2011 marks the final year of production of Ford’s venerable “Panther” platform, known to many as the Crown Victoria, Lincoln Towncar and Mercury Grand Marquis, a platform that has been serving law enforcement and the general public for over 30 years.
In SCV, we see Crown Vic police cruisers everywhere. If you’re someone like Jeff Wilson, you’ve seen the back seat of these vehicles many times in moments you remain not very proud of. How ever you’ve come into contact with our local law enforcement and their iconic vehicles, it’s certain LASD’s finest will miss their Crown Vics and keep them for as long as possible.
But … then what? What will the future hold for the rolling Five-O in our fine community? Read about the alternatives below then help the Sheriff’s Station decide by voting in our straw poll!
We submit the likely candidates from the field (plus the demographics in the SCV they might please or represent):
Chevrolet's Police Patrol Vehicle ("PPV") is based on the Caprice - a badge that's no stranger to public service. The 2011 offering has a standard V-6 but an optional 6.0 liter V-8 with active fuel management technology and rumored sub 6-second 0-60 times. A safe and familiar but boring vehicle, this potential police vehicle appeals to straight-edged Mormons, the elderly and cops nearing retirement. A conventional vehicle for a conventional town.
Dodge's Charger is all new for 2011, and the Police model sports a 290hp V-6 and a chrome grille. Not to be outdone by the Chevy, Dodge will also offer the 5.7 liter 'Hemi' engine that promises to meet or beat Chevy's 0-60 time. Hard-edged, aggressive and telling all the greenies where they can stick their carbon footprint, this cruiser-bruiser is favored by the Tea Party right and hard-nosed conservatives of Santa Clarita
Taking a page from RoboCop, the all new Ford Interceptor ditches Crown Vic's "Panther" platform in favor of the new Taurus chassis. It sports a 263hp V-6 plus optional AWD. Elite SCV law enforcement can also opt for the 350hp powerplant borrowed from the Taurus SHO. Sleek and powerful, the Intercepter is a well-rounded contender that shouldn't upset anyone in the SCV, though it does have the word "Eco" in its engine lineup.
The Frank Ferry TPPV, the Trike Paseo Pursuit Vehicle. Used to chase down pot smoking teens on Valencia's paseos, this handsome trike is carbon neutral, appealing to the SCV's green demographic and parents
A favorite of Jeff, the Google Street View bicycle platform could be easily adapted for law enforcement purposes. Plusses: very cheap, zero carbon emissions, has a familiar 4 wheel layout, and makes for thinner, more attractive Deputies. Minuses: high fatality rate on SCV's superhighways
A mock-up police vehicle from last year, the Hummer Law Enforcement vehicle would strike fear into the heart of anyone from the SFV, making them want to leave town immediately. A favorite of the Bill Reynolds demographic, the Hummer LEV could be fitted with a detachable front blade to clear Democrats protesting in front of City Hall
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Driving around town happen to snap a picture of Bill Reynold’s Hummer -> http://bit.ly/i0RLtG
I dont like the Hummer’s, no wise cracks. I do like the HMMWV(original military versions) though since they are pretty dayem tough.
Actually that’s my wife’s Hummer, mine is silver… but here’s Lil Naties car;
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Smart.car.bristol.750pix.jpg
Thats an adult roller skate.
H3 = barbie hummer
I would rather have an older Jeep product.
NickelDime, this is a masterful post. I vote Charger.
I pass the credit to Jeff, who co-authored!
The Ford is the most attractive. I’m really proud of the company in general these days too. The didn’t accept bailout money, and are really doing some innovative stuff with products like Sync. The new Ford factories are really forward thinking too.
Agreed!
I vote for the car with the most distinctive headlight set.
At night I like to see what’s behind me.
Hey Bill, I notice there was only one vote for you Hummer. Was that your vote for yourself? Reminds me of when Mondale/Ferraro ran against Reagan lol
CHARGER PULLS AHEAD!!!!!!!!!
Although it’s disappointing that the Charger isn’t eco-friendly… it’s looks really pretty in the dramatic dark alley shot. I had to vote for pretty, sorry planet, but I do make up for it by recycling.
Shouldn’t it be a Schwinn?
Why do we feel the need to have these cars that look like they came out of some futuristic movie. In Europe many of the police departments use VW wagons, they get get up to speed fairly quick and they aren;t looking like something out the old Mad Max movies.