Ford unveils Taurus-based Police Interceptor [Update]

Ford unveils Taurus-based Police Interceptor [Update]
By Mark Kleis - Posted March 12th 2010

As we previewed yesterday, Ford finally released images and specifications of its long-anticipated replacement for the Crown Victoria-based Police Interceptor today. Ford says it is a “purpose-built” and toughened up version of the standard Ford Taurus, with optional EcoBoost and all-wheel drive.
Ford confirmed both of Taurus’ two 3.5-liter V6 engines will be offered, giving departments the option of either the 263-horsepower naturally aspirated unit or the 365-pony twin-turbo EcoBoost engine from the Taurus SHO. Ford says the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 will report 25 percent better fuel economy than the current 4.6-liter V8 in the Crown Victoria.
The new Taurus-based Police Interceptor will be offered in either front or all-wheel-drive; with either configuration giving it a competitive disadvantage against more conventional rear-wheel-drive offerings from Dodge (Charger) and General Motors (Caprice PPV). Police agencies have long been skeptical of any front or all-wheel-drive offering without a V8 powertrain.
Real world testing
Ford says that it has put the new Police Interceptor through its paces with the Michigan State Police and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in order to evaluate the vehicle’s durability and capability. Ford says it increased the brakes in terms of size and performance, the cooling package is purpose-built, as well as a heavy-duty alternator and a larger radiator.
“This vehicle is pursuit-ready,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “It’s no nonsense, through and through.”
What about the interior?
“Working with our police partners, we’ve considered every detail,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president of marketing, sales and service. “Approximately 90 percent of the interior has been redesigned to meet the needs of our special police customers.”
Ford explained that the front seats have been designed with lower bolster in order to accommodate the officers’ utility belts. The seats have anti-stab plates inserted into them in order to protect front occupants from potentially being stabbed by a passenger during transport.
The second row seats were also specifically designed to improve space and legroom. The rear door hinges were modified to open an additional 10 degrees. Up front, Ford put the gear selector on the column in order to free up space in the unique center console area.
Safety first in the new Police Interceptor
Ford says one of the key advantages to the new Police Interceptor is the substantial advancement in occupant safety. The vehicle feature Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Cross Traffic Alert, a reverse sensing system and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. It also passes the 75-mph rear-end crash test – currently, the Ford Crown Victoria is the only other Police Interceptor to pass the test.
Ford says the Interceptor also features Ford’s exclusive Safety Canopy – a side-curtain air bag rollover protection system.
Deju vu?
This isn’t the first time that Ford has tried to market its Taurus as a police vehicle; movie fans will remember that the first-generation Taurus served as a police car in the Robocop series. Ford has mostly unsuccessfully pushed every generation of Taurus on police fleets across the U.S. since.
The venerable Crown Victoria (and its Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis Panther platform mates) is set to go out of production in about 18 months when Ford closes its St. Thomas, Ontario, assembly plant.
94 COMMENTS
1. Makemfast139 days ago
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  That looks bad A** I would drive that around.
  
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2. lovinGMyChevy139 days ago
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  Gotta admit, its better than the dorky lookin’ Caprice PPV.
  
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3. Genesis101139 days ago
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  HOT DAMN!!!!!
  
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4. iggibiggi139 days ago
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  How exactly is it a competitive disadvantage if it has the eco boost with awd?
  
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5. iKingston139 days ago
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  ^^ I was thinking the same thing.
  
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6. ochy38139 days ago
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  still not as cool as the charger. And is it me or do those seats look terribly unsupportive?
  
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7. Genesis101139 days ago
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  ochy
  this is a cop car, in time of pursuit there is no comfort!
  
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8. Genesis101139 days ago
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  Are they going to replace all the taxis too?
  
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9. Road_AMS139 days ago
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  Robocop?
  
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10. DB9139 days ago
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  LMAO:-))) A big Bucket O’ Fail! There is no way this car will even come close to the Crown Vic. The Tahoe has a better cost basis then this and a FWD based AWD for a PPV – put the Kool Aid down and step back from the punch bowl.
  
  They’ve just handed the market to the Caprice, Tahoe and Charger.
  
  DB9;-)
  
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11. RKelly14626139 days ago
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  I was looking, looking and looking for the shifter… oh, found it. so- its on the column again? and it kinda looks like its in a stupid position. Also- no paddle shifters??? poop.
  
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12. KarLoveBoy88139 days ago
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  WOW!! This is the most bad ass cop car I’ve ever seen. Forget what you know about the Charger cop car. I’d want to get pulled over just to complement on his interceptor. Ford is really making a comback. I just hope they don’t drab this out like they did the lamented Crown Vic
  
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13. muycaliente139 days ago
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  I dont know…. the Saleen Mustang in transformers was pretty bad ass…..!
  
  I like this. its bitter sweet that the Vic is going away…. believe me… it WILL Be missed…. but lets see how this rides out.
  
  and I predict a new Robocop Movie remake with this car being used……
  
  i’m just curious as how the ED-209 will look!
  
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14. JakeK66139 days ago
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  As with the Crown Vic before it, they somehow manage to make the Police Interceptor look better than the average joe edition.
  
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15. JakeK66139 days ago
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  DB9 – Here in the ole’ midwest the majority of Police cruisers are Impalas so how do you think ford “handed” the competition anything? If Ford has done something with this – that is boost it’s sales in the metro police segment, and when Chevy moves to all RWD, Ford will have the whole FWD police segment to themselves, which is big in many areas I’ve been in.
  
