Within the newest quantity of Want for Velocity Unbound – Vol. 8 nicknamed Cops vs. Racers – a number of new police autos had been launched, together with a widebody, race-inspired Porsche 959 S.
Whereas NFS Unbound isn’t precisely a ‘sim’ racing recreation, you would possibly simply dismiss such a automotive as enjoyable somewhat than something you’d witness in the true world. And also you’d be right; so far as we all know, no police pressure globally managed to search out the US$300,000 wanted to purchase one (when new). That now equates to US$760,000 adjusted for inflation.
Nonetheless, as wacky as a Porsche 959 S Interceptor could appear, it’s not fully implausible contemplating among the unconventional autos utilized by legislation enforcement globally over time. And no, we’re not simply speaking in regards to the trusty Crown Vic or Volvo V70…
Throughout the globe, numerous police forces use totally different autos to fight crime. Given the potential value of a high-speed chase and the chance of a giant crash, investing lots of of 1000’s of {dollars} in a single patrol automotive would get very costly in a short time. But, with trendy autos being sooner than ever, what do you retain up your sleeve ‘simply in case’…?
A phrase of warning: Not all of the automobiles featured are precise police autos. Sometimes, a bonkers automotive is adorned with police livery for hype and public relations functions, so we’ll maintain such examples to a minimal.
A particular point out goes to the UK’s Metropolitan Police, which stickered a Caparo T1 in patrol automotive colors in 2007. The Caparo T1, a automotive that famously set hearth to Jason Plato and had a number of different ‘incidents’ throughout its preliminary launch, could possibly be lower than perfect for high-speed pursuits if each chase resulted in a fireball.
PR stunts apart, which nation boasts the ‘finest’ police automobiles? The time period ‘finest’ is subjective, because it’s not all the time about the most costly or quickest autos – some are simply undeniably cool even by 2024 requirements.
With many years of fascinating police automobiles to think about, we’ve cherry-picked a small number of our favourites. For those who assume we’ve missed any standouts, share them within the feedback. However to kick issues off, let’s look nearer to house at two barely obscure choices from the USA…
USA – Seized Muscle: 2000 Dodge Viper GTS & SRT Hellcat Redeye
Although not a devoted pursuit automotive, the 2000 Dodge Viper GTS was utilized by the Plainfield Police Division to advertise their D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Schooling) program within the Chicago suburbs.
However right here’s the place the story will get fascinating: The Viper wasn’t purchased at taxpayer expense however seized after being utilized in a felony – particularly, rushing at 127mph in a 35mph zone. It’s one factor to have your pleasure and pleasure seized for reckless behaviour, however think about then seeing native legislation enforcement driving round in it afterwards.
This isn’t a one-time incidence both. A number of years in the past, the Texas Division Of Public Security ‘acquired’ an SRT Hellcat Redeye after the earlier proprietor was caught doing 160mph. Whereas the proprietor might need had an opportunity of escaping at that pace, he finally ran out of gasoline. Fleeing on foot, he left behind the automotive for native authorities to repurpose.
Hellcats have fairly the fame in 2024, and this specific Redeye wasn’t fully commonplace both. In consequence, the Texas Division Of Public Security would possibly boast the very best horsepower authority on the earth, with a cool 1,080hp from this seized beast.
United Kingdom – Cossies Catching Crims: Ford Sierra Sapphire & Escort Cosworth
The UK has seen its share of police-shaped PR stunts (just like the Caparo T1), with different examples together with a Honda NSX, Rolls-Royce Ghost, and BAC Mono.
However not all ‘spicy’ police automobiles right here have been stunts. South Yorkshire Police operated a fleet of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions within the late 2000s, together with the Evo VIII 260, Evo IX FQ320, and Evo X FQ300.
However, for sheer cool issue, nothing beats the Cosworths. In recent times, Cosworth has grow to be identified for its work on Aston Martin’s Valkyrie V12 and Gordon Murray’s T.50 V12. However dial it again a number of many years and the Northampton-based gurus had been behind among the quickest manufacturing Fords ever.
For years, police-liveried Cosworths had been used throughout the UK, with forces like Humberside, Northumbria, and West Yorkshire leaning on Escort and Sierra Sapphire Cossies for ‘quick response’ use. The thought was to discourage among the smash-and-grab robberies prevalent all through the Nineties; an inflow of high-performance Japanese imports meant early Impreza WRXs and Lancer Evos had been used as getaway automobiles.
