GM has announced the 2011 Chevy Caprice Patrol Vehicle for North America. The Chevy Caprice Patrol Vehicle is based on the Zeta-platform that is the basis for the Chevy Caprice in the Middle East. Sorry to disappoint you if you were hoping that it's a version of the Holden Commodore, a.k.a. Pontiac G8.
Initially it will be powered by an E85-compatible 6.0-liter V8 that puts out 355 horsepower and 385 lb-ft. of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic. GM claims the cop car reaches 0-60 mph in less than six seconds. GM is also going to offer a V6 version in 2012.
Sorry you can't buy one...
PRESS RELEASE:
Be On The Lookout: All-New Chevy Caprice Police Car Reports For Duty In 2011
DENVER - An all-new Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) will join the ranks of law enforcement departments across North America in 2011. It's a modern, full-size, rear-drive sedan that will offer both V-8 and V-6 engines, as well as a host of specialized equipment and features.
Chevrolet made the announcement at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police convention, in Denver, Colorado. The Caprice PPV will be available for ordering next year and will hit the streets in early 2011.
"The new Chevrolet Caprice police car is the right tool at the right time for law enforcement," said Jim Campbell, general manager for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. "We asked for a lot of feedback from our police customers, which helped us develop a vehicle that is superior to the Crown Victoria in key areas."
Vice President, Global Chevrolet Brand Brent Dewar added, "Along with Impala and Tahoe, the Caprice PPV gives agencies a greater range of choices for police and special service vehicles that are all available from Chevrolet."
Unlike other police cars on the market, the Caprice PPV is not based on existing "civilian" passenger-car model sold in North America. It has been developed in key areas specifically for police duty, containing modern equipment and features:
* Powerful 6.0L V-8 with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology and E85 capability delivers expected best-in-class 0-60 acceleration (sub six seconds) and top speed; a V-6 engine will also be offered, beginning in the 2012 model year
* Optional front-seat-only side curtain air bags allows a full-width rear-seat barrier for greater officer safety
* Two trunk-mounted batteries, with one of them dedicated to powering various police equipment
* Designed for five-passenger seating, meaning the upper-center section of the dashboard can be used for equipment mounting without the concern of air bag deployment interference
* Compatibility with in-dash touch-screen computer technology
* Special front seats designed for the long-term comfort of officers whose car is their effective office, including space that accommodates the bulk of a typical equipment belt
The front seats are sculpted to "pocket" the equipment belt, which greatly increases the comfort for a great range of police officer sizes. The foam density of the seatback and cushion insert surfaces are designed to conform to the shape of an equipment belt's various items, too, allowing the officer's back to rest properly on the seatback surface.
"The Chevrolet Caprice PPV's seats represent a revolution in comfort and utility for officers who spend long hours in their car," said Bob Demick, lead seat design manager. "The shape also enhances entry and egress, making it easier for officers to exit the vehicle quickly. The seatback bolsters, for example, have been purposefully contoured to help pocket the equipment on the belt, which includes the gun, Taser and handcuffs, which rest comfortably in the sculpted lower bolsters. That also increases the longevity of the trim cover surface."
Along with comfort, the materials used in the seats were also carefully selected. High-wear materials were chosen to stand up to long hours of everyday use, while breathability, long-term durability and ease of cleaning were also important criteria.
Engineers worked on several iterations of the seat, testing a couple of versions in the field to get real-world feedback from police officers, who used prototype seats in their cruisers for a month. Their input helped determine the final design.
Class-leading space
The Caprice PPV is based on GM's global rear-drive family of vehicles that also underpins the Chevy Camaro. It uses the longest wheelbase of the architecture - 118.5 inches (3,010 mm) - along with a four-wheel independent suspension that delivers responsive high-performance driving characteristics that are crucial in some police scenarios.
