Michigan State Police Trying Out F-150 Truck And Fusion Hybrid As Interceptors

Ford’s Police Responder Hybrid Sedan and F-150 Police Responders are the first pursuit-rated hybrid sedans and pickup trucks to get the thumbs up for law enforcement use.

The two vehicles have just completed testing while under Michigan State Police supervision and it would appear the results were quite positive.

“Our new Fusion-based Police Responder Hybrid Sedan is quicker than our legendary V8-powered Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, while offering fuel efficiency that’s estimated to be double that,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford police brand marketing manager.

“Plus, our new F-150 Police Responder offers police customers both on-road pursuit and off-road capability.”

The testing included a grueling 32-lap pursuit simulation at Grattan Raceway, which is where Ford’s pursuit rating for both vehicles was confirmed. During the simulation, the vehicles’ overall durability was put through the ringer, which included tests for the powertrain, suspension, brakes and tires.

Models like the already in use petrol-powered Interceptor Sedan and Interceptor SUV also participated in the tests, utilizing Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which helped the Sedan hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds, whereas the Interceptor Utility and the F-150 both needed 6.3 seconds to hit the mark.

As for the fastest overall lap and fastest average lap honors, predictably, they went to the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan.