The Michigan State Police has released preliminary results of its performance tests of 2015-MY patrol vehicles in a field with an increasing number of SUVs for law enforcement agencies.

The Michigan State Police's Precision Driving Unit evaluated 10 sedans and four SUVs during September testing that included high-speed performance (acceleration and top speed), braking, and driving dynamics. The unit also evaluated seven motorcycles.

This year, the unit tested several new four-wheel models, including the four-wheel-drive pursuit-rated Chevrolet Tahoe PPV and refreshed Dodge Charger Pursuit (four models).

State troopers tested the AWD 3.7L Ford Police Interceptor sedan; V-6 Chevrolet Caprice PPV; V-6 Charger Pursuit; FWD 3.5L Ford P.I. sedan; Chevrolet Impala Limited; AWD V-8 Charger Pursuit; AWD EcoBoost Ford P.I. sedan; V-8 Caprice PPV; AWD EcoBoost Ford P.I. Utility; V-8 Charger Pursuit; RWD Tahoe PPV; AWD 3.7L Ford P.I. Utility; V-6 Charger Pursuit; and 4WD Tahoe PPV.

Among the sedans in the V-8 and turbocharged category, the top-speed crown was shared by the AWD turbo P.I. sedan and the AWD Charger with a 3.08 axle ratio. Both vehicles reached 149 mph. It was followed by the Charger with a 2.62 axle ratio (148 mph) and 6.0L Caprice PPV (147 mph).

The turbo P.I. sedan again recorded the fastest 0-60 mph increment (5.85 seconds) followed by the Caprice PPV (6.17), 3.08 axle-ratio Charger (6.31) and 2.62 axle-ratio Charger (6.38). The turbo P.I. also recorded the fastest 0-100 mph time at 14.19 seconds followed by the Caprice PPV (14.69), 2.62 axle ratio Charger (15.48), and 3.08 axle-ratio Charger (15.63).

Among the V-6 sedans, the Chevrolet Impala achieved the top speed of 150 mph, followed by the 3.6L Caprice PPV (147 mph), both axle-ratio Chargers (141 mph), and both no-turbo P.I. sedans (132 mph). The Impala reached 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds, while the Caprice PPV reached 0-100 mph in 19.41 seconds.

The utility vehicle category saw a new entry with the 4WD Tahoe PPV. Among the four entries, the rear-wheel Tahoe reached a top speed of 139 mph. The turbo P.I. Utility reached 0-60 mph in 6.55 seconds and reached 0-100 mph in 16.13 seconds.

In brake testing, the V-6 AWD Charger with the 3.08 axle ratio stopped from 60-0 mph in 124.8 feet. It was followed by the V-8 Charger with the 2.62 axle ratio (125.1) and V-8 Caprice (126.8). Among utility vehicles, the turbo AWD P.I. Utility was the top braking vehicle at 132.5 feet.

In driving dynamics testing, the V-8 AWD Charger with the 3.08 axle ratio recorded the fastest 2-mile lap time at 1 minute, 34 seconds (1:34.80). In the utility category, the AWD turbo P.I. Utility led the way at 1 minute, 37 seconds (1:37.42). The 4WD Tahoe PPV didn't complete the testing and is being re-tested.

By Paul Clinton

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Michigan 2014 Patrol Vehicle Testing Results Released