'06 Ford Crown Victoria P71 Police Interceptor*
Ford has been making police cars continuously since 1950, gaining a near monopoly in the business when GM discontinued production of the Caprice in 1996. Though the LT1 Caprices seriously outgunned it at the time, Ford has made steady improvements to the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI) since then, making the Vicky a rugged and reliable law-enforcement vehicle. Though rumors had been circulating that Ford would discontinue its fullsize, body-on-frame cars after the '07 model year, it has pledged to continue making the CVPI through 2011. No word yet on its replacement, though it's speculated that it may be based on a revised version of the current Mustang chassis.
To make a Police Interceptor, Ford takes the standard Crown Victoria and adds a 200-amp alternator; engine, transmission, and power-steering oil coolers; a heavy-duty suspension consisting of police-spec springs and shocks; and 235/55R17 tires. Also, there is a choice of a 3.21:1-ratio open diff or 3.55 limited-slip rear axle. Bucket seats, a rubber floor, and extra dome lights (known as "ticket lights") are among the interior differences. In addition, there are a number of police-equipment options available, including strobe lights installed inside the turn-signal and taillamp lenses, inside the grille, and on the rear package tray; wiring harnesses with several high-amperage power pickups; and extra grounds to aid in the installation of communications and lighting equipment.
When shopping for a CVPI at auction, the best cars to buy are the '03-and-later models with the suspension upgrades and slightly higher horsepower ratings. The larger departments tend to turn the units over more frequently than smaller departments and usually perform their own maintenance on a strict schedule. We regularly see prices for '03-and-later CVPIs in the $6,000.00 to $9,000.00 range.
Engine: 4.6L SOHC V-8
Horsepower: 250 @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 297 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Curb weight: 4,132 lbs.
Brakes
Front: 12.01-inch vented disc
Rear: 11.61-inch vented disc
Acceleration
0-60: 8.44 seconds
Quarter-mile: 16.45 seconds
@ 89.41 mph
Braking
60-0:154.44 feet
Top speed: 130 mph
*Performance info for all vehicles has been compiled from the Michigan State Policeand the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department vehicle-testing data.
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