Is the Ford Taurus SHO the same as the police interceptor?
No, the Ford Taurus SHO and the Ford Police Interceptor are not the same vehicle. The Taurus SHO is a high-performance version of the standard Taurus sedan, while the Police Interceptor is a specialized law enforcement vehicle based on the Taurus platform.
Differences Between the Ford Taurus SHO and Police Interceptor
The Ford Taurus SHO and Police Interceptor share some underlying components, as they are both derived from the same Taurus platform. However, there are several key differences between the two models:
- Performance: The Taurus SHO is designed for high-performance driving, with a powerful turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and other performance-oriented features. The Police Interceptor, on the other hand, is optimized for law enforcement duties, with a focus on durability, safety, and pursuit capabilities rather than outright performance.
- Exterior and Interior: The Taurus SHO has a more aggressive, sporty exterior design, with unique styling cues and larger wheels. The Police Interceptor has a more understated, utilitarian appearance, with features like reinforced bumpers and other law enforcement-specific modifications.
- Equipment and Features: The Taurus SHO is equipped with a range of premium features and technology, while the Police Interceptor is outfitted with specialized equipment for law enforcement, such as emergency lights, sirens, and reinforced suspension components.
In summary, while the Ford Taurus SHO and Police Interceptor share a common platform, they are distinct models designed for different purposes. The Taurus SHO is a high-performance sedan for enthusiasts, while the Police Interceptor is a specialized law enforcement vehicle.
What makes a police interceptor different?
Police interceptors differ from civilian vehicles due to their performance, durability, and safety features, which include a heavy-duty cooling system, upgraded suspension and brakes, and powertrain calibrated for high-performance driving. They also have reinforced interiors with durable seating for officers, integrated police equipment, and optional ballistic protection in the doors.
Performance and durability
- Upgraded powertrain: Engines and transmissions are tuned for pursuit-driving, providing better acceleration and firmer shifts.
- Heavy-duty cooling: Enhanced cooling systems for the engine, transmission, and power steering handle extended idle times and strenuous driving conditions.
- Reinforced suspension and brakes: Heavy-duty suspension and larger brakes are designed to withstand aggressive driving and hard stops.
- Heavy-duty components: Includes a more powerful alternator to handle electronics and heavy-duty wheels and tires.
Safety and security
- Ballistic protection: Optional ballistic panels can be installed in the doors to protect against gunfire.
- Stab-resistant seats: The back of the front seats can be reinforced to prevent intrusion.
- Secure Park: A feature that prevents the transmission from being shifted out of park without the key to thwart theft when the vehicle is idling.
- Perimeter Alert: An optional system that scans the vehicle's surroundings and alerts the officer to unexpected movement.
Interior and equipment
- Durable interior materials: Heavy-duty cloth, vinyl, and reduced-bolster front seats are designed to withstand the wear and tear of duty belts and vests.
- Column-mounted shifter: To create more floor space for equipment like radios and computers.
- Pre-wired for equipment: The vehicles come pre-wired for emergency lights, sirens, and other law enforcement equipment.
- Modified rear seating: Rear seating may be a vinyl bench with no storage or locks, and the rear cargo area is often a hard mount floor for gear with a separate, key-operated lockable liftgate.
- Rear camera activation: An option to manually activate the rear-view camera even when not in reverse.
Is the Taurus interceptor a SHO?
In contrast with standard versions of the Taurus, the Taurus SHO did not have a Mercury Sable counterpart; however, the 2010–2019 SHO served as the basis for the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan (replacing the long-running Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor).
What car is the Ford Police Interceptor based on?
Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI) was the first Ford vehicle to use the "Police Interceptor" name, and was introduced in 1992, based on the first generation Ford Crown Victoria.
How much HP does a Ford Taurus police interceptor have?
The horsepower for the Ford Taurus Police Interceptor varies by model and engine, with figures such as 288 hp for the 3.5L V6, 305 hp for the 3.7L V6, and 365 hp for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6. The Police Interceptor Utility, a related model, has a 3.3L V6 with 285 hp.
You can watch this video to see a Ford Taurus Police Interceptor in action: 59sDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Jul 21, 2024
- 3.5L V6: 288 horsepower
- 3.7L V6: 305 horsepower
- 3.5L EcoBoost V6: 365 horsepower
- Police Interceptor Utility 3.3L V6: 285 horsepower (standard engine)