Caprice PPV's long wheelbase also contributes to exceptional spaciousness. Compared to the primary competition, its advantages include:
* A larger interior volume - 112 cubic feet / 3,172 liters - than the Ford Crown Victoria, including nearly 4 inches (101 mm) more rear legroom
* The barrier between the front seat and rear seat is positioned farther rearward, allowing for full front-seat travel and greater recline for officer comfort
* At 18 cubic feet (535 liters) free space (beyond battery located in trunk), the Caprice's trunk volume is large enough to accommodate a full-size spare tire under a flat load surface in the trunk storage area.
The Caprice's 6.0-liter V-8 is rated at an estimated 355 horsepower (265 kW) with an estimated 384 lb-ft of torque. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission that is performance-calibrated for police duty. Additional, police car-specific powertrain and vehicle system features include:
* High-output alternator
* Engine oil, transmission and power steering coolers
* Standard 18-inch steel wheels with bolt-on center caps
* Large, four-wheel disc brakes with heavy-duty brake pads
* Heavy-duty suspension components
* Police-calibrated stability control system
* Driver information center in the instrument cluster with selectable speed tracking feature.
A host of complementary features are also offered, including special equipment packages such as spotlights; lockouts for the power windows and locks; and an "undercover" street-appearance package (9C3).
To enable more room for interior equipment, the standard radio can be relocated to the trunk, allowing for an in-dash, touch-screen computer to be used.
Caprice on patrol: A brief history
Chevrolet's history with law enforcement is almost as old as the brand itself. Police departments have used Chevy sedans as police cars for decades, ordering them with basic equipment and powerful V-8 engines - including some special engines that weren't available in regular-production models, such as the 1959 Biscayne that was offered with up to 315 horsepower.
The full-size Chevrolets joined the force in 1976. All Caprice police cars - including the new, 2011 model - have carried the 9C1 order code. Here's a quick look back at Chevys on patrol:
1959 - Chevy Biscayne police model capable of 135 mph with specially tuned, police-only version of the 348-cubic-inch V-8 engine
1965 - The new "big-block" 396 engine is offered in Biscayne and Bel Air police cars, making them among the most powerful on patrol; a 427 V-8 was added in 1966
1976 - The 9C1 order code is given for the first time to a full-size Chevy police car package. It carries the Impala name.
1977 - The full-size Chevy is downsized. The 9C1 police package is retained, as is the Impala name.
1986 - The Caprice name replaces Impala, as the car is updated for the mid- and late-1980s - including the option of a powerful, 5.7-liter small-block V-8.
1991 - A new-generation Caprice is launched, with the 9C1 police car still on the beat.
1994 - The 260-horsepower (194 Nm) LT1 V-8 engine is offered in the Caprice 9C1, making it one of the fastest full-size police cars ever offered.
1996 - Caprice police car production ends, as GM's full-size, body-on-frame car architecture is discontinued.
2011 - The Caprice PPV returns to active duty.
Comments (21)
Good to know that your basicV6 Mustang can outrun 2011 pig. Hahahahahaha.
Posted by Blue Z34 | October 5, 2009 8:42 AM
Posted on October 5, 2009 08:42
Good to know that the special ed teachers are allowing their students time out to post messages on this web site.
If this seems like a jab at Blue Z34, that's because it is.
Posted by good to know | October 5, 2009 9:21 AM
Posted on October 5, 2009 09:21
A Chevy Caprice is also a Holden Commodore, without all the Pontiac crap making it ugly!!
Posted by Shaun | October 5, 2009 12:14 PM
Posted on October 5, 2009 12:14
This isn't a G8 reskinned. "It uses the longest wheelbase of the architecture - 118.5 inches" The G8 has a wheelbase of 114.8". It is actually the long wheel base version of Zeta, so its a Statesman, not a Commodore aka G8.
As for Blue, I didn't know a 210 hp 3400 lb car was faster then a 300 hp or 355 hp 4000 lb car. That's news to me... Must be that funny Nissan math and physics.
Posted by Avatar | October 5, 2009 1:50 PM
Posted on October 5, 2009 13:50
Actually, you will be able to buy one.... in about 3-4 years, when the first ones are retired from service. Look for a 9C3/captain's/detectives car, because they won't be as abused nearly as much as the regular patrol cars. I'll be first in line.
