>>Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
(CVPI)

A second generation Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor of the New York City Police Department, pictured here in April 2008.
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Also called	Ford Crown Victoria P71 (1998-2009) Ford Crown Victoria P7B (2010-2011)
Production	1992 – 2011
Assembly	St. Thomas, Canada
Successor	Ford Taurus Police Interceptor
Class	Patrol car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Panther

The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (colloquially referred to simply as the CVPI or P71) is a civilian police car that was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from 1992 to 2011. It is the law enforcement version of the Ford Crown Victoria. From much of the 1990s and into the early 2010s, the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was the most widely used automobile inlaw enforcement operations in the United States and Canada.

History

After the discontinuation of the Chevrolet Caprice, the Ford Motor Company held a near-monopoly on the market for police cruisers in the United States and Canada for over a decade, because the conventional rear-wheel drive, V8 power, and body-on-frame construction are advantageous for police use. The CVPI's body-on-frame construction allowed inexpensive repairs after accidents without the need to straighten the chassis. Rear-wheel drive made the car easier to avoid spin-outs during hard maneuvers than front drive rivals, and allowed it to better withstand rough driving over curbs and other obstacles in the urban environment.

Although the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor was not sold to the general public, they are widely available via secondhand in North America once they are decommissioned and no longer in service in law enforcement and fleet duty. The cars are in demand by taxi companies, those who want a safe car, and those who need a car with a bench seat which can take three passengers in the back. The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor came equipped with many heavy duty parts such as a revised transmission, and a 187 kW (254 PS; 251 hp) engine. Used Crown Victoria Police Interceptor are normally stripped of any police decals, computer equipment, police radios, and emergency lights before being sold or auctioned to the public.

Discontinuation

In April 2011, the Ford Motor Company stopped accepting new orders for the CVPI, instead offering a version of the Ford Taurus. By the end of December 2011, manufacturing of the Ford Crown Victoria altogether.

First generation (1992-1997)

First generation

A first generation Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor of the Miami-Dade Police Department, pictured here in August 2004.
Production	1992 – 1997
Engine	4.6 L Modular  V8
Transmission	4-speed AOD/AOD-E automatic 4-speed 4R70W  automatic
Wheelbase	114.4 in (2,906 mm)
Length	1992 – 1994: 212.4 in (5,395 mm) 1995–97: 212.0 in (5,385 mm)
Width	77.8 in (1,976 mm)
Height	1992 – 1994: 56.7 in (1,440 mm) 1995–97: 56.8 in (1,443 mm)
Related	Mercury Grand Marquis Lincoln Town Car

Though the name has been officially in use since 1992, the 1978–1991 full-size LTDs and LTD Crown Victorias and 1992 updated body style used the "P72" production code designation for both fleet/taxi and police models, with the model itself being internally classified as S (similar to LX). From 1993 to 1997, the police car models of the Crown Victoria were officially known as Crown Victoria P71s.

In the 1993 model year, the Crown Victoria was given a chrome front grille and a reflector strip between the taillights. Another minor restyle followed suit in 1995, with a new grille and taillights. To accommodate the design of the 1995's new taillights, the rear license plate was moved from the bumper to the trunk's lid.

1995–1997 CVPI of the Raleigh, N.C., Police Department

Second generation (1998-2011)

Second generation

A second generation Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, pictured here in April 2007.
Production	1998–2011
Engine	4.6 L Modular  V8
Transmission	4-speed 4R70W  automatic
Wheelbase	114.7 in (2,913 mm)
Length	212.0 in (5,385 mm)
Width	2007: 77.3 in (1,963 mm) 1998–2006: 78.2 in (1,986 mm)
Height	1998–2001, 2006–2011: 56.8 in (1,443 mm) 2002–05: 58.3 in (1,481 mm)
Related	Mercury Grand Marquis Mercury Marauder Lincoln Town Car

A second generation Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor in October 2006, photographed with its emergency lighting switched on.

For the 1998 model year, the Ford Motor Company restyled the Crown Victoria, eliminating the "aero" look that the first generation Crown Victoria had from 1992 to 1997; adopting the more conservative styling of the Mercury Grand Marquis. Both cars included restyled front and rear end components. The 1998 police package P71 had a chrome grille, chrome door handle trim, chrome bumper strips, and a chrome-trimmed flat black rear fascia with the "Crown Victoria" badge. At this time, the car was still known as the "Crown Victoria P71".