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16. MXrider139 days ago
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  I think this is the most badass cop car I’ve seen! I don’t think it will catch on in my part of the country though. Even if it’s offered in awd, I don’t see the cops in denver moving away from their SUVs on snowy days. I also don’t see it being offered with the ecoboost to the cops. In that business it’s all about rock solid performance with low maintenance costs. Also, the ecoboost would require premium fuel which is a cost no department would want to swallow for their cruisers.
  
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17. MXrider139 days ago
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  The best move in this industry would be for GM to bring back the G8, rebadge it as an Impala and give the cops what they really want!
  
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18. DB9139 days ago
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  posted by:JakeK66
  
  DB9 – Here in the ole’ midwest the majority of Police cruisers are Impalas so how do you think ford “handed” the competition anything? If Ford has done something with this – that is boost it’s sales in the metro police segment, and when Chevy moves to all RWD, Ford will have the whole FWD police segment to themselves, which is big in many areas I’ve been in.
  ___________________________________________
  
  Jake, what are Impala PV sales compared to Taurus? Hint – the Crown Vic “owns” 75% of the market. FWD doesn’t hold up as severe service duty vehicles and FWD based AWD is just asking for trouble – although most will be FWD.
  
  Prove me wrong;-)
  
  DB9;-)
  
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19. mobile1ph139 days ago
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  Damn Boy!!!
  
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20. DB9139 days ago
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  ^^ Oops should be:
  
  Jake, what are Impala PV sales compared to the Crown Vic?
  
  DB9;-)
  
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21. johnnycanuck139 days ago
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  Jake, I called it exactly the same as DB9 yesterday… you’re not going to see it overnight but when things have cycled out I predict Chevy will be the dominant player in the police sweepstakes. Yes, there is an advantage to fwd in areas like ours that see the white stuff but even up here the Crown Vics dominate.
  
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22. JakeK66139 days ago
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  DB9 -
  
  Both the Charger and new Caprice thing by GM use an expensive independent Rear Suspension which is why the Ford held it’s ground for so long. With this suspension – those cars benefits aren’t what the Crown Vic was to the police force as the GM and Dodge aren’t built to handle the same stress as the ole’ Vic and when they are broken, they are very expensive to fix.
  
  So there, you answered part of your question by yourself. Now with the fuel economy coming into play, it’s common for non-highway patrol to drive FWD in many urban areas, and with AWD beign offered it will give Ford the benefit for cold weather climates as well.
  
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23. JakeK66139 days ago
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  Johnny – I think alot of it has to do on the cost of it too. If GM prices it too high, which it probably will, you’ll see them in areas with alot of speed traps, where Chargers are at now. Overall, Crown Vics may still dominate until they are all broken down and PD’s are forced into something else.
  
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24. footpound139 days ago
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  I wonder how this will stack up against the purpose-built Carbon Motors E7? Even if the E7 will be somewhat more expensive (not sure of pricing for Taurus or E7), I’m pretty sure I’d go with the E7.
  
  http://www.carbonmotors.com/machine
  
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25. sprockkets139 days ago
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  “Also, the ecoboost would require premium fuel which is a cost no department would want to swallow for their cruisers.”
  
  They can run on normal 87, you just won’t get the most out of the engine though. Even Mazda dropped the premium requirements on all its turbo 2.3l offerings.
  
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26. muttonchops139 days ago
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  1. Ecoboost does not require premium fuel. Premium fuel gives the best performance but it is not required.
  
  2. Flatter seats are a necessity due to the gun belts and night sticks worn by cops. Large bolsters would just get in the way.
  
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27. DB9139 days ago
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  posted by:JakeK66
  DB9 -
  
  Both the Charger and new Caprice thing by GM use an expensive independent Rear Suspension which is why the Ford held it’s ground for so long. With this suspension – those cars benefits aren’t what the Crown Vic was to the police force as the GM and Dodge aren’t built to handle the same stress as the ole’ Vic and when they are broken, they are very expensive to fix.
  
  So there, you answered part of your question by yourself. Now with the fuel economy coming into play, it’s common for non-highway patrol to drive FWD in many urban areas, and with AWD beign offered it will give Ford the benefit for cold weather climates as well.
  __________________________________________
  
  The Zeta based Caprice is an over engineered platform designed for higher GVWR’s then just sedans; while not a BOF CV they are more durable than a FWD Taurus or Impala could ever hope to be.
  
  Additionally, the failure point of FWD in PPV is the transmission and front suspension; once finished Police service they are basically useless. Your point only holds as to a monocoque body structure vis-a-vis the BOF of the CV.
  
  Furthermore, explain the growing use of GM GMT900′s (Tahoe and Trucks) in the police fleets of Both the US and Canada? Your argument doesn’t hold up. TCO scores for the Impala in police service are lower than a Tahoe – yes, a Full Size BOF 4×4 SUV – imagine that! Probably why you’re seeing more and more of them all over NA;-)
  
  DB9;-)
  
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28. Terpinator139 days ago
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  I am in law enforcement and have spent a good bit of time driving Crown Vics, Caprices, Impalas, Chrysler 300Cs and Suburbans on the road and on the track. I’m also a Ford fan, but will not generally miss the Crown Vic. Trying to keep one of those (or the Caprice) on the road at speed in anything but perfectly dry conditions is not an easy task. It really is an antiquated platform. An awd vehicle would be my first choice for duty. The Chrysler 300Cs are awd and are definitely favored by my colleagues. Next would be the Impala or another fwd platform. To quantify it, our times around the test track are consistently faster in the V6 Impala than the Crown Vic. An awd Taurus based vehicle (with anything over 300hp) would be heartily welcomed.
  
