[IMAGE]1401[/IMAGE]
Chevrolet Introduces RWD Caprice PPV
General Motors announced it will begin production of the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) later this year. The announcement was made at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) convention Oct. 3-7 in Denver.
The rear-wheel-drive sedan will be available with either a V-8 or V-6 engine. It has been developed in key areas specifically for police duty, according to GM.
The Caprice PPV offers a significant amount of power that appeals to police officers. Its 6.0L V-8 is rated at an estimated 355 hp, and the 6-speed automatic transmission is calibrated for police duty. The powertrain and vehicle system include a high-output alternator; engine oil, transmission, and power-steering coolers; heavy-duty suspension components; and large, four-wheel disc brakes.
Special front seats were designed to allow additional space to accommodate the bulk of a typical law enforcement officer’s equipment belt. The front seats are also sculpted to significantly increase the available range for police officers of all heights and weights. Seatback and cushion inserts are constructed of high density foam which also increases comfort.
High-wear materials in the seats were selected to stand up to long hours of heavy use, yet are easy to clean.
According to Bob Demick, Caprice lead seat design manager, “These seats represent a revolution in comfort and utility for officers who may spend many hours daily in their vehicle. The seatback bolsters have been contoured in a way to allow for greater comfort, with such equipment as a gun, taser, and handcuffs resting comfortably on the officer’s belt.”
The Caprice PPV’s long wheelbase contributes to a larger interior volume, a maximum seat travel and recline for officer comfort, and trunk area large enough to accommodate a full-size spare tire under a flat load surface.
Also, the upper section of the Caprice’s dashboard can be used to mount police equipment without fear of air bag deployment.
Dodge ‘Charges’ the Police Vehicle Market
Chrysler has made significant strides in the police fleet market in recent years with its Dodge Charger police vehicle. The company’s U.S. market share grew to 18 percent by 2008, up from 14 percent one year prior.
The Charger offers aggressive looks, faster acceleration, and better handling than older models, according to the manufacturer.
At the beginning of the Charger’s development, specific law enforcement vehicle features and functionality standards were integrated into the design to allow easier installation of aftermarket upfits and additions.
Added safety features including all-speed traction control system (TCS), electronic stability program (ESP) with brake assist, and a four-wheel anti-lock disc brake system (ABS) aid directional stability and control, even when driving over uneven surfaces such as patchy snow, ice, gravel, or severely wet roads.
“We tried to create the ideal police vehicle for law enforcement departments to give our police customers an affordable, capable vehicle with industry-leading innovations,” said Tricia Llewellyn, Midwest government & alternative fuel sales manager — Chrysler Group. “In addition, with rear-wheel drive and ESP control, the Dodge Charger police vehicle provides optimum police car pursuit performance.”
