[Hoonigan]

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By Jake Holmes - February 11, 2015

Bad guys now have a new nemesis, with Ford's Police Interceptor Utility getting a fresh look and even more crook-catching technology at the 2015 Chicago auto show. The model is based on the civilian 2016 Ford Explorer, which was updated in November at the Los Angeles auto show.

Memorize the look of the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility's nose, which has a restyled grille and narrower headlights, before it appears in your rear-view mirror. The SUV's rear and dashboard have also been redesigned, and its electrical system revamped to better power the various accessories used by officers. With the new front and rear fascias, Ford says that flashing blue-and-red lights can be more easily integrated into the car's bodywork for a "stealthier look for patrol duty."

New technology includes a washer for the backup camera, which sends images to a four-inch touchscreen in the center stack and, optionally, to the rear-view mirror. A new interior release switch for the liftgate allows the driver to unlock the cargo area for 45 seconds at a time. The optional Surveillance Mode feature automatically rolls up the driver's window and locks the doors if somebody approaches the Police Interceptor Utility from behind.

Motivation to chase down scofflaws comes from either a 304-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 or a 365-hp, 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6. The standard six-speed automatic transmission switches into a Pursuit shift pattern if it detects aggressive driving, and even has special programming to deal with J-turns -- when an officer reverses quickly and then spins the vehicle 180-degrees to change direction.

As on all versions of the Ford Police Interceptor Utility that have been sold since 2012, the newest cop SUV benefits from strengthened components throughout: larger suspension springs, tougher engine mounts, heavy-duty wheel bearings, upgraded brakes, tougher 18-inch steel wheels. Options include bullet-resistant ballistic shielding in the driver and passenger doors, a blind-spot warning system, Sync voice-activation, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Look for the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility at the Chicago auto show, and then hope you never see one chasing you down in real life.

Updated 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Debuts in Chicago

 

[COBBST]

Most of the jurisdictions in my area have been using these for a while. It's one very aggressive looking SUV, and not just because of the police package. I actually like the look of the new Explorer. If I was in the market for a Sport Utility Vehicle, the new Explorer would definitely be on the top of my list.

 

[sda3]

Most of the jurisdictions in my area have been using these for a while. It's one very aggressive looking SUV, and not just because of the police package. I actually like the look of the new Explorer. If I was in the market for a Sport Utility Vehicle, the new Explorer would definitely be on the top of my list.

Our town has them as well, and they are blacked out. Tails, windows and everything. They look pretty awesome as a police vehicle.

 

[Aracheon]

Most of the jurisdictions in my area have been using these for a while. It's one very aggressive looking SUV, and not just because of the police package. I actually like the look of the new Explorer. If I was in the market for a Sport Utility Vehicle, the new Explorer would definitely be on the top of my list.

They're more of an urban SUV, though. As I recall, they're built on on the Taurus chassis or something of the like - the underpinnings aren't super conducive to doing offroad-ey type things like you could do in a 4Runner.

But same as you, if I wanted an SUV, I'd probably buy one. Since I don't do any offroading myself, the 3.5L version would suit quite nicely.

 

[COBBST]

They're more of an urban SUV, though. As I recall, they're built on on the Taurus chassis or something of the like - the underpinnings aren't super conducive to doing offroad-ey type things like you could do in a 4Runner.

But same as you, if I wanted an SUV, I'd probably buy one. Since I don't do any offroading myself, the 3.5L version would suit quite nicely.

Yes the 3.5L EcoBoost...with a tune

 

[jpwalker90]

I love the new explorers.

 

[COBBST]

Saw these Ford Taurus Police Interceptors at a nearby Ford dealership yesterday. I've seen lots of the new Ford Explorers on patrol, but not the Taurus.

 

[CCrew]

Saw these Ford Taurus Police Interceptors at a nearby Ford dealership yesterday. I've seen lots of the new Ford Explorers on patrol, but not the Taurus.

Virginia State Police has been using them (Taurus) for a while now and even the local jurisdictions are picking them up. Had the pleasure of seeing a bike trying to outrun a VSP car, they passed me at well over 120 at minimum with the cop 5 feet off the bikes back wheel. Guy on the bike was trying so hard he was laying on the tank.

For a while the VSP had some of the new Holden based Chevy's, Seems like they must not have worked out for them. Before that lots of AWD Chargers

Unmarked Chevy:

 

[COBBST]

Virginia State Police has been using them (Taurus) for a while now and even the local jurisdictions are picking them up. Had the pleasure of seeing a bike trying to outrun a VSP car, they passed me at well over 120 at minimum with the cop 5 feet off the bikes back wheel. Guy on the bike was trying so hard he was laying on the tank.

For a while the VSP had some of the new Holden based Chevy's, Seems like they must not have worked out for them.

View attachment 358

It's nice seeing some of the paint schemes different law enforcement agencies use on their patrol vehicles. That's a cool one, as long as it's not in my rear view mirror LoL!

 

[CCrew]

Funny part was that when those Taurus's first hit the streets those door stickers and hood sticker were reflective, so you could spot them in the median at a distance waaaay off. Needless to say - that didn't last for long!

 

[COBBST]

Funny part was that when those Taurus's first hit the streets those door stickers and hood sticker were reflective, so you could spot them in the median at a distance waaaay off. Needless to say - that didn't last for long!

I'll bet LoL!

 

[COBBST]

Virginia State Police has been using them (Taurus) for a while now and even the local jurisdictions are picking them up. Had the pleasure of seeing a bike trying to outrun a VSP car, they passed me at well over 120 at minimum with the cop 5 feet off the bikes back wheel. Guy on the bike was trying so hard he was laying on the tank.

For a while the VSP had some of the new Holden based Chevy's, Seems like they must not have worked out for them. Before that lots of AWD Chargers

View attachment 358

Unmarked Chevy:
View attachment 359