  That said, an unmarked Crown Vic is unrivaled over other unmarked cars in two ways: Ensuring people driving below the limit in the passing lane merge right, and aggressive drivers don’t tailgate….
  
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29. JakeK66139 days ago
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  DB9 – I see plenty of used police Impalas on the road. They are very common as Taxis and are in fact more common here than the traditional Crown Vic taxi.
  
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30. Bimmer139 days ago
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  Ford’s Taurus-based Interceptor will be available with the 3.5 liter Duratec, or the twin-turbo Ecoboost engine. Front wheel drive is standard, and AWD will be an option.
  
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31. saabaru1139 days ago
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  It’s CGIving on the wrong side of the road.
  
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32. 04focus139 days ago
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  They really should have just updated the Crown Vic once again, and kept it as a fleet-only nameplate.
  
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33. schumann139 days ago
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  FAIL!
  
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34. vicdub85139 days ago
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  We don’t need to be spending my money on these high end vehicles for the pigs. Let them keep the Crown Vics. Just be at my door within 5 min. of someone invading my house.
  
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35. nastacio139 days ago
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  Thought police departments preferred body-on-frame because they were quicker and cheaper to repair.
  
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36. Need4SSpeed139 days ago
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  “Ford has mostly unsuccessfully pushed every generation of Taurus on police fleets across the U.S. since”
  
  And this one will too…. Dumb move Ford. You need a RWD sedan. Like the current FWD Impala many LE agencies do use them and I can see some LE agencies adopting this new Taurus into their fleets, but the majority aren’t. Well now it’s eaither going to be the Chevy Caprice PPV or the Dodge Charger. Mark my words…
  
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37. wyVern139 days ago
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  Hey, where is the donuts holder?
  
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38. JakeK66139 days ago
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  ^^ They’ve got one built in right in their lap once they surf that computer’s interwebz for a little girl on girl action
  
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39. Sector_15504139 days ago
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  this car wont stand up, this was designed to be a civilian car, not a heavy duty car, like the charger. Until they get their dedicated Crown Vic replacement, i dont see these things being terribly reliable….
  
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40. Joelplane139 days ago
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  I still think the Mustang from the Robocop TV Series was the most badass:
  
  http://bit.ly/dofRsU
  
  And can we get some clarification on why AWD is a DISadvantage? No rear wheel drive to kick the rear end out to make 180 turns?
  
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41. The Stig139 days ago
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  Chrysler and “heavy duty” are hardly synonymous.
  
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42. torquemonster139 days ago
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  Actually esp. with the return of the 5.0 in the Mustang, I don’t know why it couldn’t return as a law enforcement tool to be used as an “interceptor”:
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang_SSP
  
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43. bghewy139 days ago
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  Again we see classic example of Fords wasted oppurtunity. This would have been the perfect chance to help justify the development and setup costs for importing the Falcon from Australia with the extra sales that it could have achieved with the Police department; and at the same time giving many American Ford fans a car that they have wanted to have for a long time. A RWD large car, that is modern and for its size very good on fuel. Come on Ford wake up, this is one blue oval fan that you are loosing.
  
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44. 1ofthegoodguys139 days ago
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  I normally value everyone’s opinion on this blog (except for the trolls & diehards). I just want to know how many of the posters on this site are police officers? So far I’ve seen 1 post that has any merit, coincidentally there is only 1 post by a police officer. Since no of us have any experience in this sector nor will we, I think we should call it what it is, which is probably a failure based on past attempts to sell Taurus’ to PD’s. Although this Taurus is by far the best Ford as produced. But to talk about why 1 is better than the other or why 1 works better than the other is trollingl! We all have our opinions on which we “think” will work better but to start attack each other because their opinion is different is a fail imo. Perhaps the officers don’t have to chase the Duke Boys through swamps and jump creeks any more & a FWD/AWD vehicle may work in the 21st century.
  
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45. southwest9139 days ago
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  Would be interesting to have a PD buy a Charger and Taurus together and put them to heavy use for a year…then do a total evaluation (personal and mechanical). I’d rather pick the Taurus off the top, but I think the Charger is well built. One thing that I question is the Fiat ownership of Chrysler. Well, and the fact that the Charger isn’t even American built (Canadian).
  
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46. Need4SSpeed139 days ago
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  Completely agreed bghewy. It’s sad that when I started seeing Falcons running around the tech and engineering facilities around Dearborn I really started to get excited. Ford could have done what GM did with the Caprice PPV,
  
  @ 1 ofthegoodguys, by no means am I trolling. I was just stating a fact. The majority of LE agencies want a RWD sedan with a V8 offering. And the evidence of this can be seen all the way back to when police agencies started using the automobile. Ford no longer has that to offer (as of now anyways). Whether or not I’m in LE doesn’t matter. Why didn’t the LE agencies for the most part adopt the Impala after GM switched to a FWD platform? Why did the Crow Vic become its successor? Why are LE agencies starting to use Chargers? What are the common variables in all of this? Oh yeah RWD & a V8 engine.
  
  Do I think that the Ford Taurus PPV is cool? Hell yeah I do. But do I think LE agencies are going to go for it? Hell no…
  
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47. 09Accord139 days ago
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  This looks awesome!!
  
