2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit

[HallOfPromise]

Here is an amateur video of the 2011 Dodge Charger Pursuit at a Police Fleet Expo. The lines of the side paneling and rear of the car seem to be the most different visually. It almost looks a bit smaller. However, not quite sure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5suR1RUwPA

The funny thing is Chrysler hasn't released any major photos or details of the upcoming model. So this video is the first real look at it, supposedly.

Here is a little more about the new 2011 model:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/chrysler-releases-details-on-2011-dodge-charger-pursuit-police-c/

[Vinnie]

Bah! Another floor shifter... guess we won't be seeing that one any time soon, either.

[Mustang_Boy]

http://jalopnik.com/5644083/the-great-american-cop-car-shootout

Jalopnik somehow was able to get into the Michigan State Police vehicle evaluation and they even have a video of some of the cars on the track. The new Ford Police Interceptor was there and it did see track time, it was not officially included as it was it's not in production until next year. From what I can draw, it did pretty well and held it's own. Chevrolet is claiming victory for it's new Caprice over the Dodge Charger and Ford.... here's the cavaet however- the Caprice was compared against the CURRENT Crown Victoria, NOT the new Taurus based Interceptor.... that and the Charger was not far behind either performance wise; that and the Taurus PI actually had the fastest lap time (with the twin turbo V6 and AWD) plus as Vinnie mentioned- the Caprice DOES NOT have a column mounted shifter, which is a huge problem for many, many, many agencies.... honestly I think the CHP would disqualify it for that reason!

[Allen8511]

We should take bets to see what new patrol vehicle the CHP will choose. As of right now I'm thinking the Charger.

[Vinnie]

I'll vote Ford, unless somebody moves their shifter. Plus, the folks who are building our integrated radio/computer system are already in cahoots with Ford, so you gotta wonder... :think:

[Motor City Cop]

I'll vote Ford, unless somebody moves their shifter. Plus, the folks who are building our integrated radio/computer system are already in cahoots with Ford, so you gotta wonder... :think:
I'll second that motion. I would think that Ford isn't going to develop a integrated technology system with the CHP only to have the CHP turn around and purchase mostly Dodges and Chevys. My guess is that the majority of the CHP fleet will be Fords with a small number of Chargers mixed in.
Remember the current Charger did not come with a column shifter at first either. Chrysler moved it from the floor to the column as an afterthought. I'll bet that in the end, the new Charger will have a column shifter option.

[HallOfPromise]

First the muscle car, and now this. I have to admit I'm a bit giddy seeing such great competition for the LE segment.

It's also so damn nice seeing those cars on the track! Just like Ricky Bobby once said, "I wanna go fast!"

[Freshwater]

Once all the crown vics are used up and cars have to be purchased. The CHP will buy the cheapest car that fits the mold. The V6 FWD/AWD Ford does not fit in that mold. So its between the Charger and Caprice. The Caprice has much better visability from the driver seat than the Charger. You literally drive blind in the Charger. V8 RWD power is about the same as is the handling. But the biggest kicker, is the price. Government Motors should come though on that, so the CHP may get lucky and end up with the Caprice in 2015.:lol: Not the best looking car, but great improvement on everything from the crown vic and better than the Charger in everything but looks.

[JCH]

https://www.fleet.chrysler.com/fleetcda/portal?pageid=dbbe365479fe6110VgnVCM100000e9261c35 RCRD&sectionid=fb66cce1be7f5110VgnVCM10000091f4e735RCRD&ptitle=Charger%20Pursuit

[Motor City Cop]

Once all the crown vics are used up and cars have to be purchased. The CHP will buy the cheapest car that fits the mold. The V6 FWD/AWD Ford does not fit in that mold. So its between the Charger and Caprice. The Caprice has much better visability from the driver seat than the Charger. You literally drive blind in the Charger. V8 RWD power is about the same as is the handling. But the biggest kicker, is the price. Government Motors should come though on that, so the CHP may get lucky and end up with the Caprice in 2015.:lol: Not the best looking car, but great improvement on everything from the crown vic and better than the Charger in everything but looks.
How does the Taurus not fit the mold? Same interior dimensions as the current Vic, new ecoboost V6 with way more power than the old V8 and better fuel economy. Improved handling with AWD and on top of it all, an Explorer option (essentially the same car with a utility body). And if that's not enough, Ford has the column shifter.
The belief that the only acceptable police car is rear wheel drive with a V8 is outdated.

