Ford interceptor

See alsoEdit

Identification

The easiest way to distinguish most P71s is the small «Police Interceptor» badge replacing the standard «Crown Victoria» markings on the rear trunklid, although the Street Appearance Package Police Interceptors forgo the badge, so they used the standard «Crown Victoria» marking. However, the «Police Interceptor» badges are now available for purchase online, so this identifying technique is not as reliable as it once was. The only completely infallible way to identify a «Police Interceptor» is to look for the code «P71» in the VIN.

Police Interceptors will have the characters «P71» as the model code in the VIN, instead of P70 (Stretched wheelbase), P72 (Commercial Heavy Duty / Taxi), P73 (Base), P74 (LX), or P75 (1992 Touring Sedan).

Versions[edit | edit source]

The Ford Police Interceptor has been issued in the following versions:

Problems and criticism

Following the criticism of fires following rear-end collisions, 2005 and later model Police Interceptors now come with an optional automatic fire suppression system and special «trunk packs» designed to help prevent trunk contents from piercing the fuel tank in a collision. Each agency must pay an additional $150 for the trunk packs. For a more detailed discussion of the fuel tank leakage concerns that prompted these changes, see Ford Crown Victoria.

There were also some problems with early 2003 Police Interceptors. The newly designed steel wheels would rust prematurely, and the rack and pinion steering units would fail early (sub-10K miles). This was not limited to the Police Interceptor; some 2004 Mercury Marauders were also affected. A recent recall (04M05) affects the steel wheels used on 2003-2005 Police Interceptors.

Another issue with the wheels have been weld points which come loose causing rapid air loss in tires and the potential for loss of control. A recall was issued after investigation by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. However, the company has created anger among civilian owners of 2003+ Police Interceptors by refusing to honor the recall unless the vehicle is still being used in fleet service. The only way this problem can be addressed is if the civilian customer complains to a dealership about air leakage problems, an inability to balance the wheels properly or a «nibble» or excessive vibration in the steering at speed. The issue is then addressed through the «Customer Satisfaction Program» that Ford has initiated for the same wheels.

GalleryEdit

Games

Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012)

The Police Interceptor Utility (Concept) appears in Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2012).

It is referred to as a «Rhino» or «SUV» during pursuits and is a heavy police vehicle utilised by the FCPD similarly to the SUVs in the original Most Wanted.

Unlike its real life and saloon counterparts from Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010), it is painted in Fairhaven City Police Department markings.

It will join a pursuit starting from heat level 3. It is heavily used in roadblocks and will also attempt to ram suspects with head-on tactics. Collisions with a Police Interceptor Utility (Concept) vehicle often result in the player crashing their vehicle.

Need for Speed: Payback

Development — Some content may have altered during development.
Need for Speed: Payback

Its file names indicate it as a 2011 Ford Explorer, but is equipped with components resembling the Utility concept, on which the Explorer is based on.

Need for Speed: Heat

The Police Interceptor Utility (Concept) appears in Need for Speed: Heat as an unmarked police unit driven by Frank Mercer in some cutscenes.

History

Though the name has been officially in use since , the 1978–1991 full-size LTDs and LTD Crown Victorias and 1992 updated body style used the «P72» production code designation for both fleet/taxi and police models. From 1993–1998, the police car models of Crown Victorias were officially known as Crown Victoria P71s. The current generation of the car was introduced in 1998.

Due to the workhorse nature of the vehicle, is also used by many taxi companies. Since Chevrolet dropped the rear-drive Caprice, Ford has had a near-monopoly on the market for police cruisers because of a preference for its conventional rear-wheel drive, V8 power, and body-on-frame construction, all suitable for police driving techniques. As one of the few remaining passenger cars with body-on-frame, it is rugged, and enables inexpensive repairs after minor accidents without the need to straighten the chassis — an important benefit for a car frequently used by police forces for PIT maneuvers (ramming a car to spin it out) — making it preferable to unibody vehicles.

