Available HEMI Power to serve and protect
It's no big secret, but the Crown Victoria is getting old, and it's no longer the only big, rear-drive car viable to be used as a police vehicle.
Now, the Charger and Magnum from Dodge pack modern technology, rear-wheel drive handling and a 340 horsepower HEMI engine, appealing to police departments across North America as the next possible threat to lawbreakers everywhere.
But can the modern Dodge compete with the tried and tested Ford Crown Victoria? Dodge thinks so, and so do I. Charger and Magnum put modern muscle and cutting edge technology put into the hands of the good guys, Dodge says.
With its MDS or Multi Displacement System, the Hemi equipped machines deliver blistering pursuit performance while saving up to 20 percent on fuel. The 3.5 litre engine will also be offered, with 250 horsepower rounding it out as an ideal blend of performance and economy.
"As a business decision, if you have 200 of these on the road, economy becomes very important" one officer told me.
Some hardware upgrades for the police package include an Electronically Modulated Converter Clutch (EMCC) in the transmission to offer improved shifts for a variety of driving styles and road conditions. Heavy duty brakes are included as well, as are a selection of electronic driving aids including Electronic Stability Control (ESP). A severe duty cooling system for the engine tends to the effects of round-the-clock operation, while separate external coolers for engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid are fitted as well.
The impressive list of hardware is more than what is available with the aging Crown Vic model, and Chryslers V6 engine matches the Fords V8 in output. The LX platform cars are more powerful and safer than the Crown Vic, long a favorite amongst law enforcement officers everywhere. I spoke to an officer who was testing out the Magnum fitted with the police package.
"We love the Crown Victoria's. They're better than a front wheel drive car any day of the week for the work we do. The Magnum is a great supervisor's car though. Personally, I don't like the rear visibility in the car, but it's got plenty of room for kits and gear and it seems to handle well too."
It's not the first time Ford and Dodge have seen each other in the line of duty. In the 60's, 70's and 80's, Dodge vehicles like the Monaco, Dart and Coronet were used as police cars.
Look for a police-spec Magnum or Charger in a rearview mirror near you.
It's no big secret, but the Crown Victoria is getting old, and it's no longer the only big, rear-drive car viable to be used as a police vehicle.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
But can the modern Dodge compete with the tried and tested Ford Crown Victoria? Dodge thinks so, and so do I. Charger and Magnum put modern muscle and cutting edge technology put into the hands of the good guys, Dodge says.
With its MDS or Multi Displacement System, the Hemi equipped machines deliver blistering pursuit performance while saving up to 20 percent on fuel. The 3.5 litre engine will also be offered, with 250 horsepower rounding it out as an ideal blend of performance and economy.
"As a business decision, if you have 200 of these on the road, economy becomes very important" one officer told me.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
The impressive list of hardware is more than what is available with the aging Crown Vic model, and Chryslers V6 engine matches the Fords V8 in output. The LX platform cars are more powerful and safer than the Crown Vic, long a favorite amongst law enforcement officers everywhere. I spoke to an officer who was testing out the Magnum fitted with the police package.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
It's not the first time Ford and Dodge have seen each other in the line of duty. In the 60's, 70's and 80's, Dodge vehicles like the Monaco, Dart and Coronet were used as police cars.
Look for a police-spec Magnum or Charger in a rearview mirror near you.
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