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48. schumann139 days ago
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  Considering the “One Ford” plan, I understand the Ford Falcon is dead. Ford apparently is giving up on the RWD platform for cars.
  
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49. The Realist139 days ago
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  Well…I’m shocked…yet another bone-head decision from Ford……oh wait…I’m not shocked at all.
  
  Did anyone read the letter GM sent Ford:
  
  “Dear Ford,
  
  Thank you for handing us yet another market on a silver platter. You built such a mediocre police appliance, police departments will have no choice but to get the “superior in every way”, V8, RWD Caprice.
  
  After all…it was us that thought the FWD Impala was a good idea…and it didn’t work at all. Ditto for the Intrepid.
  
  Oh…and why all of the hard work trying to convince the general public that the Taurus was an upscale flagship…when you are going to fleet dump it? Oh…right…”bold moves” or something silly like that.
  
  Again, thanks for handing us the ambulance and now police market. We do appreciate all the hard work you have done building the most bland/boring, mediocre appliances on the planet.
  
  Your friend,
  
  GM”
  —————————————————————-
  
  Oh…and it’s not Taurus based–it is the damn Taurus.
  
  Ford fails hard…yet again.
  
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50. 1ofthegoodguys139 days ago
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  Need4SSpeed – scroll up a couple of posts and hear what someone that actually uses the vehicle has to say. Personally I agree with you, I’m just saying…
  
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51. A4139 days ago
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  A freakin Taurus? I thought they were going to make the smart decision to build an entirely different model dedicated solely to fleet sales, so they could preserve some resale value. The #1 reason the Crown Vic Police Interceptor is so widely used is because of it’s built like a truck and is twice as durable. So is the powertrain. And it’s cheap. A twin-turbo V6 with an AWD system is a recipe for alot more maintenance. It looks like the Charger may be stay the new king of the hill.
  
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52. brianbpe139 days ago
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  Make that mesh grill an option on the civilian T too with those blacked out headlamps. Too bad cop cars need those steel wheels cuz thats a pretty hot cop car.
  
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53. aexcorp139 days ago
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  Why does everyone assume Turbo means more maintenance?
  Maybe you haven’t been privy to the last 10 years of automotive development, but turbo has been used reliably for years and don’t have much additional issues over an NA setup.
  
  Think of places where reliability and maintenance are crucial, such as rally, which coincidentally is also where cars take more abuse then even an average Crown Vic in just a few hours of use, and you’ll find what?
  
  Turbos…
  
  Only thing about turbos is that they require more frequent oil change and better oil quality due to heat constraints. So there’s a bit of extra cost there, but nothing serious, oil changes take less than 30 min…
  
  The same can be said about AWD. A good AWD system, while adding complexity and thus increasing the risk of breaks, is very unlikely to fail under hard use, unless the car itself or its undercarriage is damaged to begin with. AWD for police use should be a must, it allows pursuit in places the Crown Vic isn’t comfortable at high speeds like off-road.
  
  As for build quality, I have to agree that Crown Vics are tanks, and thus have been loved by LE agencies and governments in general. The bar has been set so high that I doubt any car right now can match it. Impalas have notorious reliability issues, I’ve spoken to DC cops here and they all hate that car (Park Police uses it, DCPD said hell no). Not sure about the details on the Charger, it’s pretty recent so I haven’t had the chance to ask yet (crosses finger for NOT having the chance to ask them…)
  
  Either way, I’m going to be sad to see the Crown Vic go, I’ve gotten sooo good at picking its lights and shape in the day and night, I already hate the Charger for this reason, it’s harder to spot when dodging cops…
  
  But all in all, you guys are being a bit harsh on Ford. Build quality is only appraised by extended Police use, and we can only suppose how it would play out. But none of the things listed by many of you disqualify defacto the Taurus as a pursuit car, despite some of the weak arguments made.
  
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54. aggie531139 days ago
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  Wow it’s starting to look like The Realist is worse than 1115.
  
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55. Hyperion139 days ago
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  RIP Panther: 1968-2011. That’s a pretty good run.
  
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56. 85ZingoGTR139 days ago
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  BAM!!! I called it again!! I said it. A modified Taurus SHO with AWD. God damn it I’m good!!! I can see the AWD do well in areas like NY where more than once I see an NYPD patrol car car stuck in the snow.
  
  I hope this car outsells the Caprice. Im pretty irritated about the Caprice because they killed the G8 which was a much wanted car by many enthusiasts and GM brought it back saying “Hey everyone!! We still kept the Holden Commodore!! So if you want one, just go get one at the Chevy dealer. Oh….one more thing…..you need to be a cop to have one…….but hey you can get our lame a$$ Impala instead. ”
  
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57. The Realist139 days ago
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  “Wow it’s starting to look like The Realist is worse than 1115.”
  
  Tell me my ignorant son…what about the truth do you not like?
  ————
  “RIP Panther: 1968-2011. That’s a pretty good run.”
  
  1979-2011
  ————
  “Im pretty irritated about the Caprice because they killed the G8 which was a much wanted car by many enthusiasts and GM brought it back saying “Hey everyone!! We still kept the Holden Commodore!! So if you want one, just go get one at the Chevy dealer. Oh….one more thing…..you need to be a cop to have one…….but hey you can get our lame a$$ Impala instead. ”
  
  Dude…if GM can make the case to import a RWD sedan for fleet use (where profit margins are extremely low–save for the Crown Vic), then they will find a way to justify it for the retail side where profit margins are very high.
  
