Police Vehicles : 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit Records Fastest-Ever Lap Time at Michigan Evaluation Test

The ongoing bragging war among Detroit's big three and their newly launched police vehicles continues without an end in sight.

Today, the Chrysler Group announced that the 2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit V8 with 370HP set the fastest lap time ever reordered at Michigan State Police’s (MSP) annual Police Vehicle Evaluation tests earlier this week at the Grattan Raceway in Belding, at 1:33.70.

Chrysler added that Hemi V8 Charger Pursuit also leads the sedan segment (namely GM's Chevrolet Caprice PPV and the Ford Taurus Interceptor) in terms of pure acceleration with the fastest 0-to-60mph (96km/h) and 0-to-100mph (160km/h) time:

• 0-to-60 mph (5.83 sec)
• 0-to-70 mph (7.38 sec)
• 0-to-80 mph (9.18 sec)
• 0-to-90 mph (11.43 sec)
• 0-to-100 mph (13.65 sec)

The Detroit maker was also quick to point out that 292 horsepower Charger Pursuit V6 models averaged the fastest times for naturally aspirated (1:37.71) and E-85 capable(1:37.57) six-cylinder police cars with four wheels, seats and a steering wheel.

“Achieving the fastest-ever lap time at the Michigan State Police’s annual Police Vehicle Evaluation test reflects the mission of the Dodge Charger Pursuit Team to equip our law enforcement officials with the absolute best combination of vehicle performance and tactical equipment,” said Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet, Chrysler Group LLC.

“Even more impressive is that all four Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Team drivers averaged their fastest times in the Charger Pursuit – reinforcing the driver confidence provided when world-class acceleration, braking, handling and dynamics are combined.”

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Ford Police Interceptors Reporting For Duty in Michigan

Michigan outlaws beware: State Police is getting ready to add another weapon in its armory, or rather two: the Ford Taurus Police Interceptor Sedan and the Explorer Police Interceptor Utility, which today passed the two-day State Police tests and are ready to enter service.

Although the Taurus Interceptor was tested just as thoroughly, it was the Explorer SUV Utility version that received most of the attention.

According to Ford, not only did it outperform its direct rival, the Chevrolet Tahoe, but it also stood its ground among other saloon models in 0-60mph acceleration, handling and braking tests.

“We are pleased that the performance of the Police Interceptor Utility was validated because it provides more choice for law enforcement agencies,” said Police Interceptors’ marketing manager Lisa Teed. “They can be assured that whether in slippery conditions like snow or in pursuit situations the purpose-built Utility will deliver.”

Both vehicles come equipped with four-wheel drive as standard. The Explorer is powered by a 3.5-liter flex-fuel V6 with 300HP and the Crown Victoria-replacing Taurus sedan with either a flex-fuel 3.5-liter V6 or a 365HP twin-turbocharged V6.

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