Showing posts with label Ford Taurus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ford Taurus. Show all posts

Ford’s Police Interceptor Outpaces Competition at LA Sheriff’s Department Testing


The American police car segment is heating up with equally interesting offers from GM (Chevy Caprice), Chrysler (Dodge Charger) and Ford. In their latest battle, the Dearborn automaker's Taurus-based AWD Police Interceptor achieved the fastest lap time in tests carried out by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD), signaling that it's a worthy successor for the Crown Victoria.

Powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 hp and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque, the Police Interceptor can reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 5.8 seconds.

During tests held in California, the Ford was faster than V8 competitors, but that's not much of a surprise, since force induction compensates for the lack of displacement (the Chevy Caprice has a 6.0-liter V8, while the Dodge Charger boasts a 5.7-liter HEMI V8).

LASD also tested the base Taurus Interceptor, which comes with a naturally V6 churning out 280 hp, and all-wheel drive. According to Ford, it fared well against the V6-powered competition, beating them in braking, acceleration and lap times.

The Blue Oval's third police car to be tested was the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility, with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and AWD. Ford said that, loaded with 400 pounds (181 kg) of cargo, it was more than two seconds faster than the Chevrolet Tahoe on LASD's circuit.

Ford Police Interceptors are available in multiple configurations (even with front-wheel drive) and deliver at least 20% more fuel efficiency compared to the outgoing Crown Victoria. Sounds like authorities could get a bang for their buck, but we have the feeling that GM and Chrysler aren't done yet.

By Csaba Daradics



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SEMA Show: Stealthy Ford Taurus Police Interceptor Concept


A [supposedly] stealth concept version of Ford's Police Interceptor will make its world premiere at this week's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. As cool as it may look though (minus that worn-out driver's seat...), somehow we can't see this interceptor being very stealthy as those massive 22-inch alloy wheels and blacked out grille are bound to capture motorists' attention on the road.

Said to be inspired from the SR-71 Blackbird, the original stealth airplane revealed in the 1960s, Ford's Police Interceptor study also gets a large boot spoiler adorned with bead lights painted black, smoked tail lamps and tinted windows while the body was lowered an inch.

Ford doesn't say what's hiding under the hood, but the production Police Interceptor sedan model will be offered with two powertrain options, an E85-capable normally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering at least 280 horsepower and a turbocharged version with direct-injection and at least 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.


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Customized 2011 Explorers and other Ford Models Teased Ahead of SEMA Show


FoMoCo is really gearing up for this year's edition of the Las Vegas SEMA Show in the beginning of November where it will display more customized models that we can keep track of. Aside from the Fiesta cars we told you about in a previous article, the Dearborn automaker has also joined forces with several other tuners to create customized versions of the all-new 2011 Explorer, Taurus SHO, Edge and Fusion Sport, as well as the all-new Lincoln MKX. Follow the jump to check out pictures and details on all of Ford's aftermarket-prepped models.


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2011 Ford Explorer by Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell

An Explorer customized by Funkmaster Flex and Team Baurtwell shows off the urban appeal of the new SUV, and comes standard with street cred inside and out. The look is highlighted by three-piece forged billet wheels, which are complemented by 24-inch Cooper tires. Baer brakes provide the stopping power.

The design that sets this Explorer apart starts with the exterior, with custom touches from Team Baurtwell and Funkmaster Flex including custom logos. The interior offers Katzkin two-tone leather seats with custom interior accents and Funkmaster Flex logos. A Sony Xplod audio system ensures customers have the ultimate listening experience.

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2011 Ford Explorer by Galpin Auto Sports

Another Explorer concept, designed by Galpin Auto Sports, takes a vehicle with luxury appointments and makes it into an ultra-luxurious ride that even James Bond would enjoy. Using the character as their inspiration, the Galpin team used 24-inch wheels, custom silver paint on the exterior and modified exterior light treatments to convey that image.

The custom interior shows off its luxury side with a leather-trimmed headliner that has suede running down the center, a look that's replicated on the seat inserts. An iPad pops up from the second-row console, and is viewable in either landscape or portrait mode.

"This is a luxury, high-end vehicle that serves multiple purposes," said Tedros Mengiste of Galpin Auto Sports. "The Galpin Auto Sports Explorer is at home going off-road or transporting you to exclusive events. It meets your discerning expectations, and does it with style and substance."

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2011 Ford Explorer by CGS Performance Products

CGS Performance Products' take on Explorer shows off what a luxury vehicle for an active customer looks like. The look runs throughout the monochromatic silver Explorer, and is completed by two carbon fiber mountain bikes on the roof rack.

"This SUV is all about outdoor adventure and doing it in comfort," said Casey Scranton, president, CGS Performance Products. "This customer can use the vehicle every day and will have no problem taking it camping or kayaking on the weekends."

The luxury details are evident in the built-in video screens in the headrests, 22-inch silver wheels and the complete custom leather interior that's designed to resemble the links on a watch band. A CGS cat-back exhaust provides more power, a throatier sound, and even improved fuel economy.

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2011 Lincoln MKX by ID Agency

Fashion meets function with this unique Lincoln MKX by ID Agency, where brands such as Falken Tire, HRE Wheels, Brembo and Alpine electronics come together. Designed with the modern man in mind, the Urban Assault Vehicle is built to fit his active lifestyle.

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2011 Ford Taurus SHO by Rick Bottom Designs

The Taurus SHOx by Rick Bottom Designs gives striking looks a new meaning with a blue paint scheme with contrasting graphics, ground effects kit and custom hood, grille and spoiler. The interior offers a custom rear console with interchangeable inserts and a 10.4-inch flip-down monitor, along with an audio system with 16,000 watts of power.

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2011 Ford Taurus SHO by H&R Springs

Tuned by H&R Springs, this Taurus SHO offers a Borla cat-back exhaust and K&N air filter to liven up engine performance. H&R Sport Springs have been installed, and three-piece 22-inch wheels painted in a white gold color complement the white platinum SHO. The exterior is set apart with color-matched lower body panels, custom European hood vents and subtle gray mist graphics.

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2011 Ford Edge by K-Daddyz Kustomz

With a touch of urban luxury, this K-Daddyz Kustomz Edge boasts 22-inch wheels with radically lowered suspension. This Edge is ready to cruise the coast, with a custom paint scheme featuring airbrushing and pin striping, along with a custom surfboard rack and panoramic sunroof. The leather and suede interior comes with Dual Head restraint DVD by INVISION, and puts the finishing details on the crossover.

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2011 Ford Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports

With increased power and more aggressive handling, this Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports offers what performance enthusiasts are looking for. The car comes with specially tuned front and rear lowering sport springs, performance-tuned dampers and antiroll bars for increased roll stiffness. The look is rounded out with Steeda's clearcoat bar code graphics package with orange accents.