After Ford updated the Ford Explorer it was just a matter of time before we saw a similar update on the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle which is based on the Explorer.
The vehicle which made its debut during the Chicago Auto Show comes with a couple of tweaks here and there to make it more effective in fighting crime as well as to blend on the streets. Soon the boys in blue are going to get new chase wheels. Just three years after making its debut, the Interceptor has become the favorite police car accounting for 55% of the police vehicle market. It has even outsold its older sister the Interceptor Sedan (Taurus to the civilians).
2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle Exterior
Most of the features of the Ford explorer on which the Police interceptor utility vehicle is based remain. At the front, the PIU will feature redesigned headlights integrated with lower fog lights. The wigwag lights are now fitted onto the incandescent high-beam bulb. The daytime running lights have been redesigned and the new ones are L-shaped.
Moving to the rear, the PIU comes with redesigned taillights which look like the front fog lights. The 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicle will ride on 18-inch steel wheels instead of the alloy on the Explorer. These wheels have been designed to offer great ventilation for the enhanced disc brakes. All the vehicles are sent to Troy Design, a company associated with Ford for final mounting of light bars, customized wrap jobs, A-pillar lights and fitting both front doors with Level 3 ballistic shield.
2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle Interior
On the inside, the look is similar to that of the standard Ford Explorer to a great extent. However, the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicle replaces the center console on the standard Explorer with a metal housing for emergency light switches and the police radio.
On the passenger side, there is a laptop stand which has necessitated addition of a pillar-mounted gear shifter to utilize the available space optimally. Its seats are upholstered in strong cloth and its floors are covered in vinyl. Above the rearview mirror, there is a special button used for unlocking the lift-gate for only 45 seconds and then closes it automatically.
The dashboard has also been redesigned and there will be an option for the SYNC system. Other features offered as optional include a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross traffic alert as well as a motion detection system that locks the doors and rolls up the windows automatically. This helps the cops to avoid unexpected attackers who might sneak up on foot.
Engine Specs
The Interceptor comes with two engine choices. There is the standard 3.7 L 6-cylinder engine that comes good with 304 hp and 279 lb-ft of torque.
The second engine is a 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 unit that produces 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission system and power is transferred to all wheels. The automaker has dropped the 2.4 L EcoBoost engine for the 2016 model.
Price and release date
The vehicle which was unveiled during this year’s Chicago Auto Show is set to be availed for sale before the end of the year. Ford has not communicated its official prices but we believe the model will attract a price tag of around $ 37,000.
Competition
The 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle will face major competition from the Chevrolet Caprice PPV and Dodge Charger Pursuit.