Whereas many had been broken or written off within the line of obligation, a number of ex-police Escort Cosworths nonetheless exist. These automobiles had been auctioned off after service to recoup among the preliminary value a Cossie introduced with it in comparison with a extra typical Opel Astra of the day.
Italy – Lamborghini Love Affair: Lamborghini Huracán & Gallardo
‘Preserve your folks shut, and your enemies even nearer’ is one method to describe this little partnership. Italy’s Freeway Patrol has lengthy loved a particular relationship with Lamborghini. For many years, the Sant’Agata Bolognese automaker has donated numerous automobiles to Italian legislation enforcement for precise use. When your job revolves round 300km/h+-capable supercars, it’s price having the native Carabinieri in your facet.
These autos aren’t only for high-speed pursuits; in addition they play an important position in transporting blood and organs for life-saving medical procedures. For as soon as pace doesn’t kill, as long as it’s bolted to a 610hp V10…
The present fleet contains a number of Huracáns and the Urus Performante, nonetheless, the Italian police can’t declare fame for utilizing the quickest Lamborghini on the beat. That title goes to a rustic that tends to function on the ‘extra is finest’ worth.
Dubai – Full & Utter Extra: Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari FF, Bentley Continental & Extra
What higher method to rapidly set up your nation as hideously prosperous and rich than by kitting out your native police pressure with hundreds of thousands of {dollars} price of patrol automobiles? Welcome to Dubai, the place the road between PR stunt and real police automotive blurs as they deploy among the most extravagant autos, together with Lamborghini Aventadors and Bugatti Veyrons.
Whereas these supercars may not be in fixed use, spend any time in Dubai and it’s frequent to see Mercedes-AMG G-Wagens, Bentleys, Ferraris and different high-end equipment on energetic police obligation across the Gulf state.
And may you blame ‘em? Given Dubai’s fame as a rustic inhabited by pretty rich people – lots of whom have their very own fleet of unique supercars – it wouldn’t precisely deter reckless drivers if all the pressure drove round in hybrid Toyotas. And to indicate they’re maintaining with present traits, they’ve even not too long ago added a Tesla Cybertruck within the combine too…
Germany – No Velocity Restrict? No Drawback: Porsches On Patrol
Porsche gives a car for practically each event in 2024, and this versatility extends to legislation enforcement. Porsche’s partnership with the police dates again to the 356 with an early instance being utilized by the Austrian pressure in 1958.
Since then, numerous Porsche fashions have discovered their approach into German legislation enforcement, together with practically each technology of the 911, numerous Cayennes and Panameras, in addition to the odd particular version like TechArt’s 911 Carrera S with customized aero, wheels, and efficiency.
Porsche police automobiles aren’t confined to Germany. The Netherlands, Nice Britain, Austria, and others additionally utilise them. Though, it’s believed that Qatar now boasts the biggest assortment of Porsche police automobiles globally.
Japan – Price Getting Arrested Simply To Have a Look: Nissan Skyline GT-R, Honda NSX & Mazda RX-7.
Very like the UK, Japan’s typical patrol automobiles aren’t something particular, even when among the kei variants are pretty wacky-looking, to say the least. However there have been notable exceptions. The long-lasting R34 Skyline GT-R, first-gen NSX, and FD3S RX-7 have been used for quick response and selling ‘protected driving’ – a little bit of a contradiction.
Tochigi Police clearly have a Speedhunters curiosity, as their common additions to advertise street security learn precisely like the last word JDM dream storage: R35 Nissan GT-R, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Lexus LC 500, Honda S2000. For some obscure purpose, they also have a Mach 1 Ford Mustang. Clearly, whoever is answerable for patrol automotive budgets at Tochigi Police is eager to drive each one in all their dream machines earlier than they retire…
No matter your views on police and their involvement with motorists, one thing is fascinating about uncommon, particular, or simply plain weird automobiles getting used for patrol or security work. The nations listed supply a glimpse into the various world of police autos, however which might be your decide in the event you may solely select one? Or what automotive have we missed that ought to’ve been right here as a substitute? Tell us within the feedback under.
The Speedhunters
Instagram: thespeedhunters