Ford has released a preview of its newest cop car – the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, which is based on the Ford Explorer. What’s most significant here is that the new police car is powered by a new hybrid powertrain, which will be offered in the next-generation 2020 Ford Explorer.

Ford Police Interceptor Utility

Ford hasn’t revealed the full specs for the hybrid powertrain, but it is expected to have a 24 mpg combined rating, which is about 40 percent better than the current 3.7-liter V6. The electrified powertrain will also help the SUV accelerate faster and achieve a higher top speed.

Thanks to the more efficient powertrain and the reduced engine idling times, Ford expects to help save law-enforcement customers an estimated $3,200 per vehicle in yearly fuel bills versus the current Police Interceptor Utility.

“We’re committed to electrifying vehicles for all customers, including law enforcement who need the high performance and low operating costs that Ford’s next-generation hybrids will excel at providing,” said Hau Thai-Tang, executive vice president of Product Development and Purchasing. “Standard all-wheel drive is important because crooks don’t stop when it rains.”

If you look closely at the two teaser photos, you’ll notice that there are some different design details, which means that this cop car is also our first look at the design of the 2020 Ford Explorer. Its front headlights look slimmer than today’s Explorer, although the taillights do have a shape that’s similar.

Source: Ford