At first glance, the police car differs from an ordinary car of the same brand only in color and flashing lights on the roof. This is often the case in Poland, but in the world, the production of police cars is a highly specialized art.
The design of the police car depends on the environment, in which he will act. In Europe, they are most often representatives of the C and D segments, for decades, the US has been dominated by large rear-wheel drive vehicles with a separate chassis frame. We have not been able to obtain data on the size of the European market of special police cars. It is known, however, how many cars are bought every year by the American Guardians. Near 80 thousand. passenger vehicles, three-quarters of which are single-type cars – Ford Police Interceptor, that is the police version of the conservative Crown Victoria model.
Popular American cars intended for the local market are not adapted to fast driving and heavy use. Meanwhile, the Ford Police Interceptor gets a poorly strenuous V8 engine with a capacity 4,6 1 and maximum power 235 KM, differently tuned suspension, stronger brakes, multi-season deformation-resistant tires for long stops and automatic transmission oil cooler, or a more efficient cooling system for the power unit. Inside the car – in addition to siren switches and flashing lamps and radios, video cameras and possibly radar speed meter – there is a modified central locking mechanism that allows you to lock and unlock the rear door locks only from the driver's seat.
High-strength sheet steel can be fitted to the structure of the front door, which allow you to shoot yourself from behind the veil. Buffers are often bolted to the front of the chassis frame. They are useful for removing obstructing vehicles or objects from the road, or for pushing out chased cars (by applying an asymmetric force to the rear of the escaping car and forcing a pirouette). In some areas of the USA, this vehicle is powered by CNG Compressed Natural Gas.
After the Chevrolet Caprice was discontinued, Ford had the police segment of the market practically to himself. Timid attempts to compete with him with front-wheel drive vehicles (Dodge Intrepid, Chevrolet Impala) and large SUVs (Chevy Tahoe 2WD) – have failed. Only when a series of Chrysler cars related to the 300C appeared, there was a chance to start a fight with Ford.
Charger models prepared (sedan) and Magnum (combi) with HEMI engine 340 KM or with a weaker V6 250 KM. More powerful cars also equipped with a reinforced brake system accelerate to 100 km/h w 6 s. New Dodge models – like other police cars in the US – they get more efficient alternators and additional batteries, additional electrical harnesses, calibrated speedometer graduated to 160 mil/h (256 km / h) and a special switch for cabin lighting.
A variety of vehicles adapted to the needs of the police are used in Europe, eagerly produced by the domestic industry. Let's take a look at the current model of the BMW series 5 – popular in the German highway. In advertising materials, the manufacturer pays attention to this, that the roof lights and reflective markings on the car body can be easily removed. The point is, that the car retains as much value as possible for subsequent resale. Cars are assembled on a separate final assembly line. You can (similarly) to strengthen the roof, introduce bulletproof inserts in the door, install the "Halt" light signal in the rear window, and in the rear armrest there is a holder for HK5 submachine guns. Additional equipment for a police BMW may include a CAR-PC that guarantees instant access to a central database – it can also be used as a regular laptop. A Bluetooth system is also installed that allows cooperation with the crew's mobile phones and GPS navigation devices., as well as dsc stabilization system (type ESP). Probably a lot of time will pass, before such equipped police cars appear on Polish roads – and it's a pity, because during intensive use, a specialist car will always have an advantage over a hastily converted series car.