1999 introduced the "Crown Victoria Police Interceptor" name, with a badge on the trunk lid replacing the 1998 "Crown Victoria" badge. A chrome-trimmed gloss black rear fascia, unpainted door handle trim, black bumper strips, and a gloss black slatted grille were also introduced at this time. Finally, the new "Street Appearance Package", intended to make the Police Interceptor look like a Standard (P73) model, including chrome trimming and badging, was introduced.

Midway through 1999, the taillights were also changed. 1998 and early 1999 models had a separate amber turn signal along the bottom edge of each taillight housing. Starting in mid-1999, the extra bulbs were eliminated and the turn signals returned to the combination stop/turn setup with red lenses found in many North American cars. Although the lenses changed, the housings did not; they still had the chambers for the separate turn signals that early models had. These chambers were now empty, leaving a perfect place to install in police cars strobe tubes that would not affect brake or turn signal visibility. Non-Police Interceptors and Police Interceptors equipped with the "Street Appearance Package" retained the amber turn signal.

For 2000, the rear fascia and taillights lost the chrome trim, and the gloss black grille was dropped in favor of a flat black slatted grille. Further refinements were made in 2001, including removal of all trim on the plastic bumper pieces and a new honeycomb-style grille, replacing the slat-style grille as is found on previous standard Crown Victorias and CVPIs. Power adjustable pedals also became an option starting in the 2001 model year. Ford also relocated the rear window defrost switch from the left side of the dash to the direct left of the HVAC controls.

The year 2003 brought a minor redesign. The interior door panels and seats were freshened, with side-impact airbags becoming an option. The 2001–2004 CVPIs all look the same on the exterior; the way for one to tell the 2003 - 2011 cars apart from the 2001 and 2002 models is by examining the wheels. The suspension, brakes, steering, and frame all were redesigned for the 2003 model year. Because of the new underpinnings, the wheels for the newer cars have a much higher offset. They look almost flat, compared to the concave wheels on the older model years. Along with a new wheel design, new hubcaps were introduced.

Police interceptor/Mercury Marauder air intake assembly.

The 2004–2011 Police Interceptor is rated for 186.5 kW (254 PS; 250 hp) mostly due to the addition of a new better flowing air intake system. This system includes a new airbox that is similar to the Mercury Marauder airbox (raised airbox lid, deeper bottom), with an integrated 80 mm (3.1 in) mass airflow (MAF) sensor that is part of the airbox lid. This allows for much more precise flow calibration and reduces the chances of air leakage. The P71 zip tube (the flexible rubber hose between the throttle body and MAF outlet) is also used to reduce NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) as well as transfer air from the airbox to the throttle body with minimal flow resistance.

Standard on the 2006 is a redesigned instrument cluster, which now sports an analog speedometer, tachometer, digital odometer with hour meter and trip meter features, and cross-compatibility with the civilian version's various features (these are normally locked out, but can be accessed through wiring modification). Kevlar-lined front doors, which might be useful as protective barriers during gunfights, are optional on the Crown Victoria Police Interceptors for the 2006 Model Year. Also introduced in 2006, for P70/P72 Commercial Heavy Duty models and P71 Police Interceptor models is a 17" steel wheel, replacing the previous 16" wheels, plus new flat gray wheel covers rather than chromed wheel covers as in previous years.

For 2008, the Crown Victoria is restricted to fleet-only sales, and all Panther-platform cars are now flex-fuel cars. The CVPI receives some new options, such as the ability to have keyless entry. Presumably, this feature was added because the Chevrolet Impala Police Sedan has had keyless entry as an option since its inception.

For the 2009 model year, the CVPI now has power pedals as standard equipment. Standard equipment across the entire Panther line is side impact airbags and new federally mandated recessed window switches. The CVPI also received upgraded brakes for 2009, although specifics about them are not available. The confirmation flash that occurs when the doors are locked is now automatically disabled when the Courtesy Lamp Disable option is ordered. The confirmation flash was considered to be a safety issue because the lights would flash when officers exited the vehicle and locked the doors, potentially giving their presence away at night. No other appreciable changes have been noted yet. Also new for 2009 Ford put a "Flex Fuel" badge in the right rear corner of the rear facia (2009 - 2011).

The 2011 model year Ford CVPI (and regular civilian models P74, P73, etc.) received updated larger front headrests to comply with new front crash rating standards.

