For many car enthusiasts, the thrill of driving a high-powered police car, as seen in various shows like Traffic Cops and Police Interceptors, is a fantasy. But which cars truly deserve the title of the ultimate police vehicle? From Lamborghinis to Volvos, several remarkable cars have been put to work by law enforcement around the world. This article takes a look at the most iconic and high-performance police cars, discussing their roles, capabilities, and why they stand out.
1. Lamborghini Urus Performante: The Fast-Tracking Police Car
The Lamborghini Urus Performante stands out as a striking and unexpected addition to the Italian police fleet. This vehicle is not just a display of luxury and performance but also an efficient tool for law enforcement, particularly in fast-response and organ transplant missions. With its combination of performance and practicality, including a spacious backseat and a large boot, it serves as an ideal emergency vehicle. The car is equipped with a gun cabinet, defibrillator, and a fridge for transporting organs, making it a perfect high-performance police vehicle.
2. Ford Escort RS Cosworth: The Rally-Inspired Pursuit Vehicle
In the 1990s, the Ford Escort RS Cosworth became a fan favorite due to its turbocharged power, four-wheel drive grip, and rally heritage. It wasn’t just loved by enthusiasts; criminals, too, recognized its potential for a quick getaway. In response, the Humberside Police Vehicle Crime Unit used the Escort RS Cosworth to catch criminals in high-speed pursuits. The car’s rally-ready features made it the perfect tool for chasing down fleeing suspects.
3. Lotus Evora: A PR-Driven Police Car
While the majority of police cars are used for active law enforcement, some, like the Lotus Evora, serve more of a public relations role. The Devon and Cornwall Police used the Evora GT410 Sport for a year to promote road safety and increase community engagement. Its incredible 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 186mph would certainly make any speeding driver think twice. Though not used for chases, its striking presence serves as an effective deterrent.
4. Ford RS200: A Rally Legend on the Streets
The Ford RS200 is one of the most iconic rally cars, though it never had the chance to fully compete in Group B due to safety concerns. Despite this, it became a police car, offering impressive performance for law enforcement. With a mid-mounted engine that produced over 350 horsepower, the RS200 provided exceptional traction and speed. It was a rally car that civilians could purchase, blending speed with practicality, and was a perfect addition to the police force for high-speed operations.
5. Lamborghini Huracan: Italy’s Fast-Response Hero
When the Italian police need to get somewhere fast, they turn to the Lamborghini Huracan. This supercar replaced the aging Gallardos in the police fleet and continues to serve in vital roles like organ transplant transport. The Huracan has proved its worth, setting an average speed of 150mph during one such mission, speeding from Rome to Padua in just 1 hour and 30 minutes. This car exemplifies the performance police need for urgent and high-speed tasks.
6. Mitsubishi Evo X: The Ideal Pursuit Vehicle
The Mitsubishi Evo X is another rally-inspired car that became a staple for police forces worldwide. Building on the success of the Ford Escort RS Cosworth, the Evo X was renowned for its performance and ability to outrun or outmaneuver criminals. With a turbocharged engine, four-wheel drive, and incredible handling, the Evo X could easily take on any high-speed pursuit, making it a favorite of law enforcement agencies across the globe.
7. Bugatti Veyron: Dubai’s Excessive Police Car
In the city of Dubai, excess is the norm, and the Bugatti Veyron is a prime example of this. While not an active patrol vehicle, the Veyron plays a key role in Dubai’s police fleet, which also includes Bentleys, Aston Martins, and McLarens. The Veyron, known for its world-record speed of 253mph, is part of Dubai’s PR strategy for road safety. Its presence on the streets helps promote law enforcement’s commitment to fast-response capabilities, albeit in a more ceremonial role.
8. Volvo T5: The Unassuming Workhorse
The Volvo 850 T5 Estate may not turn heads like a Lamborghini, but it earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and effective police cars. Its understated appearance allowed it to blend into traffic, making it perfect for undercover operations. With a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, it could chase down criminals without being noticed. The T5’s durability meant it could rack up 200,000 miles during its service without the overheating problems often found in other vehicles, making it a reliable workhorse for police forces.
9. Holden Commodore: Australia’s V8 Pursuit Car
In Australia, the Holden Commodore was the go-to car for high-speed chases. This V8-powered vehicle was both practical for everyday policing and fast enough to catch criminals in similarly powerful cars. Its speed and performance made it a beloved choice for Australian law enforcement, and its handling in tough conditions made it ideal for chasing down suspects. Despite being replaced by BMWs, the Holden Commodore’s place in Australian police history remains iconic.
10. Porsche 911 Targa: The German Pursuit Legend
German police have long used the Porsche 911 as part of their fleet, with the iconic car known for its speed and durability. However, it was the Dutch who ran the largest collection of Porsche police cars, including the 356, 914, 924, and 964 models, until 1996. The 964, a version of the Porsche 911, stood out for its performance and practical use in law enforcement. The Targa versions of these vehicles were particularly useful, as they allowed officers to direct traffic while standing in the car, blending speed with functionality.
The cars used by police forces around the world serve a variety of purposes, from high-speed chases to public relations roles. The vehicles on this list are not only fast and powerful but also practical in their own unique ways. Whether it’s the Lamborghini Huracan transporting organs or the unassuming Volvo T5 tracking criminals, each car is a crucial tool in modern law enforcement. These vehicles showcase the marriage of performance, utility, and safety, making them the ultimate police cars in their respective categories.
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