Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

Important Bits:
Automatic 
Suitable for junior drivers
No premium upgrade needed

The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, often abbreviated as CVPI, P71, or Crown Vic, is a notable variant of the Ford Crown Victoria. Manufactured by Ford from 1992 to 2011, this model was specifically designed and built for law enforcement use. Its durability, reliability, and rear-wheel-drive layout made it a staple among police departments across the United States and Canada.

The Crown Vic Police Interceptor was equipped with a more robust powertrain compared to the civilian version, featuring a 4.6-litre V8 engine that was tuned to produce more horsepower and torque, essential for high-speed pursuits and extended idle times. This was paired with a heavy-duty transmission and a reinforced frame to handle the rigours of police work.

Additionally, the CVPI came with an upgraded suspension system, including heavier springs, shocks, and sway bars, to improve handling and stability during high-speed operations. The braking system was also enhanced to ensure that the vehicle could come to a stop quickly, even from high speeds.

Despite being replaced by newer models like the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan (based on the Ford Taurus) and the Ford Police Interceptor Utility (based on the Ford Explorer), the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor remains a beloved and iconic vehicle in law enforcement history. Its presence in countless movies and TV shows has cemented its image as the quintessential American police car.

Driving the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor on a supercar track day offers a unique and contrastive experience amidst a field typically dominated by high-performance sports cars. The Crown Vic, with its robust V8 engine and rear-wheel drive, provides a distinctively raw and unfiltered driving experience. Its heavy-duty construction and suspension tuned for durability rather than outright performance make it a less agile contender on a track designed to test the limits of automotive engineering. Yet, it’s precisely this underdog status that imbues the drive with character and charm.

Behind the wheel of the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, drivers find themselves wrestling with a machine that was built for the rigours of law enforcement rather than the finesse of track racing. The heavy steering, the body roll in tight corners, and the delayed response of the four-speed automatic transmission add layers of challenge not found in modern supercars. However, the throaty roar of the V8 engine as it powers down straightaways, and the car's sheer presence on the track, create a sense of nostalgia and raw enjoyment. Pushing this iconic police cruiser to its limits amongst sleeker, faster cars provides a sense of satisfaction that comes from mastering a vehicle so out of its element, making for a memorable and exhilarating driving experience.