  BUT…assuming I am wrong…which I rarely ever am…you will be able to buy one when they get retired…unlike the Taurus…which will be a broken pile of poo, then the cops will take delivery and use it for 100K…at which point it will be a broken pile of poo that smells like vomit and urine.
  
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58. Bankruptcy2009139 days ago
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  bghewy keep your shirt on still Ford did actually bring over the Ford Falcon from Australia and its still possible they were working on a Rear wheel drive alternative to the Taurus. If So Ford has the bases covered. But the Taurus SHO can do things a RWD car can not and that is go after the bad guys in bad weather . just try and catch a criminal on icy roads in a RWD car like the Caprice GOOD LUCK LEA you’ll wish you chose a Taurus. I say the PD choose between the FORD TAURUS and a FORD FALCON Interceptors. Split the difference. As for the Realist shut that retarded mouth of yours. Taurus is a technological wunderkind!
  
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59. Bankruptcy2009139 days ago
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  In other word the Ford Taurus is a Technological Tour De Force!
  
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60. Bankruptcy2009139 days ago
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  “it will be a broken pile of poo that smells like vomit and urine” @Realist you should’nt talk about yourself that way and even though its True. I don’t care what they say about your Realist I believe EVERY BIT of IT and A LITTLE BIT MORE! YOUR A COMPLETE DOLT AND A TOTAL IDIOT!
  
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61. Dr.Martens139 days ago
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  Pretty amazing, kinda remindes of the crazy concepts from about 15 years ago
  
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62. 85ZingoGTR139 days ago
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  The Realist – No you’re right. That’s what taxi companies did with Crown Vics. Alot of them were converted Police Interceptors. But in the case of the Caprice it’s still not the same. However, I did read this months issue of Motor Trend and they say they plan on bringing the Commodore as a Chevy but in limited quantity (and possibly not named Caprice).
  
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63. VictorRaikkonen139 days ago
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  and in a few years time, people in ghetto’s all across North America will be buying these at auction, lowering and throwing 20in rims on them.
  
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64. footpound138 days ago
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  @Mark Kleis: Has LLN ever run a story on the Carbon Motors E7? Entirely new, purpose-built law enforcement vehicle to be built in Connersville, IN. Don’t think I’ve even seen the E7 mentioned among all the articles about Chevy/Ford/Chryslers next generation police cars. Check out the E7 here:
  
  http://carbonmotors.com/machine/specifications
  
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65. bghewy138 days ago
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  Bankruptcy as a previous Ford employee I am well aware of the Falcon being brought to America for testing, I am also aware of the attempts to get the Taurus into other markets besides the US, to which point they have been unsuccessful. I think you will find that like many other places around the World a mix of Caprice and Taurus will be used by the forces. Also mate this site is open for debate about various issues. All i did was express an opinion. There is no need for any form of abuse, especially as I did not at any point say that the Taurus was a bad car, just that they had missed a cost cutting opportunity to get the Falcon into the US.
  
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66. Bankruptcy2009138 days ago
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  bghewy let me be clear about this I am not repeat not being abusive toward the Ford Falcon a Truely Australian product in any way. I believe the Ford Falcon should NOT ONLY Live on in Australia because its indigeonous to Australians the way the Ford Mustang and Ford Taurus has lived on here in the States for Americans. All three are very Popular to their respective Continent. I only wish we could get a number of samples of the Falcon here and you get a taste of the Taurus and Mustang. I think the Falcon could be enjoyed as a true Drivers car Large RWD which we are missing here, and as an alternative Police Cruiser!
  I am in agreement with you. Ford Motor are you listening! For God sakes listen to your Australian brothren and Keep the Falcon and bring some of those Falcons over here too! Also I would like a Fuel Cell version of the Ford Ka to Boot . So Yes bghewy I am all for the Ford Falcon I like that 400+ HP version! That’s for me for Kickin Chevy Tail!
  
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67. Bankruptcy2009138 days ago
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  @ Bghewy I see what your upset about. Listen the Ford Falcon’s Solid Rear axle drive train may offer to be more cost effective that the Taurus and I honestly think that is something that should be looked at because like most Public agenies LE or Police Departments are looking for the most inexpensive solution possible. .And with 400 + HP that is got to be one heck of a Interceptor too!
  
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68. The Realist138 days ago
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  “But the Taurus SHO can do things a RWD car can not and that is go after the bad guys in bad weather . just try and catch a criminal on icy roads in a RWD car like the Caprice GOOD LUCK LEA you’ll wish you chose a Taurus”
  
  Except my city’s squads are all Crown Vics…same for the city to my south, west, north-west, north, and east. Same for the county sheriff of the county to the north, east, south, and west.
  
  And the MN state patrol runs a majority of Crown Vics…in Minnesota…where it snows.
  
  I would much rather have my police officers driving cars that have a set of snow tires on them…because unlike Ford’s mediocre, frail AWD system, snow tires are cheap to buy, cheap to maintain, cheap to fix, and they help you STOP/TURN as well as go fast.
  
  You’re so foolish. You make it sound like all of these years…crime-fighting and LEO responses stopped when it snowed. What a fool.
  
  “Listen the Ford Falcon’s Solid Rear axle drive train”
  
  You are an idiot. The falcon uses the Control Blade IRS system that Ford developed. For a blind fan boy you sure are ignorant.
  
