NEWS
Dodge revives police Charger
Cop car dons new sheet metal; goes gunning for Taurus-based Ford and Aussie-built CapriceDodge has returned to the North American police pursuit market with a re-energised Charger Pursuit sedan.
Bearing the trademark style of the recently refreshed civilian Charger – with all-new external panels – the Charger Pursuit embraces V6 and V8 power with the larger-displacement engine also offering all-wheel drive as an alternative to the standard rear-wheel drive layout.
For 2015 the Charger Pursuit delivers improved cabin ergonomics, according to the manufacturer, and a new mobile command centre developed specifically for law enforcement applications. Brakes are larger than the previous model's, rear-wheel drive models feature upgraded bushings for the front suspension, and the V6 variant is more economical. In keeping with its utilitarian purpose, the Charger Pursuit rides on 18-inch steel wheels and 'cop tires', in the immortal words of Elwood Blues.
There's no mention in Dodge's press release as to whether it has 'cop shocks' (or a cigarette lighter), but the Charger Pursuit's engine would meet the needs of anyone wanting a 'cop motor'. Based on claims made by the manufacturer, the Charger Pursuit with all-wheel drive will reach 60MPH (96km/h) in under six seconds, rating comparison with its rivals, Ford's Police Interceptor and the Chevrolet Caprice PPV. The Ford is a high-performance Taurus variant with all-wheel drive, and the the Caprice PPV is a de-contented Holden Caprice in left-hand drive and adorned with Chevy badges.
Ford has long held a lock on the police interceptor market in North America. GM has tried breaking into the market with the Aussie-built Caprice, but due to currency fluctuations the Caprice has not been price competitive with the Ford or the Charger. Dodge has also been a bit player in the market for police pursuit sedans, but may be hoping for a larger share of the 'low-hanging fruit' once Holden closes up its manufacturing plant at Elizabeth in South Australia.
Dodge says it has received help from the Police Advisory Board set up by the company, in the development of the latest incarnation of the Charger Pursuit. Clearly some lessons were learnt from the Caprice (both good and bad). The Charger Pursuit has front seats specially designed to accommodate police officers' utility belts, and the transmission is operated by means of a column shifter, rather than the Caprice's console-mounted T-bar.
"Dodge has a strong police car heritage, and we are proud to offer a vehicle armed with modern muscle and cutting-edge technology to help law enforcement agencies perform their duties," said Dodge president and CEO, Tim Kuniskis.
"The new Pursuit police car is based on our new 2015 Dodge Charger. It delivers up to 370 best-in-class horsepower, is available in both rear- and all-wheel drive, has a new driver-focused cockpit and adds new safety and security features, as well as new state-of-the art technologies, all designed to deliver the ultimate performance expected from Dodge."
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Written byCarsales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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