Ford has taken the wraps off the 2021 F-150 Police Responder. Billed as “America’s only purpose-built, pursuit-rated pickup truck,” the F-150 Police Responder is headed to rearview mirrors this fall. Based on the new F-150 SuperCrew, the latest police truck features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 400 hp and 678 Nm of torque. It’s connected to a uniquely calibrated ten-speed automatic transmission, which has been designed to meet the rigorous demands of law enforcement use while also allowing for a top speed of 193 km/h.
Besides the optimized gearbox, the truck
has been equipped with specially developed Goodyear Wrangler Enforcer
all-terrain tires. Ford said they are “uniquely designed to handle fast
acceleration, high speeds and aggressive cornering on paved roads, and can
endure the heat generated in pursuits without sacrificing … off-road
capability.”
When it’s time to leave the pavement,
officers and deputies will be thankful for the new torque-on-demand transfer
case which includes a 4-Auto mode with an “electrically actuated clutch that
automatically adjusts torque as needed to provide exceptional ‘set it and
forget it’ capability for seamless terrain transition.” The system comes paired
with the FX4 Off-Road Package which includes skid plates, an electronic-locking
rear differential, off-road tuned shocks and hill descent control. Speaking of
capability, the F-150 Police Responder has a standard towing capacity of 3,175 kg and an available towing capacity of 5,080 kg. The
truck can also be outfitted with options such as Pro Trailer Backup Assist, a
Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Reverse Guidance and a 360-degree camera.
On the tech side of things, there’s an
8-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system and an upgraded 4-inch productivity screen in
the instrument cluster. The truck also features a standard reverse sensing
system as well as options such as Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian
Detection, Forward Collision Warning and a Blind Spot Information System with
Cross-Traffic Alert. Departments can also order an automatic emergency braking
system with a one-touch disable switch. On the topic of options, there’s a
newly available Police Engine Idle system. It enables drivers to remove the key
from the ignition and exit the truck, while still keeping the engine, lights
and sirens running. This should help to prevent embarrassing incidents where
police vehicles are stolen.
Rounding out the highlights are heavy-duty
cloth front seats with intrusion plates as well as bolsters designed to
accommodate duty belts. The F-150 also offers a new factory-installed center
console as well as new interior work surface that provides a flat area for
writing or working on a computer.