Although the Police Interceptor is not sold to the general public, these cars are widely available on the used car market in the US and Canada once they are no longer needed for law enforcement or fleet duty. When these cars are built they come equipped with a heavy duty transmission, heavy duty brakes,and a 250 hp (190 kW) engine. Used Police Interceptors are normally stripped of any police decals, radio and computer equipment and emergency lights by law enforcement agencies before being sold or auctioned.

Taurus (2012-2019)

To replace the Crown Victoria, Ford used the sixth generation Taurus and the fifth and sixth generation Ford Explorer. The names for both cars were instead the «Police Interceptor Sedan» and «Police Interceptor Utility,» in lieu of Taurus or Explorer. The Ford Police Interceptor Sedan was discontinued after the 2019 model year.

Ford Police Interceptor Sedan

(Royal Canadian Mounted Police) The Ford Police Interceptor Sedan was one of two cars to replace the Crown Victoria. The Sedan is based on the Ford Taurus.

The Sedan, along with the Utility came to police forces in the 2012 and 2013 model years.

The Sedan’s standard engine is taken from the Ford Mustang, a 3.7-liter aluminum-block V6 engine that weighed 18 kg (40 lb) less than the previous version. The engine had 24 valves and TiVCT (Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing). It produced 305 hp (227 kW; 309 PS) and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque. The 3.7-liter engine came with a new dual exhaust; gasoline mileage increased to 19 city and 31 highway mpg. Ford also offers the EcoBoost version, the SHO’s 3.5-liter V6 which produces 365 hp (272 kW; 370 PS). Both versions came with all-wheel drive. In 2014, Ford began offering the 4-cylinder engine from its civilian counterpart in the Police Interceptor Sedan as part of a Special Service trim designed for detective and administrative uses. The Police Interceptor includes Ford’s latest safety technology, like the Blind Spot Information System, rear view camera, reverse sensing system, and electronic stability control.

In 2015, Ford considered ending production of the Taurus in the United States. However, the Police Interceptor Sedan was a major reason for continuing production.

In 2018, Ford announced that it would be ending production of the Ford Taurus sedan on which the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan was based. In March of 2019, both the Taurus and Police Interceptor Sedan were discontinued. The Police Interceptor Sedan will be replaced by the second-generation, 2020 Ford Explorer-based Ford Police Interceptor Utility, as well as the Ford Fusion Hybrid Police Responder, which was introduced for the 2019 model year.

Ford Fusion Hybrid Police Responder

For the 2019 model year, a new «Police Responder» was introduced, based on the second-generation Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Fusion Hybrid Police Responder is the first pursuit-rated Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV).

Games

Need for Speed: World

The Police Interceptor Sedan Concept was made available in Need for Speed: World on February 5, 2013 as an A class car. A promotional rental code was released for all players on March 2, 2013, and allowed them to lease the vehicle for 24 hours.

It is described as sporting a «classic police livery with mean looking bull bars.» It also stated to have «functioning cop lights and siren» meaning it is the first non-elite car to have an audible siren as well as the second to have the feature following the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR.

The car is best used in Pursuit Outrun as well as Team Escape due to a powerful nitrous boost and high weight. It has relatively good acceleration and is nimble in corners thanks to all-wheel drive. The top speed of the Police Interceptor is 205 mph (330 km/h) and 224 mph (362 km/h) with nitrous activated.

Sedan

The Sedan style is a cop edition car that was released on February 20, 2013, and could only be obtained via the Car Prize Pack before being made available for purchase on June 16, 2015 as part of the End of the World event.

It is fitted with various tuned quality performance parts from different manufacturers, 2-star Skill Mods, and an aftermarket window tint.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010)

The Police Interceptor Concept appears in Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010) as an SCPD Traffic Police unit.

The SCPD unit is unlocked upon the player earning a total of 15,000 cop bounty.

It is a decent police vehicle for players to use in hot pursuits, but may be lacking in Interceptor due to its slow steering.

The Ford Police Interceptor Concept is unlocked in the Wii release after winning a trophy in the Jailing Torrent Tour eliminator event in Chongqing.

