Special 22-inch wheels with a staggered rim were used for an added illusion of width. The center of the rim is glossy black with the lip being chrome. “So we have that racy, hot rod look, but at the same time we're building a sinister, stealthy, 'Don't mess with me' feeling," as Melvin Betancourt describes the slick new concept.
The designer used an approach which he called “there, but not there”, inspired by the famous SR-71 Blackbird stealth aircraft. The whole car was conceived in this manner, with secrecy and concealment both strong and imposing, just as a police car needs.
The exterior of the concept is done in solid black for that stealthy look. The lights under the mesh grille are also designed to be unseen until they are turned on. In order to really pull off the SR-71 theme, the designer tinted the windows and smoked the stop lights. A new spoiler was then added to the back of the car to give it stronger features.
The Police Interceptor comes with two engine choices for the new model. A 3.5-liter V6 will deliver at least 280 hp and will be E85 compatible. The 4.6-liter V8 offers a lot more power but is 25 percent less fuel efficient. A turbocharged version of the 3.5-liter V6 is also available, delivering in excess of 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque (475 Nm).
Inside the car "It's all about concealing everything, unless you're supposed to be in the vehicle, you won't know where and how to find the compartments,” as Betancourt said. The radio as well as the onboard computer were both concealed inside the center console. The designer also created a secret weapon storage compartment inside the glove box.
The Police Interceptor was launched in March, followed by a utility version in September. Both will go into service when the current Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor will be phased out in 2011.
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