  “most Public agencies LE or Police Departments are looking for the most inexpensive solution possible”
  
  Which is why the Taurus PI will be a no go. AWD adds to the initial cost…and it will cost more to keep on the road…same for that silly Twin Force garbage Ford is peddling.
  
  Believe me…a 6.0, pushrod V8 is a much more reliable solution that will save money in the long run by being just as efficient, more reliable, and easier to fix.
  
  Ford just handed GM the LE market.
  
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69. TD1138 days ago
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  What GM product does the Taurus compete with now in this market? Surely it can’t be that old Impala…
  
  Charger is a good looking car, and a good engine. But I’d prefer an American car.
  
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70. Bankruptcy2009138 days ago
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  @ The Unrealist. The reason the Crown Vic won the Police Departments across the country is it had something the Police officers want and need a Reliable Car so that is exactly why GM got left OUT! GM is UNRELIABLE they BREAK DOWN their garbage as they roll off the assembly line so why bother?
  
  In the case of the Taurus it has AWD and NO SIR it can handle and Outperform any REAR WHEEL DRIVE CAR GOING! with 365 HP its right there Buddy in your face. 0-60 in 5.2 Seconds. Quarter Mile in 13.3
  
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71. AFSOCSARGE138 days ago
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  @ Terpinator
  
  You my friend are 100 % Correct
  Now For The Facts When It Come To Police Vehicles:
  
  The 2010 Michigan Sate Police Car Test:
  
  For the fifth straight year, the top dog is the 5.7 liter HEMI® V-8. Even the hallowed, still talked about, Chevrolet Caprice, which held sway for ten straight years in Michigan’s tests, did not fill in ALL the top categories as has the Dodge Charger done.
  
  The Dodge Charger V-8/V-6 Were #1 and # 2 in all testing Dynamics. In Acceleration, Braking, Handling and MPG. The Charger is Available in AWD so I doubt the Ford will beat the Charger in any of these Parameters. Since the Ford Taurus has a Heavier Front End Bias Weight dist., f/r 60/40% The Dodge Charger’s Weight distribution 53/47 (V6) 53/47 (V6), 54/46 (V8) The 2011 Test will crown the King of The Police Cruisers as it stands The Dodge Charge Holds The Crown.
  
  http://www.allpar.com/squads/police-cars/MSP-cars-2010.html
  
  -Sarge
  
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72. Bankruptcy2009138 days ago
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  AFSOCSARGE that’s before factoring now in the new Ford TAURUS SHO. It will do 0-60 in 5.2 Seconds So already its beaten the Dodge Charger. Although I think the Dodge Charger is a good car and Chrysler does need the business, but the Bullet Proof Door Police interceptor Taurus is pretty damn good almost too good. And it may be too expensive.
  
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73. bghewy138 days ago
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  Sorry Bankruptcy thanks for clearing that up. I guess we are very proud and can get a little defensive of out home grown Falcon, as it truly is a world class car, and we can very upset that Ford in the US wont give you guys the chance to enjoy it like we do. Over in because of the lack of snow that we get RWD is the preference for most people that are after a large car. Comes in handy when towing long distances that many aussies do. When I was at Ford Australia we imported 200 Ford Mustangs, then they were converted locally. They sold them all before they arrived. As for Taurus, when it was brought over it was the oval shape them from a number of years ago and was directly competing against the Falcon which this year will celebrate 50 years of local production. People just were not prepared to swap there home grown RWD Falcon that they new, for a new funky design Taurus. It was a shame as its not a bad car. If you wanna exchange notes about the different markets, would be interested to learn more about US sales email bghewy@yahoo.com.au
  
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74. Bankruptcy2009138 days ago
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  bghewy No Worries mate as you aussies say in oz. And as Paul Hogan would say I’ll throw another shrimp on the barbi for ya mate !. But seriously No I hear you on your concerns that Dearborn Ford should keep some cars that are indigenous to a particalr continent like Australia that want to keep their name plate traditions alive like the Ford Falcon.We actually had a Ford Falcon of our own back in the 1960′s. but Australians took that name plate and made it something worth knowing and respecting . You will get My email I just don’t want to repeat it here cause NMOFGM is back under the guise of the realist and he’ll probably send some hate mail concerning Ford lol .
  
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75. The Realist138 days ago
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  “The reason the Crown Vic won the Police Departments across the country is it had something the Police officers want and need a Reliable Car so that is exactly why GM got left OUT!”
  
  Yeah…because the Caprice was so unreliable. That’s why PDs stockpiled Caprices when GM announced the demise of the car…
  
  “In the case of the Taurus it has AWD and NO SIR it can handle and Outperform any REAR WHEEL DRIVE CAR GOING! with 365 HP its right there Buddy in your face. 0-60 in 5.2 Seconds. Quarter Mile in 13.3″
  
  You’re an idiot.
  
  Fact 1: The Taurus PI Twin Force will NOT have 365HP. Why? No department is going to pay the extra money to run premium fuel.
  
  Fact 2: You cannot quote civilian 0-60 times and 1/4 mile times because the mediocre Taurus PI is much heavier…thus affecting those times. See civilian Charger vs law enforcement Charger.
  
  But it really doesn’t matter as these Taurus PIs will spend more time in the shop than they will on the road.
  
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76. chevymanc6138 days ago
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  Police departments have made it clear that they want V8 power and rear wheel drive on a big strong platform. The Taurus is not even close to that. Good job Ford, you wasted lots of money and built something that you knew the customer didn’t want and are trying to convince them to build it.
  
