Ford has unveiled its 2016 Policy Interceptor Utility as a new vehicle for cops to pull people over and chase bad guys.
The new model, which debuted just days before this year's Chicago Auto Show, shares the same design as the Detroit-based automaker's Explorer SUV and Taurus sedan, according to Uncover Michigan.
Ford made sure to give its new SUV the look of an impressive police vehicle with several improvements over previous models, such as new headlights on the front and back ends and a new electrical system in the interior.
The company worked with a panel of 25 law enforcement professionals across the U.S. on the car's design, looking to provide defense mechanisms that will make sure police are protected while on duty, Uncover Michigan reported.
The Police Interceptor Utility comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox that keeps track of brake line pressure, deceleration and lateral acceleration rates, SlashGear reported. This feature also determines on its own when to switch between economy mode and Pursuit mode and allows the car to perform J turns, in which it spins 180 degrees.
Additional features include a 3.7-liter V6 engine, which police forces can switch for a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for more horsepower and torque, as well as a reinforced subframe and larger suspension springs.
Cops driving the new Utility will have extra protection from criminals thanks to the Level III ballistic shields they can fit to the front doors, SlashGear reported. Other improvements include blind-spot monitoring to mark vehicles in other lanes or while reversing, the option to pipe video from the rear camera to the rearview mirror, and a "surveillance mode" add-on to let the cop know when someone is approaching the back of the car.
Ford will begin production for the 2016 Police Interceptor Utility at its Chicago assembly plant with the goal of releasing the SUV to drivers this summer.
