It has been a tradition for carmakers to give to the local police vehicles which they can use where they have factories, and Volkswagen is one of those car manufacturers which follow this practice. Volkswagen moved from Michigan to Virginia and the police benefited with a Passat wagon and a modified sedan.

The 2.0L TSI inline four was tweaked so it can live up to its role. Its output was raised from 200 horsepower to 250 hp and its torque from 207 pound-feet to 299 lb-ft.

The police cars also get a the bigger brakes used for the V6 3.6L versions and also 18-inch rims hugged by performance tires from Pirelli.

FMS Automotive custom made enclosures for the police communication gears so they will look as standard to the Passat. You can not tell that these Passats are vehicles of the local constabulary since they look like another VW Passat on the road unless you have the sirens and lights blaring.

Volkswagen has not made any statement if it has plans of getting into the police car market but with the US built Passats coming by 2011, it may be safe to say that they will give it a shot.

True to the principles of cop car fans out there, the Hyundai Genesis is driven from the rear. For police issue vehicles, Hyundai is expected to go for the more powerful V8 option. This engine can produce 375 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. That is, of course, if the car is “fed” only with premium fuel. A regular gas will only allow the V8 engine to produce 368 HP of power and 324 lb-feet of torque, tops.

Just like Ford’s Taurus, the Genesis sedan still carries a unit body. In case of a pursuit, the car won’t be able to drive over curbs of 50mph without wrecking the mechanism. However, with Hyundai’s average handling features, the sedan should be able to drive around curbs at this speed with no trouble.

The Hyundai Genesis Concept started out as a concept released in the New York International Car Show in 2007. It is primarily being marketed as a premium sports sedan. The Genesis was the company’s first entry into the dominated luxury arena of Europe.

Not sure I disagree with the people there, but some great cop cars none the less!

We have heard before of the Italian Polizia getting special training to maximize of their LP560-4 Lamborghini Gallardo to efficiently track down bad guys in combo with GPS technology. The police force of Britain and Lexus has teamed up for a more practical option by providing the Humberside constabulary with the quick super sedan Lexus IS-F.

The Humberside police force will surely make lives tougher for the hooligans in their jurisdiction. There has been a delivery of the Lexus IS-F but it is still not clear if the police will have a whole fleet of the very quick rides to boost their force.

They currently have vehicles from Subaru making most of their mobile fleet. The decision to switch to the Lexus was not very easy since the Lexus IS-F came with a regular sticker price. This is not the case for the Italian Lamborghini which has been known for their generous donations to their local police force.

The Humberside police department gave the Lexus IS-F a test run side by side with other brands of vehicles. The Lexus proved to be the vehicle most fit for their needs. They gave the car additional weight to carry on the form of communication devices and computers amounting to $49,500.

The taste of the British police is definitely good though it may not be too practical. The force is now studying and evaluating the diesel variants of the Jaguar XF. If you’re a Lexus fan: check out Lexus Car Talk, a great resource!

With a high-end engine boosting the 355 horsepower necessary to move this hugely heavy SUV, 4.80-liter V8, allowing the X5 Security Plus to get from zero to sixty in just over eight seconds.

Not sure too many counties will be able to get one — but I do hope to see one asap. If you see one of these anywhere – please do send us an e-mail, we very much look forward to seeing them live…

Below is the official BMW Press Release:

Press release:

A new level of comprehensive protection:The new BMW X5 Security Plus.BMW first high-volume manufacturer to offer a vehicle in the bullet resistance class 6.

(14.04.2009 Munich) BMW is extending its range of security vehicles by an additional model in a new protection class. The BMW X5 Security Plus complies with the requirements of bullet resistance class 6 (APR 2006), bringing versatile mobility and comprehensive protection against criminal assault into line with each other. It is the first vehicle produced by a high-volume manufacturer to offer a security concept aimed at lessening the danger of attacks using the world’s most widely used handgun of the type AK 47. The vehicle, which was developed on the basis of the successful BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), offers room for up to four persons inside an exceptionally well-protected passenger cabin. Moreover, its superior drive and suspension technology also allows the driver to cope effortlessly with demanding situations, both on the road and on rough terrain. With the BMW X5 Security Plus, BMW is defining a new benchmark in protection against crime on the road.

The security concept for the BMW X5 Security Plus focuses on its armoured passenger cabin. It guarantees excellent protection, including the use of high-performance steel moulded components and panels. The body features sealed joints, which also provide protection in critical areas – e.g. between doors and frames as well as between side panels and pillars – thus preventing bullet or fragment penetration, as well as security glass conceived exclusively for this bullet resistance class. Furthermore, the windows resist attack using clubs, crowbars etc. and feature a polycarbonate coating that protects the interior from glass shatter.