This is an excellent move for GM, because the panther platformed Ford Crown Vic hasn't been substantially updated in two decades, and the police version of the Dodge Charger showed there's a market for alternatives.
Posted by ZzjitterzZ | October 5, 2009 2:21 PM
Posted on October 5, 2009 14:21
Good luck to Chevy. Looks like they found a grey area to secure. The US has gotten used to being without the Caprice for a long time now, hopefully this pays off.
Other than the interior mods (which are a good idea), pretty much everything else looks standard with police package vehicles from the factory.
Besides, by the time they install all the lighting, radios, vehicle camera, laptop, cage, mounts, brackets, escape deterents, vomit friendly panels, and widgets, the car is swiss cheese anyway.
My current favorite police vehicle is the Charger. But not the usual boys in blue version. The town I work in has a 1 or 2 Darth Vader editions. All blacked out with the pushbar. Reminds me of the movie "The Car". I'd like one to use as a commuter terrorist vehicle. ;)
Posted by Trooper Bri | October 5, 2009 4:26 PM
Posted on October 5, 2009 16:26
Yeah until GM goes running around asking for another bailout and then goes bankrupt again. I wouldn't invest in any GM product until they prove to everyone they can hold their own.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | October 5, 2009 4:27 PM
Posted on October 5, 2009 16:27
I still wanna see a patrol or high speed intercept with a blower on it....
That'd be so hot. I'd probably just try and out run it to see it move.
Posted by Brian | October 5, 2009 5:06 PM
Posted on October 5, 2009 17:06
* Powerful 6.0L V-8 with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology and E85 capability delivers expected best-in-class 0-60 acceleration (sub six seconds
hmmmm i dont think a v6 mustang breaks 6 sec...
Posted by muscleoverrice | October 5, 2009 9:23 PM
Posted on October 5, 2009 21:23
Well idiots... If you do your research the new 2010 Mustang V6 does 0 to 60 in around 6 seconds. Depends on the driver. Hmmm doesn't really matter what a rustang can do anyway... Poor pig can't beat my Z and that's all that matters.
Posted by Blue Z34 | October 5, 2009 10:37 PM
Posted on October 5, 2009 22:37
Blue, there's only one of you, but plenty of police officers and squad cars. Maybe the one behind you won't catch you, but another one surely will.
I just hope I don't see you in the news or one of those "Wildest Police Chases" shows where they execute the PIT maneuver and your car's kbb value goes lehman on you, or you just lose it and crash.
Take it to the track. Don't endanger other people's lives, civilians or public servants, or your very own.
Posted by The joke's on you, Blue | October 6, 2009 4:38 AM
Posted on October 6, 2009 04:38
Not sure where you got your numbers Blue, but the best times I can find for a 2010 v6 Mustang are 6.7s for the manual and 7.0s for the auto for 0-60. Likewise, on Dragtimes, the best time for a 2010 v6 is 15.7s to the quarter and 10.0s to the 1/8th mile at 69.7mph. For a slightly modded (tune 93 octane, full exhaust and headers) that time can down to 15.3s for the quarter. The best stock v6 Mustang is a 2005 at 15.3s for the quarter. So, not very fast at all....
As for you and your Z, how well is that selling btw? What, Nissan is having trouble moving 1000 units a month? And Chevy moved 8000 Camaros last month?
Posted by Avatar | October 6, 2009 5:06 AM
Posted on October 6, 2009 05:06
I'm glad they're not selling...I didn't figure they would. Why would I want to see myself driving everywhere? And I know you've seen what Ford's got in its plans for the 2011 V6...315hp. Garuntee that will give the pig a run for its money.
Posted by Blue Z34 | October 7, 2009 8:14 AM
Posted on October 7, 2009 08:14
I love it when people with a two-door sports car try to make themselves feel better about their purchase by comparing it to a four door sedan. It's like a little kid trying to convince the kids on the playground that his skateboard is better than their bike.
Posted by stromm | October 9, 2009 4:08 AM
Posted on October 9, 2009 04:08
I'm comparing my car to a cop car...reassuring myself that yes...I can still out run one...and stating the fact that many other cars can as well. And I'm rich.
