the sub 6-second range. The Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle is scheduled to hit the streets in 2011. GM says that a V6 option will also be offered beginning in the 2012 model year.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: GMI (via AutoBlog)

If you’re going to go down – go down with style. The Detroit Big 3 have all updated their Police Interceptors (we’re not sure when Chrysler will reveal the new Dodge Charger Police Interceptor so we’ll work with the 2009 model for now) and Carbon Motors has also come to the game with its E7 Police Car.

With those big four Police Interceptors set to hit the roads in late-2011, early 2012, we were wondering which of these four you’d like to be pulled over or arrested in.

Here is the list:

• 2012 Ford Police Interceptor (Taurus based): Enters production late 2011.
• 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle: Enters production late 2011.
• 2009 Dodge Charger Police Vehicle: On duty now.
• Carbon Motors E7 Police Car: Enters production early 2012.

Let us know your answers in the comments section below.

- By: Omar Rana

We have just received a bunch of new images of the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle. Check out our updated high-res gallery after the jump.

Click here to see our original post on the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V8 engine that produces 355-hp with a peak torque of 384 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 60 mph in the sub 6-second range. The Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle is scheduled to hit the streets in 2011. GM says that a V6 option will also be offered beginning in the 2012 model year.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV):

- By: Kap Shah

Earlier this morning (around 1 a.m.) GM unveiled its new 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV). We now have a video of GM’s latest police car in action.

Click here to see our original post on the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle.

Refresher: Power comes from a 6.0L V8 engine that produces 355-hp with a peak torque of 384 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 60 mph in the sub 6-second range. The Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle is scheduled to hit the streets in 2011. GM says that a V6 option will also be offered beginning in the 2012 model year.

Make the jump for the video.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV):

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV):

- By: Omar Rana

As reported Friday, Chevrolet has unveiled an all-new rear-wheel-drive police car – the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV). As Ford still works on replacing the Crown Victoria, GM’s new police car is scheduled to join the law enforcement departments in 2011. Along with a number of special equipment offering, the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle will be available in a choice of V6 and V8 engines.

For those of you thinking that this is a Pontiac G8 in disguise – think again. The car is actually based on the Zeta-platform, which underpins the Chevrolet Caprice in the Middle East.

The 6.0L V8 engine, which offers fuel-saving technology like Active Fuel Management and E85 capability, produces 355-hp with a maximum torque of 384 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle can catch criminals while going from 0 to 60 mph in the sub 6-second range.

GM says that a V6 choice will also be offered beginning in the 2012 model year.

Hit the jump for the press release to learn more about the equipment offered in the new Caprice police vehicle and for the high-res image gallery.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV):

Press Release:

Be On The Lookout: All-New Chevy Caprice Police Car Reports For Duty In 2011

DENVER ““ An all-new Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) will join the ranks of law enforcement departments across North America in 2011. It”s a modern, full-size, rear-drive sedan that will offer both V-8 and V-6 engines, as well as a host of specialized equipment and features.

Chevrolet made the announcement at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police convention, in Denver, Colorado. The Caprice PPV will be available for ordering next year and will hit the streets in early 2011.

“The new Chevrolet Caprice police car is the right tool at the right time for law enforcement,” said Jim Campbell, general manager for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “We asked for a lot of feedback from our police customers, which helped us develop a vehicle that is superior to the Crown Victoria in key areas.”

Vice President, Global Chevrolet Brand Brent Dewar added, “Along with Impala and Tahoe, the Caprice PPV gives agencies a greater range of choices for police and special service vehicles that are all available from Chevrolet.”

Unlike other police cars on the market, the Caprice PPV is not based on existing “civilian” passenger-car model sold in North America. It has been developed in key areas specifically for police duty, containing modern equipment and features:

* Powerful 6.0L V-8 with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology and E85 capability delivers expected best-in-class 0-60 acceleration (sub six seconds) and top speed; a V-6 engine will also be offered, beginning in the 2012 model year
* Optional front-seat-only side curtain air bags allows a full-width rear-seat barrier for greater officer safety
* Two trunk-mounted batteries, with one of them dedicated to powering various police equipment
* Designed for five-passenger seating, meaning the upper-center section of the dashboard can be used for equipment mounting without the concern of air bag deployment interference
* Compatibility with in-dash touch-screen computer technology
* Special front seats designed for the long-term comfort of officers whose car is their effective office, including space that accommodates the bulk of a typical equipment belt

The front seats are sculpted to “pocket” the equipment belt, which greatly increases the comfort for a great range of police officer sizes. The foam density of the seatback and cushion insert surfaces are designed to conform to the shape of an equipment belt”s various items, too, allowing the officer”s back to rest properly on the seatback surface.

