Police Happy with the Chevrolet Caprice PPV

Set to enter service in April next year, the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) is currently undergoing testing with several law enforcement agencies in the US. In a market where the competition grows more fierce by the day, a good review from police officers is exactly what a police car needs to become the weapon of choice in chasing crime.

In the Caprice's case, GM says it managed to top the performances of its competitors, the 2011 Dodge Charger Police Pursuit police card and the 2011 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. The test, which took place on Saturday in Chelsea, Michigan and on Monday during a vehicle dynamics comparison at the Grattan Raceway near Belding, Michigan, witnessed the Caprice scoring the best overall average time per lap.

“Police departments around the country told us they needed a modern, high-performance rear-drive pursuit car,” said Joyce Mattman, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations product director. “These results are proof that the Caprice PPV delivers the performance officers want, without compromising safety or comfort.”

Presented to the world in 2009, the new police car from GM will be equipped with a 6.0l V8 engine (355 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque) with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management and E85 capability. Optionally, a V6 unit will be also offered starting with model year 2012.

There will be two versions of the police-spec Caprice, one for uniformed officers (the PPV) and one for detectives (Detective Police Package). Both pack an entire array of purpose-built technologies, including a stealth mode (exterior and interior lamps switch off at a touch of a button) or a trap speed feature (records the speed of a vehicle when in pursuit).

The first Caprice models will take to the streets starting April and June 2011.