Those planning to run from the cops had better think twice as the police are about to get a faster “cop car.” According to the Michigan State Police (MSP), which performs the most rigorous tests of any police organization, the fastest police vehicle is the upcoming 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Hybrid. That is not all; MSP also found out that the hybrid version of the Ford Police Interceptor is the fastest police SUV.
2020 Ford Police Interceptor Hybrid Exterior and Interior
The photos of the model available as of this writing are all blurred meaning we cannot tell the exact new changes Ford has made on the model’s exterior. However, we can tell the model has high-and-low beam LED headlights with wigwag capability. The rear also has a Class II trailer-tow bar that Ford says enables the vehicle to tow as much as 5,000 lbs.
Inside, the model will likely feature Bluetooth capability that supports voice commands for Apple and Android phones, driver-programmable steering wheel switches, factory-installed wigwags, traction control, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The vehicle also has automatic on/off headlights that unlike those of the civilian vehicles that revert to automatic and turn on, they revert to the user’s last position, which is important for surveillance purposes.
The 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Hybrid will also be equipped with “Police Perimeter Alert,” a system that replaces the Surveillance Ambush Alert; the new system has new algorithms that determine movements to determine if they have an element of threat. The model will also feature Automatic Emergency Braking, a system that applies brakes automatically if the SUV is about to hit another vehicle. The system, however, has a disable switch, which will allow officers to hit other cars intentionally when necessary.
The vehicle also comes with a telematics system to help police organizations better manage their fleets as well as better understand how the vehicles perform. Dubbed “Data Services”, the system enables fleet managers to access OEM-grade vehicle data thanks to built-in modems. Information that can be accessed includes mileage, GPS location, Vehicle health alert, fuel use data, and driver behavior among others.
Ford also offers another telematics product that uses data from the “Data Services” system and processes it to provide insight on fuel usage, usage of seat belts by drivers, and carbon dioxide emissions. The data is shared via a law enforcement website enabling authorities to evaluate how their fleet or individual vehicles are performing.
Drivetrain and performance
The Police Interceptor Hybrid will be powered by a 3.3 L, V-6 paired with an electric motor. The hybrid model will feature an AWD system. Although official output figures are not yet out, Ford claims the model will return 24 mpg on combined drives, a 40% improvement compared to the 3.7L, V-6 based current Interceptor Utility. This fuel economy improvement will save police departments $3,500 per car every year in fuel bills compared with the present Police Interceptor Utility vehicle. Among all police SUVs, the Ford Interceptor Hybrid posted the fastest 0-60 mph and the fastest lap. It has a top speed of 137 mph, which makes it more powerful than even V-8 powered SUVs as well as the 3.7 L, V-6 Ford Police Interceptor Utility it is replacing.
Price and release date
Ford is already accepting orders for the 2020 Police Interceptor Hybrid but deliveries will commence next summer. The car is available only to police organizations and select government institutions. For civilians, if you want the model, you have to wait until police organizations start auctioning the vehicles some few years ahead. However, you can still wit for the 2020 Ford Explorer, specifically the ST trim, as it is nearly identical to the Police Interceptor except for the customizations to facilitate law enforcement.
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