The first time Chevrolet quietly released its new police-spec Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) was at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late December ’09, but now the automaker has revealed a special “detective” package for the law enforcement-only Caprice.
If the Caprice’s dimensions look familiar, that is because they are – the Caprice shares the Zeta platform with the Holden Commodore and now defunct Pontiac G8. Chevrolet plans to bring this dedicated police pursuit vehicle to market in early 2011, and now thanks to GM Inside News getting their hands on the tech manual for the Caprice PPV, we have new details about vehicle specs and configurations.
What we now know is that the vehicle can be ordered either as the Police Caprice 9C1, which is a standard lawn enforcement configuration, or the Police Detective 9C3, which is aimed at use for detectives or others who will not be transporting criminals in the rear seats.
Caprice Detective Police Package – 9C3
An undercover street appearance package will also be available for the Caprice, although it will not be available to the general public. This package removes some of the visible exterior modifications, and gives the interior a slightly more civilian design. This package is designed for undercover or non-patrol duty, and gains features such as side-curtain airbags which are normally not possible due to the rear cage.
The 9C3 package also changes the front seat configuration, adding a center console – complete with cup holders – rather than providing space for a computer. Unlike the 9C1 vehicle, the 9C3 also comes in several available colors to help the detectives blend into normal traffic.
Unique features for law enforcement use
As a purpose-built vehicle, the Police Caprice features some unique technology aimed at helping law enforcement to safely and effectively do their job. One interesting feature is known as a “Trap Speed Feature,” which allows officers – via steering wheel controls – to temporarily record and store vehicle speed for the use of pacing other vehicles to determine their rate of travel.
When law enforcement need to make a quiet and low-key approach to a scene at night, drivers will be able to cycle a switch that will temporarily turn all interior and exterior lighting off – allowing for a stealthy approach.
Like the now discontinued Pontiac G8, the police spec-Caprice will be available with V8 and V6 engines, although the six-cylinder version won’t become available until 2012.
Agencies will have the ability to check an option box that will equip When equipped with the optional 355 horsepower 6.0-liter V8, GM says the Caprice PPV can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds, making it the fastest police vehicle currently in service. GM also says the V8-powered sedan will have the highest top speed of any police spec vehicle. Active Fuel Management and E85 capability should ensure decent fuel economy.
But police duty is more than just about running down the bad guys, which is why GM has equipped the Caprice PPV with a number of other unique features. The Caprice PPV package also includes an upgraded 170-amp alternator, engine oil, transmission and power steering coolers, 18-inch steel wheels, heavy duty brakes, and upgraded suspension, a revised stability control program and a driver information center mounted in the gauge cluster.
Inside, the Caprice PPV offers seating for five, with greater rear-seat leg room than the Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser. The five-seat design also allows for an optional center-mounted touch-screen computer. Two trunk-mounted batteries ensure the Caprice will never run low on juice.
Chevrolet tells us that the rear seat will come covered in heavy duty vinyl but will be otherwise similar to what is found on the G8 for safety compliance reasons. Buyers can replace the rear seat with a hard plastic police-spec setup at their discretion.
References
1.’Chevrolet releases tech…’ view
