But to the police who drive the others every day and tested the new Intrepid on the P-TEK proving grounds there was no argument. The Chrysler, at 8.9 seconds to 100 km/h, out accelerated both the Chevy and Ford noticeably. It also out handled the competition. After continuing on the set course I was also impressed. The firm, specially tuned suspension offered quick turn in, flat cornering and excellent stability even when tossed from side to side through the slalom. The brakes were superb, stopping again and again in short order with imperceptible fade. Altogether the Intrepid police cruiser is a well balanced car, even better than the already good civilian duty Intrepid R/T that it's based on.
Also important to police officers is a short turning radius, necessary for performing those impressive U-turns just prior to the familiar light show. The Intrepid manages this feat in 11.5 m (37.6 ft) while the smaller Impala needs a slightly larger circle at 11.6 m (38.0 ft). The Crown Vic, as expected, needs 3 feet more of the street and part of the sidewalk at 12.5 m (40.9 ft).
To me though, the thrill of ripping around the track was substantially elevated by the wailing of sirens and flashing of lights, while not seeing them in the rearview mirror. Those police peripherals are a major drain on the electrical system thus Chrysler installed a 160-amp alternator, that produces 120-amps at idle. It's the most powerful in its class.
The interior, well let's just hope you don't see many of these unless you're in the business. It's stark compared to the cars you'll find down at the dealer, with cloth front seats and a stock vinyl bench in the rear - better for cleaning off muck I'd rather not think about. The driver's seat includes manual lumbar support and enough adjustability to keep the lower back and neck out of the chiropractor - an 8-way power driver's seat is available for the Chief. Speaking of the lower back, Chrysler designers created soft spots to make room for a police officer's utility belt, gun and holster - smart. The Intrepid dash hasn't been altered at all from the stock car, with the exception of the digital touchpad for controlling the auxiliary equipment. That said the one provided came from Whelan, a 50-year old specialist in the field that also equipped the test cars with their slick LED light bars. An AM/FM/cassette audio system is standard however, while a CD player is optional. Under the floor of the 521 L (18.4 cu ft) trunk a full-size spare comes standard.
Also important to police officers is a short turning radius, necessary for performing those impressive U-turns just prior to the familiar light show. The Intrepid manages this feat in 11.5 m (37.6 ft) while the smaller Impala needs a slightly larger circle at 11.6 m (38.0 ft). The Crown Vic, as expected, needs 3 feet more of the street and part of the sidewalk at 12.5 m (40.9 ft).
To me though, the thrill of ripping around the track was substantially elevated by the wailing of sirens and flashing of lights, while not seeing them in the rearview mirror. Those police peripherals are a major drain on the electrical system thus Chrysler installed a 160-amp alternator, that produces 120-amps at idle. It's the most powerful in its class.
The interior, well let's just hope you don't see many of these unless you're in the business. It's stark compared to the cars you'll find down at the dealer, with cloth front seats and a stock vinyl bench in the rear - better for cleaning off muck I'd rather not think about. The driver's seat includes manual lumbar support and enough adjustability to keep the lower back and neck out of the chiropractor - an 8-way power driver's seat is available for the Chief. Speaking of the lower back, Chrysler designers created soft spots to make room for a police officer's utility belt, gun and holster - smart. The Intrepid dash hasn't been altered at all from the stock car, with the exception of the digital touchpad for controlling the auxiliary equipment. That said the one provided came from Whelan, a 50-year old specialist in the field that also equipped the test cars with their slick LED light bars. An AM/FM/cassette audio system is standard however, while a CD player is optional. Under the floor of the 521 L (18.4 cu ft) trunk a full-size spare comes standard.