CHICAGO- Ford Motor Company revealed its newest pursuit-rated vehicle – Ford's first-ever specially designed Police Interceptor utility built for the rigors of police work.

The new vehicle is designed to complement Ford's all-new Police Interceptor sedan, introduced earlier this year. Both vehicles, to be manufactured at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant, will debut simultaneously and be offered without interruption when production of the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends in late 2011.

"We understand today's police departments require adaptability," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Ford is committed to remaining the nation's largest provider of police vehicles, and we're offering law enforcement officials a complete portfolio of options that are purpose-built, capable. and delivered with the safety, technology, and performance they need to excel at their jobs."

The new Police Interceptor utility vehicle is equipped with an efficient 3.5L V-6 engine. This Ti-VCT engine, delivering at least 280 horsepower and E-85 compatibility, is mated to a unique six-speed automatic transmission that combines lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising. Two drivetrain options are available, providing off-road capability teamed with a multipurpose cargo area specially calibrated for loads up to 800 pounds.

Both the sedan and utility are rated for the severe-duty cycle that police professionals undertake on a daily basis and will deliver at least 20 percent more fuel efficiency than the 4.6L single overhead cam (SOHC) V-8 offered in the current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.

When developing the next-generation Police Interceptors, Ford worked with its Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals to provide input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience, and comfort.

Safety Features and Changes

Ford has engineereed both Police Interceptors to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing. Currently, the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is the only pursuit sedan to meet this test.

The utility vehicle features Ford's exclusive Safety Canopy side-curtain airbag rollover protection system that helps protect passengers in both rollover and side-impact crashes. The multiple side-curtain airbags use Ford's unique roll-fold technology to help position them between the occupant and the side window.

Unique to the utility vehicle is Ford's state-of-the-art curve control technology, designed to help drivers maintain control of their vehicles when taking curves at high speeds. Curve control senses when a vehicle is entering a curve too quickly, and can apply four-wheel smart braking to reduce vehicle speed by up to 10 mph in approximately one second and help drivers follow their intended path.

The AWD drivetrain is equipped with a water-cooled power transfer unit that guarantees capability in all conditions. Across the board, brakes have been increased in size and performance, and the cooling package features a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Standard 18-inch wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.

Interior Features

The vehicle's interior package uniquely designed for the needs of police, maximizing officer comfort and cargo capacity. The front seats are designed with a lower bolster to accommodate utility belts, and like the sedan, Ford's Police Interceptor utility offers a column shift, designed to leave the console area free for equipment.

The second row features a vinyl, easy-to-clean bench seat that folds flat for versatility. Additional space in the utility provides plenty of room for K-9 officers and SWAT operations, including room for the full-size spare tire to be stored safely under the cargo area.

The new utility vehicle also features:

• Ford SYNC: The Ford-exclusive, hands-free information system provides officers the ability to operate their various communication and audio equipment by voice control.

• 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 sideview 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 six feet behind the vehicle.

• Remappable steering wheel controls: Helping officers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, remappable steering wheel controls offer the police the flexibility to work specifically with police aftermarket equipment to customize voice-controlled lights and sirens at the push of a button.

• Standard AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control): This system 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.