[1992CHPB4C]

How does the Taurus not fit the mold? Same interior dimensions as the current Vic, new ecoboost V6 with way more power than the old V8 and better fuel economy. Improved handling with AWD and on top of it all, an Explorer option (essentially the same car with a utility body). And if that's not enough, Ford has the column shifter.
The belief that the only acceptable police car is rear wheel drive with a V8 is outdated.

That ecoboost V6 gets no better gas mileage than the new Caprice or the Charger I bet. I bet some thought rear wheel drive was dead with the 1st police Taurus too. Just my thoughts or hopes, lol. Go Caprice!!!!!

[Motor City Cop]

Taurus equipped with ecoboost V6 17mpg city/25mpg hwy. I'm pretty confident that the old Caprice was thirstier.

[1992CHPB4C]

Taurus equipped with ecoboost V6 17mpg city/25mpg hwy. I'm pretty confident that the old Caprice was thirstier.

I disagree! This is an Impala but a 9C1 was the same. As for the new Caprices, our 2008 G8 GT is 15/24 but 100hp more than the old Impala/9C1 but we actually average higher mpg than that.
http://www.zeckhausen.com/ebay/Impala/Window_Sticker.jpg

[Vinnie]

That's the EPA for you. In the LT1-equipped Caprices, we were getting about 10-13 MPG, back in the day.

It'd be nice to see the Commodore/G8/Caprice in service. A boy can dream, I guess...

[1992CHPB4C]

That's the EPA for you. In the LT1-equipped Caprices, we were getting about 10-13 MPG, back in the day.

It'd be nice to see the Commodore/G8/Caprice in service. A boy can dream, I guess...

Was that because of a heavy right foot?:biggrin:

[spdchasr]

The 3.5L EcoBoost kicked the Charger (with Hemi) and the Caprice to the curb in testing yesterday at California Speedway. Ford has turned out a truly impressive vehicle... and the first pursuit-rated SUV. The Interceptor sedan led the 0-60 test with a time of less than 6 seconds.....

[Motor City Cop]

The 3.5L EcoBoost kicked the Charger (with Hemi) and the Caprice to the curb in testing yesterday at California Speedway. Ford has turned out a truly impressive vehicle... and the first pursuit-rated SUV. The Interceptor sedan led the 0-60 test with a time of less than 6 seconds.....
Too bad the Ecoboost isn't being offered in the new Explorer Interceptor. If the price is similar to the Taurus, I could see the Explorer being a more popular choice.

[spdchasr]

Too bad the Ecoboost isn't being offered in the new Explorer Interceptor. If the price is similar to the Taurus, I could see the Explorer being a more popular choice.

The price between the Interceptor and the Interceptor Utility (both equipped with the standard engine) will be comparable. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that the non-EcoBoost engine already cranks out about 280HP and may be close to 300HP before it goes into full production. The EcoBoost will be close to 400HP!

[Motor City Cop]

Well, if I can catch bad guys in the current underpowered CVPI, I surely can catch them with the standard V6 in the utility Interceptor. I'll take the utility space over the extra power any day. The extra power is useful sometimes but the utility space for my rolling office is useful all of the time!

[JCH]

Well, if I can catch bad guys in the current underpowered CVPI, I surely can catch them with the standard V6 in the utility Interceptor. I'll take the utility space over the extra power any day. The extra power is useful sometimes but the utility space for my rolling office is useful all of the time!

Negative... Ill take the power over functional space any day. I hate doing "office" work in a car. If I have paper Ill do it at the office before I go 10-8. I would benefit sooo much from a high powered patrol car right now. I've probably lost 3-4 cars at 100 plus while stationary radar this past couple of months because I lost sight of them thru a corner and by the time I catch up they have slowed down and I can't tell which car it was. If I had a faster car I would have never lost sight of them. My dream patrol car would be a corvette. Just throw the in custody in the trunk. ;) However I would be extremely happy with a hemi charger.

