WINDSOR, ON — After a 12-year hiatus from hot pursuits, Chrysler returns to patrolling the streets next year with its 2002 Chrysler Intrepid police car package.
Available to police departments only, the police vehicle package is based on the powerful 2002 Chrysler Intrepid R/T which features a high-output 3.5- litre SOHC V-6 engine that delivers 242 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 3950 rpm. In addition to a powerful engine, the Chrysler Intrepid police package features a high-performance suspension, heavy-duty four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, purpose-built lighting, fog lights and severe-duty powertrain cooling system.
"Chrysler has a proud car heritage," Pearl Davies, Chrysler / Jeep Brand Manager, DaimlerChrysler Canada said. "After conducting extensive one-on-one research with police officers throughout North America, Chrysler created a police vehicle that specifically answers their calls for ride, handling, performance, space and comfort."
The former Chrysler Corporation dominated the police car business in Canada and the United States in the 1960s, 70s and early 80s with market shares ranging from 45-60 percent. Police vehicles manufactured by Chrysler Corp. included the Dodge Royal Monaco, Dodge Coronet, Dodge Aries, Dodge Diplomat, Dodge Dart, Dodge St. Regis, Plymouth Gran Fury, Plymouth Volare, Plymouth Reliant and Chrysler Newport.
Chrysler-manufactured police cars were also popular in Hollywood. The television show Car 54 featured a Desoto police car, Adam 12 featured the Plymouth Satellite and AMC Matador police vehicles while the Blues Brothers movie featured Dodge Monaco police vehicles.