“The Chevrolet Caprice PPV”s seats represent a revolution in comfort and utility for officers who spend long hours in their car,” said Bob Demick, lead seat design manager. “The shape also enhances entry and egress, making it easier for officers to exit the vehicle quickly. The seatback bolsters, for example, have been purposefully contoured to help pocket the equipment on the belt, which includes the gun, Taser and handcuffs, which rest comfortably in the sculpted lower bolsters. That also increases the longevity of the trim cover surface.”

Along with comfort, the materials used in the seats were also carefully selected. High-wear materials were chosen to stand up to long hours of everyday use, while breathability, long-term durability and ease of cleaning were also important criteria.

Engineers worked on several iterations of the seat, testing a couple of versions in the field to get real-world feedback from police officers, who used prototype seats in their cruisers for a month. Their input helped determine the final design.

Class-leading space

The Caprice PPV is based on GM”s global rear-drive family of vehicles that also underpins the Chevy Camaro. It uses the longest wheelbase of the architecture ““ 118.5 inches (3,010 mm) ““ along with a four-wheel independent suspension that delivers responsive high-performance driving characteristics that are crucial in some police scenarios.

Caprice PPV”s long wheelbase also contributes to exceptional spaciousness. Compared to the primary competition, its advantages include:

* A larger interior volume ““ 112 cubic feet / 3,172 liters ““ than the Ford Crown Victoria, including nearly 4 inches (101 mm) more rear legroom
* The barrier between the front seat and rear seat is positioned farther rearward, allowing for full front-seat travel and greater recline for officer comfort
* At 18 cubic feet (535 liters) free space (beyond battery located in trunk), the Caprice”s trunk volume is large enough to accommodate a full-size spare tire under a flat load surface in the trunk storage area.

The Caprice”s 6.0-liter V-8 is rated at an estimated 355 horsepower (265 kW) with an estimated 384 lb-ft of torque. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission that is performance-calibrated for police duty. Additional, police car-specific powertrain and vehicle system features include:

* High-output alternator
* Engine oil, transmission and power steering coolers
* Standard 18-inch steel wheels with bolt-on center caps
* Large, four-wheel disc brakes with heavy-duty brake pads
* Heavy-duty suspension components
* Police-calibrated stability control system
* Driver information center in the instrument cluster with selectable speed tracking feature.

A host of complementary features are also offered, including special equipment packages such as spotlights; lockouts for the power windows and locks; and an “undercover” street-appearance package (9C3).

To enable more room for interior equipment, the standard radio can be relocated to the trunk, allowing for an in-dash, touch-screen computer to be used.

Caprice on patrol: A brief history

Chevrolet”s history with law enforcement is almost as old as the brand itself. Police departments have used Chevy sedans as police cars for decades, ordering them with basic equipment and powerful V-8 engines ““ including some special engines that weren”t available in regular-production models, such as the 1959 Biscayne that was offered with up to 315 horsepower.

The full-size Chevrolets joined the force in 1976. All Caprice police cars ““ including the new, 2011 model ““ have carried the 9C1 order code. Here”s a quick look back at Chevys on patrol:

1959 ““ Chevy Biscayne police model capable of 135 mph with specially tuned, police-only version of the 348-cubic-inch V-8 engine

1965 ““ The new “big-block” 396 engine is offered in Biscayne and Bel Air police cars, making them among the most powerful on patrol; a 427 V-8 was added in 1966

1976 ““ The 9C1 order code is given for the first time to a full-size Chevy police car package. It carries the Impala name.

1977 ““ The full-size Chevy is downsized. The 9C1 police package is retained, as is the Impala name.

1986 ““ The Caprice name replaces Impala, as the car is updated for the mid- and late-1980s ““ including the option of a powerful, 5.7-liter small-block V-8.

1991 ““ A new-generation Caprice is launched, with the 9C1 police car still on the beat.

1994 ““ The 260-horsepower (194 Nm) LT1 V-8 engine is offered in the Caprice 9C1, making it one of the fastest full-size police cars ever offered.

1996 ““ Caprice police car production ends, as GM”s full-size, body-on-frame car architecture is discontinued.

2011 ““ The Caprice PPV returns to active duty.

- By: Omar Rana