BMW X5 Security Plus: Premiere for a new benchmark in security.
The BMW X5 Security Plus was tested in compliance with the BRV 1999 guideline for bullet-resistant vehicles and offers protection according to VPAM – APR 2006 in the bullet resistance class 6. The professional protection concept for the new BMW X5 Security Plus is, inter alia, designed to combat criminal threats such as robbery, abduction or carjacking, however, additionally for employment in hot spots in which the AK 47 has become a typical firearm used by assailants. The BMW X5 Security Plus offers comprehensive protection against these kind of attacks. Its security features were devised exclusively for this model and thoroughly tested within the framework of product development. The integration of the protective components was effected parallel to the series development of the BMW X5.

Effective protection as standard, perfectly tuned to the Sports Activity Vehicle.
Therefore, like all other BMW security vehicles, the BMW X5 Security Plus also offers comprehensive protection as standard. As opposed to retrofitted armour plating, BMW security vehicle assembly guarantees that all components are perfectly adapted to each specific model and, in addition, correspond the stringent BMW quality assurance guidelines. Assembly of the BMW X5 Security Plus is effected parallel to the production vehicle at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina/USA. The installation of protective features is performed in accordance with BMW processes at the Toluca plant (Mexico). BMW’s more than 30 years of experience in security vehicle construction is apparent both in the development and the production of the BMW X5 Security Plus.

The standard security features of the BMW X5 Security Plus include, in addition to the effective armour plating, distinctive technical attributes that provide assistance in dealing with hazardous situations. An intercom system facilitates communication with persons outside the vehicle, without having to open doors or windows. The hold-up alarm ensures that windows and doors lock automatically. Furthermore, acoustic and visual alarm signals are emitted. The system’s control elements are located behind a panel on the centre console. Optional features include a rear view camera which transmits its images to the control display of the iDrive operating system located on the dashboard, providing assistance during reversing. The camera of the side view system integrated into the front bumper offers a detailed overview of what is going on in front of the vehicle. For example, when leaving a multi-storey car park or driving through narrow gateways, it is possible to identify cross traffic in good time.

Furthermore, the standard features of the BMW X5 Security Plus also include bi-xenon headlights with adaptive cornering light. These ensure optimum visibility thanks to a light beam that follows the course of the bend. In addition, this cornering light function ensures premature illumination of the road ahead when changing direction at road junctions or driveways.

Agile and safe on any terrain.
Over and above the outstanding level of security, the BMW X5 Security Plus also impresses with the highest degree of comfort, first-class handling and extremely sporty road performance. Thanks to its generous interior, its powerful eight-cylinder engine and intelligent four-wheel drive BMW xDrive, it is adequately equipped both for everyday traffic as well as for situations requiring fast and flexible response.

The 4.8-litre V8 power unit of the BMW X5 Security Plus delivers an output of 261 kW/355 bhp and a maximum torque of 475 Nm achieved at an engine speed of 3,400 rpm. The BMW X5 Security Plus accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.

Thanks to its intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive, the BMW X5 Security Plus is not restricted to driving on tarmac alone, but can also cope confidently with problematic off-road terrain. The cross-linking of the four-wheel drive with the stability control system DSC within the Integrated Chassis Management system (ICM) facilitates distribution of power that is optimally and precisely adapted to each driving situation. Taking into consideration the data supplied by the DSC sensors, iDrive transfers power at lightning speed to the wheels with the best traction.

The suspension featured by the BMW X5 Security Plus is perfectly adapted to the increased weight. For this purpose, specific suspension components such as springs and dampers have been employed and the software for suspension management has been adapted to the unique characteristics of a security vehicle. In order to further enhance superiority in demanding situations, the BMW X5 Security Plus features as standard a high-performance brake system, speed-dependent Active Steering and the Adaptive Drive system, comprising active anti-roll control and variable damper adjustment. In addition, the BMW X5 Security Plus boasts tyres with emergency running properties. This ensures that the tyres remain functional even after a total loss of pressure, e.g. after being shot at or after running over sharp or pointed objects. When the vehicle is partially loaded, they permit safe driving over a distance of around 150 kilometres at a speed of up to 80 km/h.

A further advantage of the protection concept available ex factory is the neutrally designed integration of all security components. Even to the practiced eye, security vehicles built by BMW can hardly be distinguished from corresponding production models. This does justice to customer demands for discretion and also provides passengers with a higher level of security.

At the same time BMW offers its customers comprehensive global support. This ranges from discreet consulting and all-round service to the supply of spare parts. All security vehicles are designed to facilitate maintenance and repair at regular BMW garages. The service also includes a company-owned pool comprising security and high-security vehicles.

Moreover, BMW provides special security vehicle driver training. These courses, which BMW has conducted for more than 20 years now, are offered at various grades, depending on the participants’ previous knowledge, and are held at several different locations worldwide. These training courses are conducted by highly qualified experts. The contents range from comprehensive theoretical tuition and practical vehicle handling to instruction on tactical behaviour.

Via BMW News‘ BMW Launches X5 Security Plus. More BMW news at BMW Talk.

More Audi stuff at Audi Talk.