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77. TD1138 days ago
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  What’s your solution then chevymanc6? Does GM have anything? Or do PD’s order a foreign built car by a foreign owned company?
  
  Realist… premium fuel is not required on the Taurus Turbo. In fact Dodge does not recommend regular unleaded for it’s 5.7, it recommends premium. And which PD’s stockpiled Caprices?
  
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78. bghewy138 days ago
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  TD1 The new Caprice is built in Australia by Holden. I understand patriotism, but remember that Holden is a division of the new GM, so ultimately while the car has been designed and built in Australia, by Australians using predominantly Australian engineering know how it is still owned by GM.
  
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79. AFSOCSARGE137 days ago
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  The Solution is to buy V-8 Rear Wheel Drive based vehicles. Their results are clear which vehicles win the Police Vehicle Competition
  
  The Dodge Charger and Magnum police car testing results
  http://www.allpar.com/squads/police-cars/charger-police-testing.html
  
  The Most Recent Test 2010
  
  Michigan State Police 2010 police pursuit car tests: Dodge Charger and other cars
  http://www.allpar.com/squads/police-cars/MSP-cars-2010.html
  
  It is clear which platform has ” The Best” Performing Vehicle and no it was not at FWD Platform
  
  -Sarge
  
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80. TD1137 days ago
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  bghewy…I should have clarified that I was referring to the Charger in that comment.
  
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81. Bankruptcy2009137 days ago
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  Chevyman you do not know what police departments wants and or needs. In other words you are no authority on what a police department spends, and the Taurus SHO does NOT – I repeat DOES NOT REQUIRE PREMIUM FUEL. IF IT WERE MY POLICE DEPARTMENT IT would be all TAURUS PI with the SHO ENGINE.
  AND I HAVE BID TO MANY PUBLIC AGENCIES in the PAST MYSELF and ESPECIALLY Police Departments WITH HELP FROM CORPORATE. SO I HAVE BEEN IN SALES I KNOW WHAT COMPETITVE BID OPPORTUNITES ARE AND HOW TO BID IN THEM. YOU DON’T PLAIN AND SIMPLE. AND I AM SURE FORD CAN DO ONE HECK OF A DEAL FOR PD’s across the Country. AT THIS POINT CHEVY IS DESPERATE FOR ANY BUSINESS IT GETS LOL. . So thank you Chevy by offering yet another NON VIABLE CAR THAT DOES NOT HAVE AWD to compete with the TAURUS SHO!
  
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82. The Realist137 days ago
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  I NEVER said it REQUIRED premium fuel. I said they won’t make 365HP as premium is necessary to make that kind of power.
  
  See…the process is read—>comprehend—>reply…..and clearly you are losing it at ‘comprehend’.
  
  “So thank you Chevy by offering yet another NON VIABLE CAR THAT DOES NOT HAVE AWD”
  
  And you would not buy all SHOW PIs because you are not a city department. Some of our squads don’t even have cruise control…and the hub caps on the CV were passed because it added to the cost of the car.
  
  And you are going to tell me that PDs are going to be buying a trouble prone, mediocre SHOW/non-SHOW PI that will cost more to buy/operate/repair than a Caprice…and be no more efficient?
  
  You are nuts.
  
  And for the last time…PDs all across the country have shown that a Crown Vic is a great snow machine with a set of snow tires. They don’t need some silly, mediocre, unreliable AWD system that will hurt fuel economy year round…and not give them increased turning/stopping power.
  
  AWD is a joke…and you asserting that PDs can all of the sudden not function unless they have the AWD, mediocre appliance from Ford is an even bigger joke.
  
  “Realist… premium fuel is not required on the Taurus Turbo. In fact Dodge does not recommend regular unleaded for it’s 5.7, it recommends premium. And which PD’s stockpiled Caprices?”
  
  I said it was required to make 365HP…which is why Ford states “premium recommended”. And many departments stockpiled Caprices in 1996. Just like with the 2010 Ford PI Appliance, The Ford version of a squad car was very mediocre compared with the Chevy version.
  
  I know my department…here in Minnesota…is going to be buying Caprices. We don’t need the headaches of FWD (frail wheel drive) or the same headaches times 2 for the AWD version.
  
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83. southwest9137 days ago
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  wow Realist, you sound really angry. Usually in a debate it’s a sign you’ve lost the argument.
  
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84. Wawa137 days ago
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  to all – wow – impressed. Amen. Chevy will prevail. Good luck Mr. Lutz. Job well done.
  
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85. Wawa137 days ago
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  G8 – Impala Caprice from Australia. 5.7 Rear Wheel Drive.
  
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86. The Realist137 days ago
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  “wow Realist, you sound really angry. Usually in a debate it’s a sign you’ve lost the argument.”
  
  I don’t lose…I only win.
  
  That tone that you mistook as me being angry, is the sound of me completely crushing that blind cheerleader.
  
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87. olds307137 days ago
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  If Ford were smart, now that the engineering is done, offer a regular issue 6 passenger Taurus with the column shifter as an extra cost option, as Chevrolet does with the Impala, (and plenty of buyers opt for the 6 passenger configuration, especially that the Impala is one of the few cars still available in such a configuration.)
  
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88. 09Accord137 days ago
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  The Realist, you sound like a worse version of NMOFGM.
  
