Ford's SUV Interceptor

[masameet]

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

[Beagle]

Looks great, I'm concerned about the reliability.

My agency have mostly chevy

[SoCalDep]

From what I've heard (from the Ford online presentation) this will improve on the current non-pursuit rated Expeditions. The problem is this is a Sgt's car as presented. We use cars unless we need 4x4 capability and this simply doesn't have it.

On the other hand, for a Sgt's and special purpose vehicle, it seems this will offer decent performance with simple maintenance (many parts interchange with the new Ford interceptor car). Our current Sgt's SUV's are Chevy's so going with one manufacturer would make things simpler.

Of course, with the new Caprice coming out in addition to the Charger, there will be some competition for Ford, and I see the SUV as somewhat of a package deal to make it really worth it.

[fullrearview]

My assigned Expedition has been having problems lately....Personally, I think its something simple, and the dealerships just doesnt want to spend the time fixing it, since its still under warranty....That being said, it would be viable for us if it was rwd/4wd

[ChrisTKHarris]

FWD? That is terrible.

[BillCA]

I have a real problem with the idea of an SUV or 4x4 being termed "interceptor". The problem is that SUV/Truck-like vehicles simply do not have the high-speed stability and handling necessary to safely engage in high speed pursuits.

The old pre-1981 Dodge police cars were all built in Chrysler's Belvedere plant. While the cars looked like their civilian counterparts (Belvederes, Polaras, Coronets, Monacos, Satellites) underneath they had a purpose built chassis for police/taxi service, better electrics, better seats, and most of all... well tuned and performance-enhanced Dodge engines like the 383, 413, 440 and 426 Hemi. The "Interceptor" versions included beefed up front-ends and truck-like brakes, oil coolers and other touches. The last I drove - a '75 Coronet with a 440 - would hit 110mph by the end of your average freeway on-ramp.

Pursuit/interceptor cars need to be equipped with

• A high-output engine,
• A solid, tough and reliable transmission
• Heavy duty cooling system, oil & transmission coolers
• Oversized brake disks on all four wheels w/extra lining material
• Enhanced suspension system
• Enhanced side-collision protection
• Bullet resistant front & side glass
• Bullet resistant panels in the doors
• Brush-guard like pushbars/front end protectors
• Larger fuel tank with anti-slosh baffles
• Run flat tires
• Superior roll-over protection

American car suspension is crap for most pursuits. Modern electronics can help stablize the vehicle's roll tendicies to improve cornering and evasive maneuvers. Bigger brakes with cooling slots to improve braking performance under high heat stress. Most of all, side and roll-over protection enhancements to protect the officer(s) inside. This may include side impact air-bags.

Ford, as a manufacturer, is not one of my favorites. Especially since 2000. I've seen several new cars succumb to repeated electronics failures, defects in engine and transmissions, and two that went up

[retired]

To answer the OP's question; unless a LASD Calgun member works at the EVOC center, they won't be doing the test driving since those are the people who do that stuff for a living in addition to teaching recruits and deputy personnel.

The main one is at the L.A. County Fairgrounds in Pomona, tho they do have another one on the west end of the County in Canyon Country (sucks to be gone so long as my memory is fading).

[Full Clip]

I have a real problem with the idea of an SUV or 4x4 being termed "interceptor".

Same.
This fits the bill better:

[socalblue]

I have a real problem with the idea of an SUV or 4x4 being termed "interceptor". The problem is that SUV/Truck-like vehicles simply do not have the high-speed stability and handling necessary to safely engage in high speed pursuits.

The old pre-1981 Dodge police cars were all built in Chrysler's Belvedere plant. While the cars looked like their civilian counterparts (Belvederes, Polaras, Coronets, Monacos, Satellites) underneath they had a purpose built chassis for police/taxi service, better electrics, better seats, and most of all... well tuned and performance-enhanced Dodge engines like the 383, 413, 440 and 426 Hemi. The "Interceptor" versions included beefed up front-ends and truck-like brakes, oil coolers and other touches. The last I drove - a '75 Coronet with a 440 - would hit 110mph by the end of your average freeway on-ramp.

Pursuit/interceptor cars need to be equipped with

• A high-output engine,
• A solid, tough and reliable transmission
• Heavy duty cooling system, oil & transmission coolers
• Oversized brake disks on all four wheels w/extra lining material
• Enhanced suspension system
• Enhanced side-collision protection
• Bullet resistant front & side glass
• Bullet resistant panels in the doors
• Brush-guard like pushbars/front end protectors
• Larger fuel tank with anti-slosh baffles
• Run flat tires
• Superior roll-over protection

American car suspension is crap for most pursuits. Modern electronics can help stablize the vehicle's roll tendicies to improve cornering and evasive maneuvers. Bigger brakes with cooling slots to improve braking performance under high heat stress. Most of all, side and roll-over protection enhancements to protect the officer(s) inside. This may include side impact air-bags.

Ford, as a manufacturer, is not one of my favorites. Especially since 2000. I've seen several new cars succumb to repeated electronics failures, defects in engine and transmissions, and two that went up

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.

[11Z50]

You just can't beat a CVPI....... Just sold one and looking for another. It's like flying a fighter plane.

[masameet]

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.

[mej16489]

I have a real problem with the idea of an SUV or 4x4 being termed "interceptor". The problem is that SUV/Truck-like vehicles simply do not have the high-speed stability and handling necessary to safely engage in high speed pursuits.

I somewhat disagree - a bone stock Porsche Cayenne will clearly outperform most 'interceptor' class cards; but of course there is a huge price-point issue

Similarly, and much closer in terms of price would be a BMW X3. Its got what it takes...

[ChrisTKHarris]

I somewhat disagree - a bone stock Porsche Cayenne will clearly outperform most 'interceptor' class cards; but of course there is a huge price-point issue

Similarly, and much closer in terms of price would be a BMW X3. Its got what it takes...

X6 M

[retired]

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.

First, you are welcome. Addressing the bolded part: I can't speak for any other dept., but I believe lasd went to SUVs for sgt.s due to all of the stuff they carry. The trunks of the cars just weren't big enough. Besides an AR, they also had equipment to set up a command post if needed. Ron-Solo will correct me if I'm wrong.

The stations that have mountain areas like San Dimas (Hwy 39, Burro Cyn area) and La Canada-Flintridge and probably some others, have had 4x4 SUVs for years for the deputies.

I was looking forward to driving one of the Tahoes, but since my back failed me, I never made it back out to patrol from the jail.

[SoCalDep]

First, you are welcome. Addressing the bolded part: I can't speak for any other dept., but I believe lasd went to SUVs for sgt.s due to all of the stuff they carry. The trunks of the cars just weren't big enough. Besides an AR, they also had equipment to set up a command post if needed. Ron-Solo will correct me if I'm wrong.

The stations that have mountain areas like San Dimas (Hwy 39, Burro Cyn area) and La Canada-Flintridge and probably some others, have had 4x4 SUVs for years for the deputies.

I was looking forward to driving one of the Tahoes, but since my back failed me, I never made it back out to patrol from the jail.

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!