The Ford Police Interceptor refers to a cop car version of original Ford vehicles. For example, the Ford Crown Victoria, Taurus, and Explorer have all had a police variant. Though the police package is an aftermarket kit, the vehicles have always been manufactured by Ford Motor Company. However, these police vehicles haven’t always gone by the name, 'Interceptor.'
The Interceptor name was adopted years after Ford introduced the optional flathead V8 model it called ‘Interceptor’ along with an available Police Package in the 1950s. The Crown Victoria came along in 1979 and was the first bonafide Police Interceptor, utilizing the ‘P72’ designation for fleet, taxi, and police versions. The first units rolled out in 1992.
It featured a 4.6-liter Modular V8 engine mated to either a Ford AOD/AOD-E or a Ford 4R70W 4-speed automatic transmission. In 2012, the sixth-gen Ford Taurus sedan plus the fifth- and sixth-generation Ford Explorer SUV replaced the Crown Victoria as the Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility, respectively. The Taurus Interceptor was discontinued after the 2019 model year.
The Ford Police Interceptor Utility Is Still The Fastest Cop Car In America
Contrary to what some people think, cop cars don’t have modified engines to give them a meaningful advantage over the 300- to 400-hp V6s dominating U.S. traffic. Actually, many police departments require their vehicles to meet what's called a "purchasing spec," which, as far as we're concerned, is meant to regulate the vehicle's power and performance.
In fact, police cars are comparably slower than their civilian versions since they're typically weighed down by aftermarket additions, including lights, cages, and heavier upgrades such as bigger brakes, special ‘W’ 168-rated tires, beefier suspensions, and heavy-duty engine and transmission components.
For this reason, specially tuned police cars intended for hot pursuits and quick emergency transports don't have a considerable advantage over their civilian counterparts, unless you count the fact that officers receive special training on high-speed performance driving, which can make a world of a difference when push comes to shove.
The Police Interceptor (Ford Explorer) Utility used the EcoBoost engine from the SHO in 2014, producing 365 horsepower. The Michigan State Police's (MSP) preliminary test results show the EcoBoost Ford Police Interceptor Utility can accelerate to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds. That sounds unfavorable to the police in, say, an Interceptor vs Grand Cherokee Trackhawk scenario.
However, while it’s true that Trackhawk can make the 60 mph time in 3.5 seconds and boasts an output of 707 horsepower, it’s not just the SUV you have to outrun. There’s the helicopter tracking and furnishing a dozen Interceptors with information about your whereabouts.
The MSP’s published test data from its annual police vehicle testing at Grattan Raceway show the 2022 Ford Police Interceptor Utility is still the fastest police car sold in America. The test measured acceleration, top speed, and the distance it takes to reach top speed, braking, and lap times of 11 vehicles and four motorcycles.
The 2022 Interceptor: Behold The First-Ever Pursuit-Rated Hybrid Police SUV
The 2022 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (FPIU) retained its title as America’s fastest cop car propelled by Ford’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. The Interceptor reached a top speed of 148 mph, outperforming rivals like the Dodge Charger Pursuit, which was 0.7 seconds slower to 60 mph and 0.6 seconds slower to 100 mph while recording a top speed of 139 mph.
However, Ford’s 2021 electric Mustang Mach-E police pilot was faster than the whole lots in MSP’s preliminary tests, including the FPIU. The Mach-E, regardless, isn’t yet available as a police variant, so the Interceptor Utility is still the king. But speed isn’t everything for the Interceptor. A police vehicle should shine in the areas of reliability, fuel economy, and safety.
The Interceptor boasts reduced CO2 emissions. According to Ford, “the hybrid powertrain can offer significant potential fuel savings compared to that of traditional police vehicles. Its lithium-ion hybrid battery can also provide added benefits when considering the unique idling demands of day-to-day police use.” The current-generation FPIU is the first-ever pursuit-rated hybrid police SUV. Ford says it offers improved power and performance, with no trade-offs in terms of safety or interior passenger/cargo space compared to the previous-generation Interceptors.
One of the foremost features of the 2022 FPIU is the available 12.1-inch Integrated and streamlined Computer Touchscreen, replacing the laptop display. The transmission is fitted with a column-mounted shifter. This frees up valuable interior space on the center console, with the onboard laptop relocated to the rear cargo area. The Interceptor SUV has provisions for the fitment of emergency equipment such as guns, batons, tasers, radios, first aid kits, light bars, and sirens.
The built-in cloud-based Telematics program provides real-time actionable insight into both vehicles and driver behaviors. The Ford Telematics provides a unique set of data in three broad areas including Driver & Safety Compliance, Fleet Management, and Vehicle Health & Fuel Consumption. Among other things, the system monitors performance data such as excessive idling, seat belt usage, and hard braking and acceleration.
With ‘safety first’ as the watchword, the FPIU is the world’s only vehicle that meets the 75-MPH rear-impact crash test although the automaker says it's necessary to secure the full-size spare tire in the factory location to achieve the police-rated 75-MPH rear-impact crash-test performance attributes. Besides the rear area, the custom Side Protection and Cabin Enhancement (SPACE) Architecture, plus additional structural reinforcement, promotes personnel safety on the job.
An available Police Perimeter Alert is an important additional safety on the FPIU. The feature, a special version of Surveillance Mode, is much improved on the 2022 Interceptor. Ford says it uses BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) sensors for approximately 270-degree monitoring outside the vehicle and analyzes the motion to determine if a behavior is a potential threat.
The hybrid, AWD powertrain is standard on the FPIU. The hybrid powerplant is ideal for the copious idling time associated with the job, while the intelligent AWD drivetrain offers improved handling, stability, and traction in various driving conditions.