Ford shows stealth version of its custom Interceptor police car
Ford is showing the stealth version of its new police Interceptor sedan; the black concept car with tinted windows and disguised lights — until they start blazing in a driver’s rearview mirror — has been lowered an inch and appears wider to give it a more sinister look
Ford Motor Co. has a stealthier version of its upcoming new Police Interceptor sedan for display at this week’s Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.
The inspiration for the customized cruiser is the SR-71 Blackbird, the original stealth airplane from the late 1950s, said designer Melvin Betancourt.
Alisa Priddle writes in the Detroit News that Betancourt started with the new Taurus-based Interceptor that will be available for police use starting in late 2011 when Ford discontinues the long-running Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (see “Ford faces competition for next-generation cruiser,” 21 September 2010 HSNW; and “Ford continuing launch schedule of new police-spec vehicles,” 7 September 2010 HSNW).
The designer had undercover cop work in mind in designing a high-tech version of the base cop car that Ford revealed in March, more than a year before it goes on sale.
Ford will also sell a utility vehicle Interceptor using the Ford Explorer as its starting point.
“This car offered the perfect canvas for me as a designer,” Betancourt said. “The Police Interceptor sedan is already a unique vehicle. I just started looking at ways to give it that mysterious but high-tech look.”
The black concept car with tinted windows and disguised lights — until they start blazing in a driver’s rearview mirror — has been lowered an inch and appears wider to give it a more sinister look.
“When you think stealth, you think, ‘there, but not there,’” said Betancourt. “This is all about strength, secrecy and concealment.”
Inside is more black, including the headliner and more concealment with a repackaged console. “Unless you’re supposed to be in the vehicle, you won’t know where and how to find the compartments,” Betancourt said. “The radio is hidden inside the console, as is an onboard computer. Also, the glove box has a secret space designed for weapons.”
The stealth concept vehicle will be on display throughout the SEMA show that ends Friday.