Need for Speed: The Run

The Police Interceptor Concept appears in Need for Speed: The Run used by the Highway Police as well as the Chicago Police. Jack Rourke steals one to escape the Mob in Chicago after totalling his car during Stage 7.

Off Duty

The tier 5 Off Duty signature edition is unlocked as a rare bonus wheel reward.

It has a working siren with LED lights as well as a special Out of Commission livery and an Off Duty license plate. It produces 800 bhp at 5,500 rpm and can reach a top speed of 223 mph (359 km/h).

Explorer (2012-Present)

Ford Police Interceptor Utility

(Bellingham Police Department) The Ford Police Interceptor Utility was the second of two cars to replace the Crown Victoria. The Utility is based on the Ford Explorer.

The Utility was sold to police forces in 2012 and 2013, like the Taurus, although retail isn’t available.

The Utility used the 3.7-liter V6 from the Ford Mustang, which produced 305 hp (227 kW; 309 PS). The car then featured the Ecoboost engine from the SHO in 2014, producing 365 hp (272 kW; 370 PS).

The Utility comes with provisions for the fitment of emergency equipment such as guns, batons, tasers, radios, first aid kits, lightbars and sirens. To free up interior space on the center console for equipment, the transmission is fitted with a column-mounted shifter. Other fleet-specific options are included as well. It also comes with an all-wheel drive powertrain as standard, and is also fitted with larger brake rotors, more advanced ABS and traction control systems, a more efficient cooling system and other standard police equipment.

In 2019, for the 2020 model year, the second-generation Ford Police Interceptor Utility was introduced with a new Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)-based platform, based on the sixth-generation Ford Explorer mid-size crossover SUV. It will replace the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan in Ford’s lineup as their «purpose-built» police vehicle.

Design

The model year was an upgrade in body styling over the previous 1992–1997 «aero» Crown Victorias. Critics weren’t fond of the 1992’s solid grille insert (with the blue «Ford» oval) front-end. In the 1993 model year, the Crown Victoria was given a chrome front grille and a reflector strip between the taillights. Another minor restyle followed suit in 1995, with a new grille and taillights. To accommodate the design of the 1995’s new taillights, the rear license plate was moved from the bumper to the trunklid, fitted between the taillights. The 1998 police package P71 had a chrome grille, chrome door handle trim, chrome bumper strips and a chrome-trimmed flat black rear fascia with the «Crown Victoria» badge.

The changes made in 1999 included a new «Police Interceptor» insignia on the rear fascia, a chrome-trimmed gloss black rear fascia, black door handle trim, black bumper strips and a gloss black slatted grille.

Midway through 1999 the tail lights were also changed. 1998 and early 1999 models had a separate amber turn signal along the bottom edge of each tail light housing. Starting in mid 1999 the extra bulbs were eliminated and the turn signals returned to the combination stop/turn circuits with red lenses found in many North American cars. Interestingly, although the lenses changed the housings didn’t — they still had the chambers for the separate turn signals that early models had. These chambers were now empty, however, leaving a perfect place to install strobe tubes in police cars that would not affect brake or turn signal visibility.

For 2000, the rear fascia and taillights lost the chrome trim and the gloss black grille was dropped in favor of a flat black slatted grille. Further refinements were made in 2001, including removal of all trim on the plastic bumper pieces, and a new honeycomb-style grille, replacing the slat-style grille as is found on previous Crown Victorias and CVPIs.

2003 brought a minor redesign. The interior door panels and seats were freshened, with side-impact airbags becoming an option. The 2001–2006 CVPIs all look the same on the exterior; the way to tell the 2003+ cars from the 2001 and 2002 models is the wheels. The suspension, brakes, steering and frame all were re-designed for the 2003 model year. Because of the new underpinnings, the wheels for the newer cars have a much higher offset. The new wheels look almost flat, compared to the concave wheels on the older model years.