[aedmon640]

If we got the AWD turbo V6, those things would be in the shop every week after 70k miles

The simple RWD V8 of the caprice would have a much lower cost of ownership

[Motor City Cop]

Negative... Ill take the power over functional space any day. I hate doing "office" work in a car. If I have paper Ill do it at the office before I go 10-8. I would benefit sooo much from a high powered patrol car right now. I've probably lost 3-4 cars at 100 plus while stationary radar this past couple of months because I lost sight of them thru a corner and by the time I catch up they have slowed down and I can't tell which car it was. If I had a faster car I would have never lost sight of them. My dream patrol car would be a corvette. Just throw the in custody in the trunk. ;) However I would be extremely happy with a hemi charger.
Unfortunately I don't have the luxury of doing all of my reports and paperwork at the station as my call load is always heavy. Not to mention I need the utility space for evidence tech equipment and tactical response equipment. I suppose that's why Ford is offering the Taurus and Explorer versions of the Interceptor. Something for everyone. :smile:

[Motor City Cop]

If we got the AWD turbo V6, those things would be in the shop every week after 70k miles

The simple RWD V8 of the caprice would have a much lower cost of ownership

How do you know that? Let's reevaluate that statement after there is a fleet of AWD Tauruses on the road with 70k+ miles on them.
Like I said in another thread a while ago, I drive a 2008 Pontiac G8 GT. I love driving it and I'm sure the Caprice (pretty much the same car) will be a great car too. I just love the idea of having AWD. Especially in the winter after a few inches of snowfall.

[1992CHPB4C]

How do you know that? Let's reevaluate that statement after there is a fleet of AWD Tauruses on the road with 70k+ miles on them.
Like I said in another thread a while ago, I drive a 2008 Pontiac G8 GT. I love driving it and I'm sure the Caprice (pretty much the same car) will be a great car too. I just love the idea of having AWD. Especially in the winter after a few inches of snowfall.

Hell, I must have missed you saying you own a 2008 G8 GT. What color? Ours is Ignition Orange. Love them hence my preference on the Caprice. I owned tons of the old 9C1's and they were great cars. Hate the LT1 though.

It will be interesting to see how they fair in the future. I will still bet that the cost of ownership on the twin turbo is going to be more than the Caprice. The 6.0 is simple as long as they have fixed the issues with the weak lifters for the AFM. Southern Cali and here is Arizona will be a good test bed for the Eco-boost. I would like the Ford better if it had an option for RWD. AWD is great too, but I dont have a use for it.

[TheForceCHP]

My dream patrol car would be a corvette. Just throw the in custody in the trunk.

Having owned a Corvette I would say that it would be a horrible pursuit vehicle. I'm looking at real world driving/pursuit driving. Trust me it is FAST, BUT think of how many dips in the roadway you fly through at 60 mph + in the Crown Vic? What happens, maybe it bottoms out but it keeps going. Now trying doing that in the Vette, yah you would be out of the chase. Any true pursuit vehicle (like the 5.0 well before my time) needs some ground clearance. Their are plenty of fast cars now a days that can fit that mold and have the crap beat out of them.

[aedmon640]

How do you know that? Let's reevaluate that statement after there is a fleet of AWD Tauruses on the road with 70k+ miles on them.
Like I said in another thread a while ago, I drive a 2008 Pontiac G8 GT. I love driving it and I'm sure the Caprice (pretty much the same car) will be a great car too. I just love the idea of having AWD. Especially in the winter after a few inches of snowfall.

