Police hit speed bump to replace Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore highway patrol cars

[GO FURTHER]

I think the State police forces should just stockpile and buy up the last of the XR6T's and SS's. That should cover them over for the next 3 or 4 years.
Do a bulk buy deal with Ford & Holden, and save them having to buy $60K cars for awhile.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by Brazen

The FG was a big improvement over B series.

.

Really ?
How so when they share the same drive train.
I would have thought the issues that plagued B series would be same for FG.
In fact FG seems to suffer more from the ZF milkshake than B series ever did.
Just curious is all.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by Spammy

So in countries where you can't buy a commo or falcon do they not have highway patrol cars?

Not ones as quick as XR6Ts...

[Falcman0o7]

If I see a mustang police car I'll be ripping a skid for a closer look :P

[Stefan]

I wonder why no mention of the WRX? Probably the most sensible option, as for size, my guess is the current gen Rex is not hugely smaller than a falcon and make much more sense than a Mastang.

Base model Rex + brembos would be on par price wise with XR6T or SS.

[Carrion]

Originally Posted by Stefan

I wonder why no mention of the WRX? Probably the most sensible option, as for size, my guess is the current gen Rex is not hugely smaller than a falcon and make much more sense than a Mastang.

Base model Rex + brembos would be on par price wise with XR6T or SS.

I think they gave them a go a while back and ditched the idea.

Something to do with WHS getting in and out of the cars with all their gear on.

[Stefan]

OK...would have thought they where easier to get in and out of than a Mustang or VW Golf.

I use complain about the size of our Focus too....but I reckon I would not complain about the size of a mid engined sportscar......maybe cops make similar concessions for certain makes and models.

[Vesper Martini]

In the UK Police seem to manage with Vauxhall Astras etc. but use BMW 530D & Audi S3's for "Road Policing units"

[mitelsx2000]

Our AU & NZ Police need 4 -door sedans to lock up our a local wild life, when they pick them up

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

VE was just as bad as the B series. Unsure on VF

VE was a horrible waste of a billion dollars, but VF is the most falcon-like commodore ever. Looks like the lame lion finally caught up, or pinched some talent from Ford PD. Steering wheel mounted cruise control, air con vents mounted in the dash instead of being stupidly mounted on the front door trims with suction pipes linking them to the dash, decent 6cyl exhaust note, good ergonomics.

[tonys6550]

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

Pity the Focus RS doesn't have an auto as they would go alright as HWP. They've used WRX's before, why not again? These "small" cars aren't so small anymore

Haha, even if they came with an auto and they where a viable option they would still be unsuitable in the real world because half the cops I know wouldn't fit in those damn boy racer seats they come with. You have to have a lady boy frame to fit in one

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by tonys6550

Haha, even if they came with an auto and they where a viable option they would still be unsuitable in the real world because half the cops I know wouldn't fit in those damn boy racer seats they come with. You have to have a lady boy frame to fit in one

We use to call the police uniform "Macdonald's Discount Suits"

Maybe smaller cars might encourage a diet away from big macs and krisky Kremes.

[BradEL]

Plenty of years left to decide for cops in NZ, I saw a VY police car recently and they are well over 10 years old now

[mick74GT]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

VE was just as bad as the B series. Unsure on VF

I've had 3 v8 VEs. All have been great. You must mean the 6 cylinder version.

[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by Stefan

We use to call the police uniform "Macdonald's Discount Suits"

Maybe smaller cars might encourage a diet away from big macs and krisky Kremes.

I have had my fair share of issues with the fuzz many years ago but now I am a family man so I sail a clean ship if that makes any sense... ( my son is 6 and a half). McDonald's offer discount or free food to the police only to increase the presence. To the dumb *** criminal that will scare them off. To McDonald's a handfull of free feeds a week saves them the them the cost of a wage for a security guard so it probably isn't the worst business decision ever made.

[olfella]

I think they may go with the Mustangs because of large front seats. The coppers need a big seat to accomodate them and all the gear they wear on their belt. Will have to wait and see.