Posted by Blue Z34 | October 9, 2009 9:02 PM
Posted on October 9, 2009 21:02
That 315 hp rumor isn't from everywhere, just started at the Mustang Source. Likewise, how are they taking a 275 hp engine and shooting it up 40 hp? That's a 14.5% increase. You can't tell me that they de-tuned the engine that much for Lincoln models. Even running it on premium wouldn't increase the power that much unless combined with a retune. They could have added DI, but again, why keep it out of the Lincolns?
All reports on 2011 Lincolns show the same power figures for the ones that use the Duratec 37. Likewise, that engine is rather thirsty, it gets 17/23 in the MKT and 17/24 in the MKS. Both are heavy, but the G8 was just as heavy and manged 15/24 with a v8 and a lot more power on tap. Buick's just as heavy LaCrosse comes in at 17/27 with the 3.6L and has 280 hp. With that in mind, I would be surprised if the Mustang matched the the Camaro's 18/29 rating. You can bet GM is thinking of some way to get that 29 to 30, just sounds a lot better. For the record as well, if GM put the LLT in the G8 like they should have from the start, it most likely would have gotten around 18/28 based on the STS which weighs the same as the G8.
Posted by Avatar | October 10, 2009 6:55 AM
Posted on October 10, 2009 06:55
@Blue Z34
"And I`m rlch."
No, Jay Leno is rich. You only have one car.
Posted by 426Hemi | October 10, 2009 9:55 AM
Posted on October 10, 2009 09:55
The Greatest Police Car Ever has returned! Ford: You Snooze You Loose! Ford(That’s for killing the last real full frame American car line you should have redesigned it!)GM Please bring over the LTZ and SS models, make it a 1-2 punch take the Town Car’s Livery spot too! To make the stupid tree huggers happy just install the Tahoe Hybrid Drive train! Think about it PLEASE!!! you could have 25 even 30+ real full-size MPG bolt it to the 3.6L DIV6 and you’ll break 30mpg!! Before you know the best Chevy Passenger car label “CAPRICE” could be back on top of the sales charts! Next test run a Natural Gas powered version and you can combine high Hybrid millage with near zero emissions! You could make American, look American again all while ending CAFE crap once and for all think about it Save the True American size sedan for our children! (That mean more than 203″ length) Call it an American Tradition!!!
Posted by Carlo | October 14, 2009 2:33 PM
Posted on October 14, 2009 14:33
I Love this car! Check out Holden's HSV Grange, same car plus Ground effects BMW level equipment, 415hp V8, Would make one hell of a "Caprice SS" Yes I said Caprice SS, the Impala's been reduced to a boring front drive, rental for idiots to put 22"'s on, and you know what GM makes a killing on them, so it will stay front drive! The Caprice always stayed true to it's rear drive heritage and there for deserves this honor! Also Holden currently sells a LPG version of the V6 so smart money says build LPG or Natural Gas powered versions too! Do it rite and the next generation will be American made!
Just my 2 cents!
Posted by Carlo | October 14, 2009 2:44 PM
Posted on October 14, 2009 14:44
I Love this car! Check out Holden's HSV Grange, same car plus Ground effects BMW level equipment, 415hp V8, Would make one hell of a "Caprice SS" Yes I said Caprice SS, the Impala's been reduced to a boring front drive, rental for idiots to put 22"'s on, and you know what GM makes a killing on them, so it will stay front drive! The Caprice always stayed true to it's rear drive heritage and there for deserves this honor! Also Holden currently sells a LPG version of the V6 so smart money says build LPG or Natural Gas powered versions too! Do it rite and the next generation will be American made!
Just my 2 cents!
Posted by Carlo | October 14, 2009 2:45 PM
Posted on October 14, 2009 14:45
The current HSV GTS has 435hp (325kw) and the Caprice / Statesman cars are longer more luxurious versions of the Commodore. The Grange is a HSV version of the Statesman / Caprice with 425hp (317kw)
Posted by Fred | November 11, 2009 12:57 AM
Posted on November 11, 2009 00:57