Its kind of like owning a turbo audi outside of warranty, no thanks... :tape:

[Gittinready]

If we got the AWD turbo V6, those things would be in the shop every week after 70k miles

The simple RWD V8 of the caprice would have a much lower cost of ownership

An interesting tidbit about ford's ecoboost motor. They've liquid cooled the turbos...a neat feature. They are doing a torture test on one of the ecoboosts in a truck. They did 150K torture test on a Dyno, then put it in a truck and went logging, then drove to miami and towed the max load (over 11K pounds) at full throttle for 24 hours. They did over 1900 miles averaging over 80 miles an hour reaching up to almost 100. Engine was still running strong. Next up they're doing a head to head test with the same beat up motor, then they're taking it to Baja. Good times. I think the motor will hold up well. Hopefully though, they beef up the drivetrain just as much.

[TheForceCHP]

An interesting tidbit about ford's ecoboost motor. They've liquid cooled the turbos...a neat feature. They are doing a torture test on one of the ecoboosts in a truck. They did 150K torture test on a Dyno, then put it in a truck and went logging, then drove to miami and towed the max load (over 11K pounds) at full throttle for 24 hours. They did over 1900 miles averaging over 80 miles an hour reaching up to almost 100. Engine was still running strong. Next up they're doing a head to head test with the same beat up motor, then they're taking it to Baja. Good times. I think the motor will hold up well. Hopefully though, they beef up the drivetrain just as much.

Already finished Baja and did great. Now it is going through the strip down to check the internals.

[Motor City Cop]

Hell, I must have missed you saying you own a 2008 G8 GT. What color? Ours is Ignition Orange. Love them hence my preference on the Caprice. I owned tons of the old 9C1's and they were great cars. Hate the LT1 though.


It is bright red with black/red leather interior. As you know, arguably one of the most fun cars to drive on the road today. Too bad GM released the car in the states just in time to axe the Pontiac brand.

[Motor City Cop]

Having owned a Corvette I would say that it would be a horrible pursuit vehicle. I'm looking at real world driving/pursuit driving. Trust me it is FAST, BUT think of how many dips in the roadway you fly through at 60 mph + in the Crown Vic? What happens, maybe it bottoms out but it keeps going. Now trying doing that in the Vette, yah you would be out of the chase. Any true pursuit vehicle (like the 5.0 well before my time) needs some ground clearance. Their are plenty of fast cars now a days that can fit that mold and have the crap beat out of them.
Agreed. And for all those who think staying in a pursuit is all about who has the most ponies under the hood remember....its not about who can drive the fastest in a straight line, its about who can handle their car through turns, traffic and poor roads. Exactly why EVOC training is so important. In my experience, more pursuits end because the bad guy crashes his superior car and not because he outran the police.

[Gittinready]

Already finished Baja and did great. Now it is going through the strip down to check the internals.

I know they finished, I was just referring to the videos they had posted. I'm excited. It even has me thinking about dumping by 5.4 and getting a V6 in a 4x4!!:shock:

[Motor City Cop]

On the other hand.....these a** holes provide a perfect example of why we do need all we can get under the hood.

http://broadbandsports.com/node/10561

If they had only run a bit longer...about a mile past where the Corvette driver says "we need fuel" is a Michigan State Police post.

[SlowZ28]

Everyone heralds the strength of the Eco-Boost engine but that isnt the weak link in cars anymore, its the transmission. It isn't uncommon for a CVPI to be on its 3rd transmission while still under warranty. The Mercedes W5A580(Charger trans) lasts a long time in cars with far more power than the V8 chargers, while the 4R75W(CV trans) is a fragile by comparison.

The Charger handles great, has tons of interior room, and stops on a dime. Its VERY expensive to maintain, and has its a tiny trunk.

One thing to remember when comparing these cars is that the V8 charger is about the same price as the 3.5DOHC "Duratech 35" Ford and has way more horsepower and torque. The Eco-tec AWD version of the new ford is a very expensive option for a state that buys based on lowest bid. I personally wouldn't mind a fleet of V6 chargers.

[jtn]

What about the ease of driving an awd vehicle compared to rwd. I am not saying that it is tough to drive a rwd vehicle, but it's much easier to drive an awd vehicle at high speeds/cornering and in wet conditions. IMO if the Highway Patrol adopted a PV that is easier to drive at high speeds, the numbers of officer involved tcs would see a significant reduction.