The Sheriff looks like a dumbass, though.

Press Release – Fastest Hummer H2 Police Car

GeigerCars.de Builds the World’s Fastest Police HUMMER. Unusual customer requests are the norm at GeigerCars.de, Europe’s leading tuner of American automobiles. But the request from a Texas sheriff to turn his new emergency vehicle into the world’s fastest police HUMMER, represented a special challenge even for the specialists from GeigerCars.de. After the conversion to the GeigerCars.de 7.0- liter supercharged engine with 700 hp / 515 kW and a peak torque of 904 Nm the black and white HUMMER reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. That should be fast enough for the sheriff to catch just about any speeder…

In order to lend the flashing red-blue light bar and ear-splitting siren more credence the engine specialists from GeigerCars.de installed a supercharged V8 engine with an enlarged displacement of 7.0 liters in the engine bay of the HUMMER H2.

The GeigerCars.de high-performance engine was fitted with a belt-driven supercharger with generously dimensioned intercooler. But that’s not all: The modifications to the engine also include special pistons, a precision-balanced crankshaft and titanium piston rods. The cylinder heads of the V8 engine were re-machined for optimized gas flow and fitted with a sport camshaft and reinforced valvetrain. A special intake system with sport air filter and a fully stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with high-performance manifolds and metal catalysts round out the conversion.

After reprogramming the engine electronics to calibrate the GeigerCars.de power components the supercharged eight-cylinder engine delivers a maximum power output of 700 hp / 515 kW at 5,500 rpm and produces a peak torque of 904 Nm at 4,260 rpm. Power is transferred to all four wheels via a modified four-speed automatic transmission. Despite a curb weight of 3.1 tons the police HUMMER H2 7.0 Kompressor from GeigerCars.de delivers sports car performance: The sprint from 0 – 100 km/h takes just 6.5 seconds, top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h.

This level of performance necessitates numerous GeigerCars.de modifications to the suspension. Immediate eye-catchers are the one-piece forged chrome king-size 10Jx28 wheels with Kumho 325/35 R 28 tires.

In addition GeigerCars.de upgrades the police car with professional suspension and brake tuning. The sport suspension lowers the ride height of the SUV by some 105 millimeters, and offers firmer damper settings. Sport sway bars reduce body roll in fast corners.

The GeigerCars.de high-performance brake system with 380-millimeter perforated and vented discs and eight-piston fixed calipers on the front axle delivers enormous fade-free stopping power.

After transporting the GeigerCars.de police HUMMER H2 7.0 Kompressor back to the US the vehicle will be equipped with state-of-the-art police communication technology and will then serve as the personal emergency vehicle of the county sheriff.

To me, it looks even more badass than it already did when it was first introduced…

Here’s our original post about this Caparo T1 RRV Police Car.

The traditional police cars are without any doubt ready for the call of duty. It will bring a team of cops to respond to an assistance call, bring criminals to jail, or go after suspicious vehicles on a high speed chase. One down side of these is high fuel consumption. Getting rid of a Ford Crown Victoria may save a police department a clean $5000 on fuel per year.

Not all police missions and actions require high power and high speed vehicles. A police department in Pennsylvania converted an Impala to an electric car. Other options like Segway Personal Transporter, electric motor bikes, T3 Mobility cars, and Blue RIDEs will properly equip cops for an effective police presence in a community.

In some parts of the US and other countries like Korea, police departments are trial runs using the low speed, neighborhood electric vehicles. These cars provide a low key interaction with the people and with the environment.

There are also manufacturers of electric vans like the Tiger Truck and Miles ZK40 who are studying the options of using the electric vehicles in police administrative travels. They are also thinking of designs to develop these vans as assistance vehicles or maybe as K9 trucks.

If you are wondering if electric cars can do the job, the answer is yes. A Detroit cop has made his first traffic reprimand in an electric vehicle manufactured by Mercedes-Benz.

Safety concern is the primary issue since a wrong gearshift position may displayed on the dashboard panel when the gear cable gets disconnected from the mounting bracket of the steering column. The wrong gear information might cause the police car to move without the intentions of the driver which may cause road mishaps.

The auto manufacturer has not received any reports of injuries caused by the problem but has documented 55 reports of the problem and complaints from 9 customers with regard to the Magnum and Dodge police vehicles. According to reports, the vehicle may display P or parked when in fact it is in drive mode.

To solve the problem, Chrysler has instructed its dealers to install a redundant locking mechanism to make sure that the gear retention and linkage system works perfectly.

The recall of the Magnum and Dodge police cars are expected to be carried out this November.

Incidents have been reported in the past when Chrysler cars had similar park transmission problems. Pedestrians, especially children, were injured when the car suddenly shifts gear causing it to move forward or in reverse catching the unknowing passers by.

In the US, a lot of car accidents are attributed to manufacturing defects. Auto producers are taking all cautions and steps to recall vehicles to avoid causing injuries and possible legal liabilities.