news

Australian built Chevrolet Caprice police car unveiled at LA Motor Show

Chevrolet has quietly released its new police-spec Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) to the media today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.


The Holden Caprice-based PPV, shown earlier this year at a police chiefs conference, enjoyed its first public outing at the show and is the first of a new fleet of US police vehicles set to roll out from early 2011. V8 powered models will come first with V6 models expected to follow in 2012.

As shown the Caprice PPV utilises GM's 265kW 6.0-litre V8 with 0-100km/h times said to be under six seconds, making it the fastest police vehicle currently in service. Active Fuel Management and E85 (flex fuel) capability should ensure decent fuel economy.

The Caprice PPV package also includes a high-output alternator, engine oil, transmission and power steering coolers, 18-inch steel wheels, heavy duty brakes, upgraded suspension, a revised stability control program and a driver information center mounted in the gauge cluster.

Inside, the five-seat LWB design allows for an optional centre-mounted touch-screen computer which is backed-up by two boot-mounted batteries. The rear seat will be upholstered in heavy duty vinyl but can be replaced with a hard plastic police-spec arrangement at the buyer's discretion.

“The new Chevrolet Caprice police car is the right tool at the right time for law enforcement,” said Jim Campbell, general manager for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “We asked for a lot of feedback from our police customers, which helped us develop a vehicle that is superior to the Crown Victoria in key areas.”

An undercover street appearance package will also be available for the Caprice, although it will not be available to the general public.

The Caprice police car will be built here in Australia from the beginning of next year.

With Leftlane News

Chat with us!







Chat with Agent