Motoring Middle East: Car news, Reviews and Buying guides

Cop cars way out of jurisdiction

By Shahzad Sheikh

Looks like a scene out of The Blues Brothers somehow transplanted to Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi? Actually it was Ford showing off its 2013 Ford Police Interceptor Models.

Ford’s new 2013 Police Interceptor models replace the previous car – based on the venerable Crown Victoria – and are based on the Taurus saloon and the new Explorer SUV. Both cars are specifically engineered for patrol duty in collaboration with Ford’s Police Advisory Board which features law enforcement professional from US and Canada – but there’s also been input from police forces in the Middle East in developing the latest models.

The cars can withstand rear collisions up to 120kph and can be specced with ballistic door panels. They’re powered by the 3.5-litre V6 Ford engines with 288bhp or an EcoBoost V6 with 365bhp for the saloon. The SUV gets 304bhp. Both cars come with four-wheel drive although you can get front-wheel drive only, using a six-speed auto.

Inside the front seats lose the lower bolster to accommodate police utility belts and there are anti-stab plates built into the seat backs. The rear seats are covered in vinyl and the doors open further and a column shift frees up the central area for police computers and equipment.

“We are really excited about the 2013 Police Interceptor vehicles,” said Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East’s director of Sales. “Ford has been the police segment leader for over a decade, and we’re raising the bar once again with the new generation Police Interceptor vehicles which have been specially designed and engineered to handle the rigors of police work, providing more performance, outstanding handling and fuel economy.

“We’re confident that the region’s Police authorities who have experienced the legendary Crown Victoria Police Interceptor will see in the new generation models the key attributes that made the CVPI the leading law enforcement vehicle, coupled with the latest technologies that enhance handling and performance. The new Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility are truly purpose-built to meet the requirements of this demanding industry,” Murad added.