Ford said these are the final production versions of these vehicles, though both have some aftermarket equipment on them. The image shows the new headlamps on the sedan Interceptor as well as the wheels from the factory on both models.
CHICAGO – Ford announced its new 2013-MY Police Interceptor began rolling off the assembly line at the automaker’s Chicago Assembly plant in January, 2012. Ford's Police Interceptor marketing manager Lisa Teed said the version shown at the Chicago Auto Show until Feb. 19 is the final production version of the patrol car and has the parts the vehicle will ship with.
The vehicle was given the 2013 model-year designation because production began in January rather than in 2011. Among the first vehicles produces was the 2013 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, which sits on a car rather than truck platform.
Ford reiterated the benefits of its 3.5L V-6 engine, which delivers at least 263 hp, E85 compatibility, and is 25% more efficient than the 4.6L single-overhead-cam V-8 being replaced. Ford also said the all-new 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engine will deliver at least 365 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission comes with the EcoBoost-equipped AWD versions of the vehicle.
"To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford's Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, which provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality," Teed said in a release.
Among its safety features, the Police Interceptor is engineered to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing, Ford stated. The new Police Interceptor also features Ford's Safety Canopy side-curtain airbag rollover protection system to help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollover and side-impact crashes. The multiple side-curtain airbags use Ford's Roll Fold technology to help them slip between the occupant and the side window.
Ford noted the certification testing it has conducted with the Michigan State Police and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The V-6 engines that arrive in the interceptor outperformed the Ford Crown Vic's V-8 engine during the Michigan State Police's annual vehicle testing.
The automaker increased brake size and performance on the new Interceptor. Ford said it purpose-built the cooling package as well, and it features a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Its honeycomb grille is designed to work in harmony with the interior components, offering more airflow throughout the vehicle. Also, the standard 18-inch steel wheels are vented so they can work in concert with the enhanced brake system.
Ford said it specially designed the front seats, removing a lower bolster to better accommodate officers’ utility belts. Inserted into the seatback are anti-stab plates, designed to protect front-seat occupants.
In addition, the automaker said it optimized the Police Interceptor’s second row seats by sculpting the vinyl and setting the seats back to improve second-row space and maximize legroom. The back door hinges are modified to open up another 10 degrees versus traditional rear doors.
The Ford Police Interceptor also is equipped with a column shift specifically designed so the console area is free for the ever-increasing amounts of aftermarket police equipment necessary for officers to do their jobs.
Other new vehicle feature include the following systems:
BLIS (Blind Spot Information System): The system uses two radar sensors located in the rear quarter panels to detect vehicles in the surrounding lanes. If a vehicle enters the driver’s blind-spot zones, the system alerts the driver with a warning light in the side-view mirror.
Cross-traffic alert: This system uses the existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. This industry-exclusive system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross-traffic appears within three car-widths.
Rear view camera: When the vehicle is in rear camera mode, a color image with guidance markers on the rearview mirror will assist the driver in backing up.
Reverse Sensing System: An audible tone will alert the driver to certain objects up to 6 feet behind the vehicle.
Standard AdvanceTrac ESC (electronic stability control): This helps maintain the intended path by measuring side-to-side yaw, or skidding, by the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When wheel slip is sensed, AdvanceTrac reduces engine torque and applies selected brakes
Ford SYNC: The Ford-exclusive, hands-free information system has the potential to be customized and remapped to work specifically with police aftermarket equipment such as lights and sirens, allowing officers to focus on the task at hand.