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89. jmc6000137 days ago
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  @ Realist You have no proof whatsoever that the Taurus FWD/AWD is or will be unreliable. I mean lets be real here Realist, have ever driven or owned a Taurus, do you have ANY experiance at all of its capablitys or its reliablity? I am gonna guess NO, because you would never own, how dare I say it, a Ford product! So untill you speak from experiance do us all a favor and sit down and shut up! Your points are useless and invaild and are not even backed up by facts, but just your personal bias dribble, in which I can speak for everbody in that NOBODY CARES!!
  
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90. krzystoff136 days ago
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  that is a stunning beast!
  
  that said, it’s incredibly hard to imagine this coming from the Taurus platform — matured so well over the years.
  
  Ford appears to have missed the two most important parts of the police cruiser, however — there isn’t nearly enough room for a couple of venti americanos and the doughnut tray is tiny, how are the boys supposed to work without basic provisions?
  
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91. Bankruptcy2009136 days ago
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  09Accord don’t fool yourself his old Screen name was NMOFGM but he was banned for like the 100th times with that dumb screen name besides he feels its his motto to say Drill baby Drill more oil for GM.
  Anyway bwhahahahahaha yeah right =NMOFGM I mean the UNrealist your the one crushed.
  No Sir the car can produce 365 HP on regular gas your wrong once again. It can run on either reg or Super you stupid stupid idiot! No AWD is SUPERIOR TO RWD to any and I MEAN ANY RWD car even with Gay Plastic Studded snow tires especially if its the caprice which breaks down often and leaks oil out of every major engine Seal. Mkay that’s for starters “The Realist” or NMOFGM which ever you prefer. We know your trying to distance yourself from your old screen name but the way you express yourself gives you away instantly! Even though you think in incoherent sentences. We think your brain has a recall on it, better get that checked out NMOFGM oh sorry I meant the REALIST! Oh and BTW the Ford Taurus maybe heavier than the Caprice but Ford can run circles around your Chevy ANY DAY OF THE WEEK BLIND FOLDED. The 2010 Ford Taurus Can Out Accelerate, OUt Stop, Out turn, and Out Slalom your Caprice. You want to talk about a worth appliance that would be the Chevy Caprice all over again!
  
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92. Bankruptcy2009136 days ago
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  @ The Realist you can say you were just CRUSHED by the FACTS once again as they are and not as you would like them to be!
  
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93. Bankruptcy2009136 days ago
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  One parting shot again @ The Realist or Unrealist as it turns out to be. Now since you did’nt believe me to lay off the police departments this is what Los Angeles Police Department had to say about both Ford Automobiles. I’m sad to see the Crown Vic go,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Robinson, who has been on the force for 27 years.
  
  For the last 10 years he’s been a driving instructor for the department.
  
  “Everybody knows that car, how to drive it and how to work on it. And the new car is, in a lot of ways, superior, and I’m excited about it. So its okay Realist its ok to say you’ve been Crushed now that is the 2nd largest city in the US and the Police Chief’s Deputy in charge of Purschasing had that to say about two Great Ford Products. The Taurus and the outgoing Crown Vic!
  
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94. Reality Checker109 days ago
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  Let me address some of the BS that many have spread on this topic…..
  
  1. The Crown Victoria Police iInterceptor (CVPI) is a 25 yr old platform that will not conform to new Federal roof crush standards and given its age Ford realized its time to end its life. Why spend millions to upgrade the roof crush when the rest of the car is old technology. Good decision.
  
  2. The new Police Interceptor (PI) may have the appearance of a Taurus but only those with limited intelligence believe its a retail product with cop badges. Almost every part on the PI has been changed or upgraded to make this vehicle the best Police Interceptor that has ever been built.
  
  3. For those who think the Carbon Motors E7 is the best choice, think again…..its nickname is the Bernie Madoff cop car because its all BS. They have one mockup thats been around for almost 10 years, at cop shows its roped off and you cant touch it…WTF? They have been asking for millions from the government to build the car and still have no money. Where is the plant to build it? Where is the parts and service network? Where are the dealers? Where are the aftermarket upfitters?………ya thats right it’s a fraud, don’t invest!
  
  4. The Charger with a HEMI is an old design with very select takers, they have a very small market of HWY Patrol agencies. Every City politician is pushing GREEN strategies and no City Police Agency is buying a HEMI. Fords new PI is the V6 EcoBoost with the best MPG there is in a cop car. The Charger sqeaks and rattles after a only few months, goes through 2 tanks of gas a shift, and goes through brakes like water. The trunk is way to small for most Agencies extra equipment.
  
  5. The new Caprice is very nice looking but anyone in Policing knows you don’t deliver a cop car with a floorshifter…Period!……that’s a showstopper! A 6.0 litre engine sounds good but again doesn’t fit the GREEN plan. Think about budgets when gas starts to climb back up again. Just look at Canada who is currently paying well over $4 a US gallon for gas. Also remember it has to be imported from Australia too.
  
  6. The new PI has an EcoBoost V6 engine with more HP then the current CVPI and gets much better mileage. The all wheel drive with traction control, ABS, EPAS steering, 5 STAR crash and the only Police vehicle to ever have a 75MPH rear crash rating. That right there separates this vehicle from the rest. No Police Union or Association is going to let a Police Department buy any other vehicle then the safest there is for their officers.
  
  Anyone in the cop business knows this new Interceptor just changed the whole game and the others are going to get left out in the cold with big V8 engines.
  
  Just wait for the Police Interceptor Utility out in a few months
  
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