Ford Upgrades Interceptor SUV with 365hp EcoBoost

FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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has an extremely long history of building special police models since the 30s and dominated the market for about 30 years with the Crown VictoriaFord Crown Victoria (modern)United States of America, 1992 > 19972 series
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that entered service as the LTDFord LTDUnited States of America, 1965 > 19865 series
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in 1979. In the last decade in the US, SUVs have become more popular as police vehicles because of their ability to carry more equipment. The current Ford's ExplorerFord Explorer Gen.5United States of America, 2011 > present11 versions
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-based Police Interceptor was introduced in 2012. For the latest update to the trucks and TaurusFord Taurus Gen.6United States of America, 2010 > present14 versions
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-based sedan, Ford is offering the Police Interceptor with a 3.5-liter V6 365hp and 350lb-ft EcoBoost engine in place of the current naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 with 304hp and 279lb-ft of torque. 

“Our Police Advisory Board and customers across the country identified the EcoBoost engine as their No. 1 want in the Police Interceptor utility vehicle," said Gerry Koss, Ford fleet marketing manager.

The more powerful engine allows for a higher vehicle payload, faster acceleration and higher top speed. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which is generally the largest single buyer of police vehicles in the US, has already tested both cars. The department puts the vehicles through tests in acceleration, braking, 32-lap high-speed and pursuit versus the Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with a 5.3-liter V8 engine. The test proved the Ford a better vehicle and had better fuel economy. 

The Ford Police Interceptor SUV accounts for about half of Ford's police vehicle sales. The sedan and SUV share a platform, powertrains, brakes, tires, seats and many maintenance items to keep prices down. Ford offers both vehicles in a 3.5-liter V6 with front-wheel drive, 3.7-liter V6 with all-wheel drive and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with all-wheel drive versions.