Comparison with the Crown Victoria

There are few notable differences between the Police Interceptor and standard Crown Victoria or Grand Marquis. Both cars use the same Flex Fuel 4.6 L 2V SOHC V8, Ford Modular engine, and Ford 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engine and drive train

The Police Interceptor is equipped with an external oil-to-engine-coolant oil cooler to reduce engine oil temperatures, allowing the vehicles to operate at high rpm/high loads for an extended period of time without the risk of engine oil overheating and subsequent engine damage. This engine oil cooler can be prone to seeping oil from the O-ring seals after the high mileage operation encountered by Police Interceptors, particularly where damaged by road salt.

The Police Interceptor engine calibration includes a slightly higher idle speed (by approximately 40 rpm) and minor changes in the emissions settings. The computer is tuned for more aggressive transmission shift points, and the transmission itself is built for firmer and harder shifts. The engine has slightly higher compression over the stock 4.6L used in non-police vehicles, at 9.6:1 vs 9.5:1. The EGR system is controlled differently on 03+ vehicles than on 03+ non-police vehicles.

The 2006-present Police Interceptors are mostly equipped with a 3.27:1 rear axle ratio and are electronically limited to 140 mph (225 km/h) due to critical driveline speed limitations, (an optional 3.55:1 trac loc rear axle ratio with 120 mph speed limiter was available but is rare). Pre-2006 Police Interceptors equipped with the 3.27:1 rear axle ratio were generally limited to approximately 131 mph (211 km/h). This is compares to the standard non-P71 2.73 rear axle ratio with a speed limitation of 110 mph (177 km/h) for all "civilian" Crown Victorias.

Ford used an aluminum metal matrix composite driveshaft for the 1993–2005 Police Interceptors as a measure to allow safe operation at over 150 mph (241 km/h), but it was more expensive than the regular aluminum driveshafts. Ford reintroduced a 3.55:1 rear axle ratio for the 2006 model year Police Interceptors with a 120 mph (193 km/h) speed limitation to reduce the risk of driveshaft failure.

Police Interceptors also have a reinforced frame and body mounts and an optional limited slip rear differential.

1996 Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor Horsepower 210 Axle ratio: 3.27 1/4 Mile = 16.80 @ 84 MPH.

2010 Ford Police Interceptor Horsepower 240 Axle Ratio: 3.55 1/4 mile = 16.10 @85 MPH

City Police Departments chose the 3.55 Gear ratio, while Highway Departments chose 3.27.

Body and chassis

Another difference is Ford's "severe duty" shock absorbers that offer a stiffer ride than the standard Crown Victoria. They also have black steel wheels with stainless steel or chromed plastic hubcaps.

All Police Interceptors also come with T-409 stainless steel dual exhaust systems without resonators. Standard Crown Victorias come with a stainless steel single exhaust system, while the Handling and Performance Package and LX Sport-equipped Crown Victorias have the same exhaust system as the Police Interceptor, with the resonators. The resonators further reduce noise, vibration, and harshness without adding any restriction to the exhaust system. Police Interceptors have higher-rate coil springs, approximately 0.8 inches (20.3 mm) of additional ground clearance, and thinner rear antiroll bars (shared with the LX Sport) than the Handling and Performance Package Crown Victorias; the base Crown Victoria does not have a rear antiroll bar.

On 2004 and newer models, P71s have a 200 A alternator and a 78 A h battery.

Ford also offers trunk packages for equipment storage (see below), and as of 2005, has added an optional fire suppression system to the Police Interceptor.

The bulk of police car modifications, such as installation of emergency lights, sirens, passenger seat dividers, and plastic rear bench seats, are offered as aftermarket modifications by third parties.

Interior

The front seats have a steel "stab plate" built into the back so that a suspect being transported in the back seat cannot stab the officers in the front seat with a knife or other sharp object. Also, most Police Interceptors have a break in the front "bench seat" despite having the shifter on the steering column. This gap between seats is generally filled by a console holding radios, controls for emergency equipment, large firearms, and often a laptop computer or mobile data terminal (MDT). The Police Interceptor also has a calibrated 140 mph (225 km/h) speedometer.

