If you thought Ford was going to let Dodge have all of the fun with sirens and flashing lights, think again. Instead of using a sedan packed with a ton of horsepower, Ford has changed its focus for the police car. The all-new Ford Explorer joins the Taurus in its police vehicle line up.
Although the Police Interceptor Utility looks like an Explorer with fancy paint and some bright lights, Automobile says that it is a big deal because “it emphasizes police officer safety over police fleet cost.”
The modified Explorer is being planned as a utility-focused police vehicle that provides better safety and versatility for officers. MSN Autos cites several examples of the Explorer’s purpose-built interior that features “an upgraded version of Ford’s Sync connectivity technology, a nine-inch center console and antistab plates [in the front seat backrests].” Additionally, the police-specific Explorer will be outfitted with ballistic panels and a heavy-duty braking system.
What’s more, Autoblog reports that Ford has reworked some interior functions to better suit officers. For example, “The steering wheel buttons…are remappable and can be programmed to operate a host of auxiliary functions (lights, sirens, etc.) What’s more, Ford’s SYNC system is on hand and can be used to voice-activate the different police communication and audio equipment.”
Expect the Police Interceptor Utility on the road in 2012, at the earliest.
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