The 2004 to present Police Interceptor is rated for 250 hp (190 kW) because of the addition of a new air intake system. This includes a new airbox that resembles the Mercury Marauder airbox (raised airbox lid, deeper bottom) with an integrated 80 mm (3.1 in) mass air flow (MAF) sensor that is part of the airbox lid. This allows for much more precise flow calibration and reduces the chances of air leakage. P71 zip tube (the flexible rubber hose between the throttle body and MAF outlet) is also used to reduce NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) as well as transfer air from the airbox to the throttle body with minimal flow resistance.

One can easily spot the 2005 model year from its rear-fender mounted whip antenna on the passenger side. This is the only year that the 1998+ CVPI had an external AM/FM antenna. Previous years and the 2006 model all have the antenna mounted in the rear glass.

Standard on the 2006 is a re-designed instrument cluster which now sports a tachometer, digital odometer with hour meter and trip meter features, as well as cross-compatibility with the civilian version’s various features (these are normally locked out, but can be accessed through wiring modification). Kevlar-lined front doors, which might be useful as protective barriers during gun fights, are optional on the Crown Victoria Police Interceptors for the 2006 Model Year.

For 2008, the Crown Victoria is restricted to fleet-only sales, and all Panther platformed cars are now flex-fuel cars. The CVPI receives some interesting new options, such as the ability to have keyless entry. Presumably, this feature was added because of the Chevrolet Impala Police Sedan having had keyless entry as an option since its inception.

For the 2009 model year, the CVPI now has power pedals as standard equipment. Standard equipment across the entire Panther line is side impact airbags, and new federally mandated recessed window switches. No other appreciable changes have been noted yet.

Crown Victoria (1999-2011)

First generation (1992-1997)

(Tifton Police) The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was the first Police Interceptor, first released in 1992.

The Crown Victoria was the first car of the Police Interceptor lineup. The first units were released in 1992, with a 4.6-liter Modular V8 engine and either a Ford AOD/AOD-E or a Ford 4R70W, which were both 4-speed automatic transmissions.

Although the Crown Victoria did have police versions back in 1979 up to 1991, the car never used the Police Interceptor moniker. Those older versions, including fleet and taxi, were known as «P72» in production code. 1992 was the first year the Police Interceptor name was ever used, with these known as the Crown Victoria P71.

Throughout 1993 to 1995, many restyles had come in. The car was updated with a front chrome grille, and also included a reflector strip between the taillights. The license plate location was moved to the rear trunk for 1995.

In the years 1994-1995, 140 of the P71 cars had entered Russia, serving for the Main Directorate for Road Traffic Safety (known under its abbreviation ГАИ, GAI in English), which is a Russian law enforcement agency, part of the police. They were operated by the Russian Traffic Patrol, known in Russia as DPS, and the cars worked as highway patrol units around the greater Moscow area until the 2010s, being one of the most powerful vehicles used by the DPS.

Second generation (1998-2011)

(Prince William County Police Department) The second generation Crown Victoria came out in 1998, with updated technology and new parts.

The Crown Victoria was restyled for the 1998 year, taking the conservative styling of the Mercury Grand Marquis. The car also went through many changes during its 13-year generation.

For 1998, the P71 police package adopted many chrome areas for the car. For 1999, a chrome-trimmed gloss black rear fascia, unpainted door handle trim, black bumper strips, and a gloss black slatted grille were introduced. The new «Street Appearance Package», intended to make the Police Interceptor look like a P73 model, was introduced as well.

An unmarked Crown Vic Police Interceptor in Toronto in 2014

For 2000, the rear fascia and tail-lights lost the chrome trim, and the gloss black grille was put away for a flat black slatted grille. Further changes were made in 2001, including taking off all trim on the plastic bumper pieces and a new honeycomb-style grille, replacing the slat-style grille, which is found on previous standard Crown Victorias and CVPIs. Power adjustable pedals also became an option during that year, as many officers had been joining departments with different kinds of heights. They also relocated the rear window defrost switch from the left side of the dash to the direct left of the HVAC controls. For the year 2003, interior door panels and seats were freshened, with side-impact airbags becoming an option. The suspension, brakes, steering, and frame all were redesigned for the 2003 model year. Wheels had a different offset, and the cassette player was eliminated for the 2004 year.