Identification

One way to distinguish most P71s is the small "Police Interceptor" badge that replaces the standard "Crown Victoria" markings on the trunk lid, although the Street Appearance Package (SAP) Police Interceptors forgo this badge, using the standard Crown Victoria marking. Police Interceptor badges are now available for purchase online, so this identifying technique is not as reliable as it once was. Street Appearance Package (SAP) cars also use chrome trim rather than the black trim of normal Police Interceptors. P71's can also be identified by the dual exhaust and an analog 140 mph speedometer. The Police Interceptor has the interior trunk release in the center of the dashboard with a prominent warning decal right below it, while the civilian version has it in the driver's door. All 1998 and newer Crown Victorias made for civilian (non-fleet) use have a five digit horizontal keypad (known as SecuriCode) above the driver side door handle which can be used to lock/unlock the car and open its trunk. All P70, 71, and 72 Crown Victorias are assembled without this keyless entry system so unless the driver door was damaged and had an improper replacement door installed any Crown Victoria you see with a keypad is a civilian one, while any one without a keypad is a P70, 71, or 72 fleet Crown Victoria. The only completely infallible way to identify a Police Interceptor is to look for the code "P71" in the VIN.

Police Interceptors will have the characters "P71" as the model code in the VIN, instead of P70 (Stretched wheelbase), P72 (Commercial Heavy Duty/Taxi and fleet vehicles), P73 (Base), P74 (LX), or P75 (1992 Touring Sedan).

Only Police Interceptors were available with black front grilles.

Problems and criticism

Following the criticism of fires following highway-speed rear-end collisions, 2005 and later model Police Interceptors now come with an optional automatic fire suppression system and special "trunk packs" designed to prevent cargo from penetrating the fuel tank in a collision. Each agency must pay an additional $150 per-car for the trunk packs. For a more detailed discussion of the fuel tank leakage concerns that prompted these changes, see Ford Crown Victoria.

There were also some problems with early 2003 Police Interceptors. The newly designed steel wheels would rust prematurely, and the rack and pinion steering units would fail early (≤10,000 miles). This was not limited to the Police Interceptor; some 2004 Mercury Marauders were also affected. A recent recall (04M05) affects the steel wheels used on 2003–05 Police Interceptors.

Another issue with the wheels have been weld points that come loose, causing rapid air loss in tires and the potential for loss of control. A recall was issued after an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, the company has created anger among civilian owners of 2003+ Police Interceptors by refusing to honor the recall unless the vehicle is still being used in fleet service. The only way this problem could be addressed is if the civilian customer complains to a dealership about air leakage problems, an inability to balance the wheels properly, or a "nibble" or excessive vibration in the steering at speed. The issue is then addressed through the "Customer Satisfaction Program" that Ford has initiated for the same wheels. Ford ultimately resolved this issue on production cars in 2006 by introducing new 17" steel wheels for their heavy duty models. These wheels may be of interest to those who have 2003–2005 Police Interceptors, 2003–2005 P70/P72 Commercial Heavy Duty models or 2003–2008 Standard (P73) models with 16" steel wheels and are concerned about the safety of these wheels.

Overall the Steel Body-On-Frame Crown Victoria Police Interceptor fares better in crashes overall than current unibody counterparts such as the Chevrolet Impala, and Dodge Charger. The Body-On-Frame structure also yields cheaper repair costs when the vehicle is damaged. Many law enforcement officers, and departments swear by the proven Crown Victoria, and have extreme reluctance to adopt new vehicles after the Crown Vic's impending departure.

Discontinuation and future

On March 12, 2010, Ford Motor Company introduced the 2011 Police Interceptor as a rebadged and reengineered version of the current Taurus. This new vehicle is on a front-wheel drive unibody platform (with optional all-wheel drive), and it bears no relation to the rear-wheel body-on-frame Panther platform that underpinned all previous Police Interceptors.

In response, police departments like that of Austin, Texas, are buying reserve supplies of the last Crown Victorias to allow them to maintain a fleet of reliable police cars into the future. The police department in London, Ontario which had been stockpiling extra CVPI's noted that while potential replacements may use less gasoline, the CVPI may be easily and cheaply converted to run on propane, giving it lower running costs than its competitors and the Taurus that Ford is touting as a replacement. Others have reluctantly shifted to other models and manufacturers.

On September 15, 2011, the final built Crown Victoria, a civilian model destined for Saudi Arabia, rolled off the assembly line at 12:30 PM, concluding assembly operations of the St. Thomas, Ontario plant.

In popular culture

The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is usually the most common American police car in films and television, especially by the 2000s after the 1996 discontinuation of the Chevrolet Caprice. The Crown Victoria is seen extensively as the main police car of United States in popular culture, but is soon starting to become replaced with other vehicles in most crime dramas, such as Hawaii Five-0, where the Chevy Impala seems to be the standard police vehicle.