Law enforcement agencies across the United States employ different police cars. These police patrol vehicles or special services vehicles are custom built to fit the needs of the police force. Over the years, there have been iconic police cars that patrolled and kept the streets of America safe.
We list the best and the coolest police hot rods.
1. CHEVROLET CAPRICE PPV
General Motors’ latest addition for the police vehicle market is the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle. This updated Caprice features a 6.0 L77 AFM V8 engine. In 2012, GM added the standard 3.6 L LLT SIDI V6 engine as an optional package for law agencies that demand greater fuel efficiency. Both engines can run using the E85 ethanol capable fuel. Unlike the Caprice sold to the public, the Caprice PPV has wider wheel base. The car also features a dual engine exhaust, console floor shifter, a touch screen for radio and HVAC controls.
2. FORD CROWN VICTORIA P71 INTERCEPTOR
The Ford Crown Victoria is almost synonymous with United States police cars. The car has been used as police cares since 1979 (the LTD, LTD-S models). The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor model was put to use as police cars beginning in 1992. The upgraded CVPI is powered by an upgraded version of the 4.6 L, SOHC V8. The CVPI is famous for its durability. The CVPI allows repairs to made after an accident without having major repairs on the car’s chassis because CVPI is constructed with a body-on-frame structure. Sadly, CVPI is no longer produce by Ford but there are still some CVPI police cars patrolling the streets.
3. FORD MUSTANG SSP
Produced for the American law enforcement agencies between 1982 and 1993, this car offers a faster alternative for the police force. Sometimes referred to as Mustang LX Highway Patrol Car, the car features a Ford 5.0 V8 engine. Although these police cars are no longer in production, some police agencies still employ this car. Police forces use their Mustang SSP as display automobiles and specialized training autos as the model ages.
4. CHEVY CAMARO Z28 B4C
Sold to the police between 1991 and 2002, the police car features the B4C Special Equipment Options code. It has the Chevy 350 V8 engine. Considered to be one of the fastest cars in the U.S., the car used stocks of Camaro and the strongest components from Z28 and other racing packages. This model was popular with the California Highway Patrol because it is very suitable for high speed pursuits.
5. DODGE CHARGER LX
First introduced in February 2005, this rear-wheel drive police car features a heavy-duty brakes, a police performance Electronic Stability Program, gear shifted mounted on the steering column, and police performance-tuned steering. It carries a 340 hp Hemi V8 engine that allows the police car to have a maximum speed of 146 mph. Its latest iterations carries a 3.5 L V6 fuel efficient engine. The new versions were renamed as the Dodge Charger Pursuit.
6.BORDER PATROL DUNE BUGGY
This is an extreme police vehicle designed for use on the U.S. border with Mexico. Officially named the Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV), the vehicle has a VW engine that can output just shy of 200 hp. The patrol buggy can run up to 80 mph and can withstand wide temperature ranges. These police car buggies are also used by United States military and Special Forces.
7. CHEVROLET IMPALA PPV
In production since 2006, this car is a special version of the Impala. GM fitted the Chevrolet Impala PPV with a 3.6 L, V6 engine. GM offers the PPV in LS, LT, and LTZ trip options. The current 9C1 and 9C3 models of the police cruisers will continue to be produced by GM through 2015. This PPV model is popular in metro areas in the U.S. such as Jacksonville and New York City.
8. FORD TAURUS POLICE INTERCEPTOR
This model is the anointed successor of the popular Ford Crown Victoria PPV. Based on the full-sized Taurus, the PPV uses the Ford Mustand 3.72 L, V6 engine. The PPV can produce up to 305 hp with a dual exhaust. For agencies that demand fuel efficiency, Ford also has an ECOBOOST model of the PPV. The ECOBOOST model uses a 3.5L Ecoboost V6 engine that produces 365 hp. The police car is equipped with a rear view camera, electronic stability control, and a reverse sensing system. Its 2015 model will offer a 3 engine and drive configurations: a 3.5L V6 with either front or all-wheel drive, a 3.7L V6 with all-wheel drive, or 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine with all-wheel drive.
9. CHEVROLET TAHOE SSV / PPV
This special services vehicle has been produced for law agencies since 1997. Today, there two versions of the SUV being used by police forces: a four-wheel drive and a two-wheel drive version. The four-wheel drive is suitable for all police functions except for high speed pursuits. It is the two-wheel drive version is best suited for high speed response.
10. MERCEDES BENZ M CLASS
Mercedes Benz cars are quite expensive so it is surprising to hear that the police department in Tuscaloosa employs M Class SUV as police vehicles. Because the manufacturer has a base in Tascaloosa, they allow Tuscaloosa Police Department to employ small numbers of the M Class SUV as PPV to provide test data. The SUV is equipped with either a 3.5L, V6, 4.6L Bi-turbo V8, 5.5L Bi-turbo V8, 2.1 liter I4 turbo-diesel, or the 3.oL V6 turbo-diesel engine. Because of the high overall cost of the M-Class Mercedes, major adoption of police departments across the country is pretty slow.
11. DODGE DURANGO SSV
The Dodge Durango SSV (Special Service Vehicle) is the latest edition of Chrysler’s popular law enforcement vehicles. Police agencies can choose either the 3.6L, Pentastar V-6 or the 6.7L, HEMI V8 engines. Both engines come with the new 8-speed transmission and offers two ranges for police agencies. The V8 is able to tow approximately 7,400 pounds while the V6 sees a 25 miles per gallon with a range of 600 miles. Both models have heavy-duty brakes, large output alternator, and backup camera, engine block heater, and a towing package.
12. HUMMER H1
Based on the military Humvee, the H1 can carry 4 passengers and uses 6.5 L diesel engine. The H1 is capable of doing all police work. It can conduct high speed operations because its speed can excess 100 mph. The one disadvantage of this PPV is that it is low on fuel efficiency. Although, H1 is no longer produced by GM some police agencies are still employing the vehicles for police works.
13. JEEP CHEROKEE PPV / SSP
Since 1990, the Jeep Cherokee PPV/SSP has been widely employed by the US law enforcement agencies. The XJ variant of the Cherokee has an engine rated at 195 hp. The XJ was also offered with the following choices in engine sizes: TurboDiesel, 4.0L AMC 242, and 2.5L AMC 150. Although some law enforcement agencies still use the Jeep Cherokee, most of them have replaced the Cherokee with new Jeep Liberty PPV/SSP.
14. FORD EXPLORER SSV
The Explorer SSV is a version of the very popular Ford Explorer SUVs but this version is only available for fire departments, law enforcement, and EMS agencies. The police version of the vehicle includes special provisions for radio installation, sirens, and light bars. The SSV edition uses the 3.7L, Ford Cyclone V6 that comes with the Ford Mustand and F-150 models. In 2014, Ford made the 365hp, EcoBoost V6 engine available for law enforcement agencies.
15. FORD EXPEDITION SSV
The Ford Expedition SSV (special services vehicle) was first used in 2006. Law enforcement agencies can choose between a 5.4L, Triton V8 engine or the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine. The Expedition SSV comes in a six speed manual and automatic transmission. This SSV model is quite popular with the law enforcement agencies across the USA.
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