Michigan State Police to Test Three New Vehicles

The Michigan State Police will test three new pursuit-capable law enforcement models as part of its annual police vehicle test, including Ford's new gasoline-electric hybrid sedan and F-150 pickup, the agency has announced.

The agency has released the list of 2018 model-year vehicles troopers will test from Sept. 14 to 18. Newly tested models include the Ford Hybrid Police Responder, Ford F-150 Police Responder, and Yamaha FJR1300 Police motorcycle. Ford introduced its models earlier this year.

The Precision Driving Unit will test 13 models, including carryovers such as the Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD and RWD; Dodge Charger 3.6L and 5.7L RWD; Dodge Charger AWD; Ford Police Interceptor sedan 2.0L EcoBoost, 3.5L FWD and 3.5L EcoBoost, and 3.7L AWD; and Ford P.I. Utility 3.5L EcoBoost and 3.7L AWD.

Troopers will test seven motorcycles, including carryovers such as the BMW R1200RT-P; Harley-Davidson Road King, Electra Glide, and Electra Glide Optimal; and Zero DSP ZF12.5 ABS.

The agency evaluates pursuit-capable police models for top speed performance, braking, dynamic handling, and ergonomics at several locations, including the Grattan Raceway near Grand Rapids and the FCA Proving Grounds in Chelsea.