Ford has introduced the 2018 F-150 Police Responder.
Set to go on sale this fall, the truck is being billed as the "industry’s
first pursuit-rated pickup" as it features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine
that produces 375 hp and 636 Nm of torque. It is connected
to a ten-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system which
enables the truck to hit speeds of up to 160 km/h.
The Police Responder is based on the F-150 FX4 and
comes with a SuperCrew body that gives the model the largest passenger volume,
payload, and towing capacity of any pursuit-rated police vehicle.
Since the truck was specifically designed for police
duty, it has been equipped with a beefier front stabilizer bar, an upgraded
braking system, and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. The truck also
has a 240-amp alternator, a police-specific speedometer, underbody skid plates,
and a class IV hitch which enables it to tow up to 3,175 kg.
Moving inside, police officers will find
a column-mounted shifter and heavy-duty cloth front seats with anti-stabbing
plates. The truck also has a heavy-duty vinyl floor for easy cleanup.
According to Ford’s police brand marketing manager
Stephen Tyler, “Aside from its industry-first on-road pursuit capability, this
purpose-built pickup can comfortably seat five, while providing capability in
off-road patrol situations for officers in rural environments patrolled by
sheriff’s departments, border patrol operations and the Department of Natural
Resources.”