[uniacidz]

Why not Subaru WRX and Mitso Evos?

4doors, same price tags, performance in mind

Other countries use them.

[XR Martin]

Evo is going the way of the Dodo too

WRX isnt big enough last time I heard.

[1TUFFUTE]

Didn't they mention WRX couldn't meet the braking requirements....for qld Hwy Patrol at least!

[Motorbreath310]

Originally Posted by BradEL

Plenty of years left to decide for cops in NZ, I saw a VY police car recently and they are well over 10 years old now

I reckon NZ police will end up going with Skoda wagons. Not sure if they have anything up for evaluation, as the current VE/VF fleet will probably see them through the next 5-10 years. Still quite a few VZ's getting around too.

[ivorya]

https://www.facebook.com/UnmarkedPoliceCars

stang already stickered, just waiting for brake performance.

[Sprintey]

Maybe the STi version of the Levorg wagon, same drivetrain as WRX?

Those XR6Ts are fearsome, if you ever get to see them in full song pursuit on a NSW highway. (Wasn't chasing me!) Glorious sound too. I saw it about 2k back in the rear vision mirror and just had time to clear back into the left lane as I was overtaking, before it zinged past. Scum had driven past at about 130 some 10 minutes before.

[Ben73]

That artists impression on a police Mustang in the OP looks filthy. And I love the new Mustangs.

Is 4 doors really needed, I'm sure Mustang could do the work of pulling teh offender over, and if they need to be arrested they could call for a nearby 4 door or paddy wagon to come pick them up. Wouldn't be to bad in the more metropolitan areas. How often do HP arrest people anyway.

[wagnman]

I cant see coupes being a viable option for any police duties beyond a marketing exercise. Cop cars need to have a back seat to throw the "perps" in for the run back to the station etc. Anything with 4 doors that runs a decent 0 to 150 time and is roomy enough for all rhe electronics would be perfect. A mondeo, aurion, passat, merc c serries, bm 3 or 5 serries, or many of the yanky 4 door sedans would turn the trick easily. The police wont miss the commys and falcs as much as us "enthusiasts"

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

[cycle myth]

Originally Posted by Spammy

So in countries where you can't buy a commo or falcon do they not have highway patrol cars?

Exactly.

The author is disconnected from the reality of the situation.

I nice tribute to local cars (and I love Falcons - some of you would know why), but this is just an ignorant feel good article.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by wagnman

I cant see coupes being a viable option for any police duties beyond a marketing exercise. Cop cars need to have a back seat to throw the "perps" in for the run back to the station etc. Anything with 4 doors that runs a decent 0 to 150 time and is roomy enough for all rhe electronics would be perfect. A mondeo, aurion, passat, merc c serries, bm 3 or 5 serries, or many of the yanky 4 door sedans would turn the trick easily. The police wont miss the commys and falcs as much as us "enthusiasts"

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

2 doors shouldn't be a problem for HP cars (they had Cordia's in Vic remember)

If anyone needs a ride to the station they often go in the front seat, as a lot of HP cars are only solo, or if needed they call a caged van.

[Trump]

Heard a rumour today that the cops here in Mexico are considering a pov-pack 535i for HWP duties. Story goes that with the volumes involved, the price comes down to about $70k per car if their tests are successful.

[OzJavelin]

Originally Posted by Loud_Noises

Heard a rumour today that the cops here in Mexico are considering a pov-pack 535i for HWP duties. Story goes that with the volumes involved, the price comes down to about $70k per car if their tests are successful.

Id have thought most states would be following the Feds and looking at BMWs as a replacement possibility. Prices always come down significantly with fleet deals ..

[1TUFFUTE]

I'd imagine the beemers servicing and repairs would be substantially more. Initial price is only a part of it. Depreciation of euro models would be an issue aswell.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by tempted

Vic Pol tried WRX's in the past and absolutely hated them because they had the interior space of a sardine can. I can't see any small car or hatch ever being used successfully for this sole reason.

The WRX is bigger than it once was though.