New Police Responder truck and hybrid car models developed by Ford for American law enforcement agencies have undergone rigorous testing by the Michigan State Police. Now they have just been approved for use in street patrols by police forces. They represent the first pickup and hybrid models to be pursuit-rated by law enforcement.
Expected to begin service next summer, the 2019 Ford Police Responder Hybrid sedan consumes half as much fuel as the legendary V8-equipped Crown Victoria Police Responder. This improvement is not surprising considering how much time patrol cars remain idling. The new Responder is also faster than the ubiquitous old Crown Victoria to accelerate up to 160 km/h.
For its part, the 2018 Ford F-150 Police Responder with SuperCrew cabin is fitted with a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine delivering 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, more than any other police car currently in service in North America. It will be particularly valuable during off-road pursuits and operations.
The new models meet the stated desire of police forces in the United States to have at their disposal a more diverse range of patrol vehicles.
Take a moment to revisit Ford police vehicles of the past and see how they have evolved from 1950 to today.
