Kentucky State Police purchases 125 Caprices

[Troutman]

The Crown Victoria's popularity in law enforcement was due to its robustness. Unfortunately there is nothing else like it now, though obviously the newer Ford/GM/Dodge offerings are vastly superior in other areas like performance, fuel economy and handling. Had Ford been less lazy the gap between the Crown Vic and an Australian equivalent (say, a VE SS) wouldn't have grown so ridiculously wide.

The culture of US law enforcement is not as 'soft' as in Australia, hence a vehicle needs to be capable of extreme activities including driving off the beaten track in pursuit situations, or even ramming full-size pickup trucks off the road. The Crown Victoria offered a truck-like body-on-frame construction and proven, tough mechanical components.

A case in point: name any 2 wheel drive passenger car that can do this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYIJp...eature=related

And here's the counter-punch to the minivan thing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLqy0DgqhRQ

Cheers.

[Evman]

A case in point: name any 2 wheel drive passenger car that can do this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYIJp...eature=related

And here's the counter-punch to the minivan thing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLqy0DgqhRQ

Cheers.

I used to climb and descend dam banks in a front wheel drive Mitsubishi Colt when I was a kid, so a Crown going down a rock isn't that exciting. That isn't really a counter to the minivan thing. That is a minivan going reasonably slow on a suburban street and having a pit maneuver done on it. A maneuver that can be done in any car. The only problem is that it can't do it if it can't keep up.

With the high speed chases and so on that happen over on the states handling, stability, and most importantly occupant safety should all be top priorities. If it is built like a tank but handles like crap and can't keep up with modern cars then it's time to move on.

[CLUBRED]

Another thing, was that Caprice even set up for pursuit like the other 2?

[Troutman]

Not quite sure what you mean there matey, the Caprice is "pursuit rated" to use US terminology. I've never bothered looking up the exact definition of this. The differences between the 9C1 and 9C3 are to do with equipment installed and gear shifter layout, nothing mechanical. I'm not sure why they used the unmarked model.

As for the Crown Vic, there were many attempts at replacing it over the years, including Dodge Intrepids. All were unsuccessful. In real-world pursuit situations, 0-60 mph acceleration, sports car handling (etc) is not as important as one might think. Police can use a range of tactics including spike strips, road blocks, aerial pursuit and more, not to mention trained officers are usually dealing with unskilled drivers. Thus ease of repair, ruggedness and so on matter more than the usual qualities important in civilian cars.

I only mention this in response to the ignorance of the internet armchair experts thinking that thousands of US law enforcement departments are somehow foolish for using the Crown Vic as their standard patrol car, or that a model stockpiled by some departments and lamented for its end of production is "rubbish". That said, no doubt good things will come of the changes that are now happening.

Here's a reference - unfortunately one has to cherry-pick examples as there are far too many:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ryh7...tailpage#t=41s

[Evman]

So the Crown Vic was the best car for the role but good things will come of it being replaced. Got it.

[Troutman]

The above video illustrates that pretty well. I've tried to argue that the reduced fuel bill of the Caprice (and other 'new' models) could make up for expected increased repair costs etc but I don't think anyone can say for sure at this stage.

[VH-COM]

Perhaps someone can confirm this - American Counties run Police maintenance and repair workshops much better than our State system.

They were geared up to maintain large numbers of Crown Vics and over the years got mighty good at it.

As mentioned previously on this thread US County Police cars do a lot of miles and are maintained for 8+ years.

Crown Vic was liked by Police County workshops for it's longevity, reliability and ruggedness.

I think with the extras put into the assembly of the Caprice PPV it will almost match the legend of Crown Vic.

Chevrolet PPV versus Holden Caprice: the main differences
Omega interior. Black door handles. Black side mirrors.
New front seats with harder wearing material and space for gun belts.
Doors open wider to make it easier to put the 'perp' in the back.
Foot park brake from the Impala (9C1 only).
Door-mounted front window switches (9C1 only).
Relocated auto transmission shifter (9C1 only).
New front bumper, with side reflectors and a higher, chiseled lip for better ground clearance.
High rise FE2 suspension (dubbed FB3) that is 25mm higher than standard.
Bigger front brakes (disc diameter up from 321mm to 345mm, pad area up from 4296mm2 to 6167mm2).
Wider front track 4mm each side (rim offset change).
Heavy duty front knuckle control arm, ball joint, steering tie rod ends, and steering gear attachment to sub frame (for kerb strike).
Extra welding in the body.
Single tip exhaust mufflers.
Conventional tail-lights instead of LEDs.
Weight distribution 51/49 with optional full size spare.
Power steering, transmission and engine oil coolers from Middle East spec Caprice.
High output fuel pump for increased fuel pressure.

Crown Vic had an engine oil cooler only as far as I can tell.
Not mentioned on that list is the second backup battery = so they are never left with dead batt from police electronic equip drainage.

http://www.carpoint.com.au/reviews/2...rice-ppv-23262

[VH-COM]

2012 Caprice PPV US sales numbers

March 121
April 174
May 313
June 325
July 500
August 731

Total for 2012 = 2411


Can it get any better for Caprice?

[ti0350]

2012 Caprice PPV US sales numbers

March 121
April 174
May 313
June 325
July 500
August 731

Total for 2012 = 2411


Can it get any better for Caprice?

looks like sales are going up every month very good for Holden

[VH-COM]

looks like sales are going up every month very good for Holden

Holden have said it is hard selling to US with aussie $ being very high but .... I guess it is exactly what some county police depts. want .

[Troutman]

Cheers for the update. Since the thread is bumped, here is a slideshow I made featuring 100 PPVs in differing livery. They are in most states already, with plenty more to come...

[VH-COM]

Good pic show Troutman ... that lard-ass car can look pretty good sometimes. lol

Correction - most times.

[whiteknight2211]

I hope they keep getting enough orders to keep the production in Adelaide...

I think it'd be a shame for the US to want so many that they tool up a production line there...

[VH-COM]

They might ask our govt for more money to keep building Caprices beyond the VF life.

[XUV]

Cheers for the update. Since the thread is bumped, here is a slideshow I made featuring 100 PPVs in differing livery. They are in most states already, with plenty more to come...

Well that'll either get you on a watchlist or be that vid will be in the next Republican add , lol