In 2006, the front fascia was revised with a new «honeycomb» grille, and the instrument panel was redesigned with a new message center and digital odometer/trip meter. New seventeen-inch (17″) plastic wheel covers were introduced for the P71, and a new steering wheel design was also introduced.

2011 was the final model year for the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, as St. Thomas Assembly, where the Ford Panther platform cars were produced, would close, and all three Panther Platform cars would be discontinued. The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor would be replaced by the Ford Taurus-based Ford Police Interceptor Sedan for the 2013 model year, and a Ford Explorer-based Ford Police Interceptor Utility would also be introduced.

Comparison with the Crown Victoria

There are few notable differences between the Police Interceptor and standard Crown Victoria. Both cars use the same Flex Fuel 4.6L 2V SOHC V8, Ford Modular engine and Ford 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engine and drive train

The Police Interceptor is equipped with an external oil-to-coolant heat exchanger to reduce engine oil temperatures, allowing the vehicles to idle for extended lengths of time without overheating. The engine oil coolers are notorious for seeping oil from the o-ring seals after extensive use.

The Police Interceptor engine calibration are a slightly higher idle speed (approximately 40 rpm higher) and minor changes in the emissions settings. The computer is tuned for more aggressive transmission shift points, and the transmission itself is built for firmer and harder shifts.

The 2006–present Police Interceptors equipped with a 3.55:1 rear axle ratio from the factory are electronically limited to 120 mph (193 km/h) due to the lower driveline-critical vehicle speed, while the Police Interceptors equipped with a 3.27:1 rear axle ratio have generally been limited to approximately 135 mph (217 km/h). This compares to 110 mph (177 km/h) for the «civilian» model.

Ford used an aluminum metal matrix composite driveshaft for the 1993-2005 Police Interceptors as a measure to allow safe operation at over 150 mph (241 km/h), but it was more expensive than the regular aluminum driveshafts. Ford re-introduced the 3.55:1 rear axle ratio in the 2006 model year Police Interceptors, and set the speed limiter at 120 mph (193 km/h) to reduce the risk of driveline failure.

Police Interceptors also have a reinforced frame and body mounts, an aluminum drive shaft (aluminum metal matrix composite for the 1999-early 2001 model years) and an optional limited slip rear differential.

Body and chassis

Another difference is Ford’s «severe duty» shock absorbers that offer a stiffer ride than the standard Crown Victoria. They also have black steel wheels with stainless steel or chromed plastic hubcaps.

All Police Interceptors also come with T-409 stainless steel dual exhaust systems without resonators. Standard Crown Victorias come with a stainless steel single exhaust system, while the Handling and Performance Package and LX Sport equipped Crown Victorias have the same exhaust system as the Police Interceptor with the resonators. The resonators further reduce noise, vibration, and harshness without adding any restriction to the exhaust system. Police Interceptors have higher rate coil springs, approximately 0.8 inches (20.3 mm) of additional ground clearance, and thinner rear anti-roll bars than the LX Sport or Handling and Performance Package Crown Victorias; the base Crown Victoria does not have a rear anti-roll bar.

On 2004 and newer models, P71’s have a 200 amp (A) alternator and a 78 ampere-hour (Ah) battery.

Ford also offers trunk packages for equipment storage (see below), and as of 2005, has added a fire suppression system to the Police Interceptor.

The bulk of police car modifications, such as installation of emergency lights, sirens, passenger seat dividers and plastic rear bench seats, are offered as aftermarket modifications by third parties.

Interior

The front seats have a steel «stab plate» built into the back so that a suspect being transported in the back seat cannot stab the officers in the front seat with a knife or other sharp object. Also, most Police Interceptors have a break in the front «bench seat» despite having the shifter on the steering column. This gap between seats is generally filled by a console holding radios, controls for emergency equipment, large firearms, and often a laptop computer used as a mobile data terminal (MDT). The Police Interceptor also has a calibrated 140 mph (225 km/h) speedometer.