Ford's SUV Interceptor

[Wherryj]

Which lucky Calguns LASD deputy is/will be testing the new Ford SUV Interceptor for LASD?

Some of the new Interceptor's highlights:

• Front-wheel drive
• Bulletproof doors
• Anti-stab plates on front seats
• Enhanced brakes
• Steel wheels
• Cooling system
• Durable body for rough use

How can they call it an "interceptor"? Perhaps if it is only intercepting SUVs? The only way that "interceptor" could catch either of my vehicles is via Motorola.

I suggest a different name. Leave interceptor for the Mustang/Camaro/Murcielago types.

Now HERE is an interceptor:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgtcaboose/3130579531/

[mej16489]

Now HERE is an interceptor:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgtcaboose/3130579531/

On a related note:

http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/vehicles/road/modified_cars/Techart_Porsche_911_Carrera_Police_Car.html

[Samuelx]

I'm with Full Clip - now THAT'S an Interceptor!

And speaking of Interceptors - my first bike:

[Digital_Boy]

That's the new Explorer. For 2012 they're basing it off the Taurus FWD/AWD unibody passenger sedan platform.

For a patrol vehicle, I think it makes a lot of sense. There is ample room for the driver and his partner, including all the radio gear and MDT and the long gun rack, room for prisoners, and a ton of trunk room to carry all the patrol gear (patrol rifle(s), EMT kit, flares, etcetera.

It's basically a ginormous new Taurus.

Edit: For commands that require true 4X4 capability, there's always the Expedition or the other body-on-frame truck based SUVs that are off road ready.

[Digital_Boy]

Also, for the big, rear wheel drive police car purists, both Chevy and Ford already have, or will soon offer replacements for the Crown Vic and the dearly departed Caprice.

Ford USA will be federalizing Australian Ford Falcon sedans for LEA only sales in 2011:

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/ford-announces-all-new-police-interceptor/

And GM has resurrected the Caprice name, using the dearly departed Pontiac G8 platform, which is the Holden Commodore, another Aussie import:

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/caprice-thy-name-is-general-motors/

[fullrearview]

Cool....The falcon and the commadore are both great cars.

[franco802]

I'm with Full Clip - now THAT'S an Interceptor!

And speaking of Interceptors - my first bike:

I remember wanting one of those bikes so bad a long time ago

[tyrist]

Well, one version of the SUV Interceptor comes equipped with a 365-hp V6 engine. Along with FD it includes AWD. Plus it'll get 20 percent better fuel economy than the Crown Vic's 210-hp V8.

Honestly I don't understand the need for PDs to have SUVs. My town's small PD (about 40 officers) has at least two, if not three, SUVs (and yup, sergeants (and maybe the chief) drive 'em lol). Considering the terrain deputies sometimes have to travel over, SUVs make sense.

Thanks for the info, retired.

The SUVs are required for a number of special functions. Bomb squad needs them for all of their gear. Supervisors need them because they basically have a mobile command post with a ton of electronics. Traffic needs them for the additional tools required for commercial enforcement. I could go on and on.

[BillCA]

Great cars, as long as one went in a straight line. Not so good in the city where one has to actually TURN ...

My favorite city car was the late 70" Chevy Nova. A little small inside compared to the Caprice / Crown Vic but we didn't have all the electronic gadgets in those days either. Knee bark on the shotgun rack was a PITA for the tall guys though.

The city I lived in in the mid-70's bought eight of the Novas to try them out. The Chevy 350 was punchy and the cars were quick. The downside was that the electrics weren't up to PD work -- three of them fried up chassis harnesses. The worst part was three of the units had their frames split/fracture at >50 mph hitting road angle changes (one leaving an overpass popped a frame member loose that caused a right turn into a bank). Officer injuries were higher in accidents involving the Nova too.

Yeah, the big Dodges weren't great cornering cars. But then, my 1999 Ram truck actually handles better than a '68 Mustang too. I think interceptors are likely to be deployed on Interstates and main highways more than back country roads or downtown.

[bshnt2015]

If you recall a few years back, SFPD officers rolled a Ford Explorer over injurying the officers. I think they blamed the tire. With that said, SUV type vehicles for regular police is fine but no code 3 chase, maybe we can lower the SUV and put 24" rims on it

With MDT, weapons, cameras and gearbags, we need a vehicle that fits the modern needs of our patrol officers, oh yeah and transport the suspect 10-19 for booking. How about a wagon or van?

[tyrist]

I wish they had something like that with a wheel chair lift as well. Arresting a 400lb person in a wheel chair and trying to squeeze them into a crown vic is not fun.

[kermit315]

They are switching over to Tahoe's from CVPI's down here. I did the fam in the tahoe, it was ok, but a slug compared to the PI. I am a Ford guys anyway.

We are supposed to be doing tactical pursuit leading into an active shooter scenario next month....cant wait for that.

[SJgunguy24]

If you recall a few years back, SFPD officers rolled a Ford Explorer over injurying the officers. I think they blamed the tire. With that said, SUV type vehicles for regular police is fine but no code 3 chase, maybe we can lower the SUV and put 24" rims on it

With MDT, weapons, cameras and gearbags, we need a vehicle that fits the modern needs of our patrol officers, oh yeah and transport the suspect 10-19 for booking. How about a wagon or van?

We had a Richmond SWAT guy come to the shop (07FFL) and he was driving a lowered black Tahoe. It was a company vehicle, not personal.

[Secret]

You are correct...Field command posts and other toys...

The 4x4's are cool for the off road stuff...In some areas where I work it almost seems there are more dirt roads then paved ones. With their (lack of) acceleration, good luck catching anything. It's much easier to make all my junk fit in 'em though!

I was actually offroading with a sherrif in a tahoe down at Holy Jims trail... He called me a sissy for not playing in the water!

[Digital_Boy]

I forget, but why did CHP discontinue deploying Mustang GT's as pursuit vehicles? Did helos and negative publicity from the aftermath of high speed chases kill them, or was it some change Ford made?

The new ones would make awesome interceptors: M3 handling and speed, Mustang price tag.