Ford Faqs

It has crush-resistant bumpers with reinforced steel push bars, 18-inch alloy wheels and a V-8 engine. But its most imposing feature is the badge that it wears proudly. Ford unveiled the Ford Interceptor concept at the New York International Auto Show to shine the spotlight on the vehicle that protects and serves more cities in the U.S. than any other, the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.

Based on the 2003 Ford Police Interceptor, which this year receives major ride, steering and handling upgrades for today’s law enforcement officer, the Interceptor concept adds dramatic styling cues and tests new technologies to advance police work in the new millennium. “The Interceptor concept is a true professional law enforcement tool for the future,” says Chris Theodore, vice president, Ford North America Product Development. “It’s designed to look intimidating and perform its duties with unparalleled skill and unwavering bravery.”

The Interceptor concept is no rookie. It is a seasoned veteran building on the success of the police cruiser of choice, the Ford Police Interceptor. Based on its performance, predictability, reliability and durability, the rear-wheel-drive Police Interceptor commands approximately 80 percent of the police cruiser market in the United States and has for several years.

One look in the rearview mirror will leave would-be law-breakers with a feeling of dread as the Interceptor concept moves into view. The front end features a one-of-a-kind push/pursuit beam that extends beyond the normal bumper of a police car. The structural beam is constructed of a reinforced polymer. Mounted to the front beam is a high-strength stainless steel and cast aluminum push bar used for assisting stranded vehicles.

When the bad guys feel confidence in fleeing and pose a risk to public safety, the Interceptor concept’s push/pursuit beam can become an offensive tool in the skilled hands of a well-trained officer. With a properly executed push in the corner of the vehicle, the beam can be used to force a fleeing suspect’s vehicle into a spin. This technique is used to disorient a fleeing suspect and disable their vehicle thus avoiding a high-speed chase scenario.

Mounted to the side are innovative search mirrors, with integrated front-facing halogen searchlights combined with the side view mirrors. The searchlights swivel up, down and from side-to-side freely and are operated remotely from within the cabin. The search mirrors provide officers the full functionality of traditional A-pillar mounted searchlights without the need to bore holes in the car’s A-pillar. The results include a more ergonomic control mechanism inside, better quality and fit, improved vehicle aerodynamics and great looks.

Under the hood is the heart of the Interceptor concept. Its modular 4.6-liter, 4-valve V-8 engine produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. “The modular 4.6 is basically the same engine we use in today’s Crown Victoria, Mustang GT and Police Interceptor,” says Theodore. “But the modularity of these engines allowed us to add performance enhancements to match the personality of this extreme law enforcement machine.”

One of the most important benefits of the V-8 for police work is the exceptional launch characteristic it provides at the low end. Of course, the engine performs well at high speeds. However, like personal cars, most police cruisers have speed-limiting electronic governors installed to ensure safety. The V-8 in the Interceptor concept allows it to go from a standstill behind a billboard to the bumper of a speeder in a matter of seconds.