The engine, which delivers 350 lb.-ft. of torque, has been available in a variety of Ford vehicles, including the Police Interceptor Sedan, and is the choice for more than 40 per cent of Ford F-150 truck buyers.
"We continue to look at ways we can offer our customers additional product enhancements to further meet their unique needs," said Gerry Koss, Ford Motor Company fleet marketing manager. "Our Police Advisory Board and customers across North America identified the EcoBoost engine as their No. 1 want in the Police Interceptor Utility vehicle."
Agencies often need to outfit vehicles with an increasing amount of equipment, but still require first-responder, pursuit-capable performance and handling; the new Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicle is designed to meet these requirements.
"With the Police Interceptor Utility vehicle representing just under 29 per cent of our police sales last year, it is evident our two-vehicle strategy was on target," said Koss. "Our engineering team designed this vehicle specifically for the police market."
The Police Interceptor Utility has received very positive feedback from law enforcement agencies, including the performance of the standard 3.7-litre Ti-VCT V6 engine, which delivers 304 horsepower and 279 lb.-ft. of torque, said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Police Interceptor.
Gubing cited recently released results of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department testing and evaluation of 2013 model year vehicles, which show Ford's Police Interceptor Utility vehicle swept all categories, including acceleration, braking, 32-lap high-speed and pursuit versus the Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with a 5.3-litre V8 engine.
"The 3.5-litre EcoBoost will offer best-in-class performance and top-notch fuel economy," said Gubing. "That means law enforcement agencies that require this level of capability won't have to compromise.
"It also complements our strategy of offering a choice of either Sedan or Utility vehicle based on a common platform, and sharing a large amount of common components, including powertrains, brakes, wheels/tires, seats and maintenance items," Gubing added.
Ford's Police Interceptor engine strategy provides a V6 lineup that outperforms V8 engines of years past. The Police Interceptor Sedan is available with three powertrain options – a 3.5-litre V6 with front-wheel drive, 3.7-litre V6 with all-wheel drive and the powerhouse 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine with all-wheel drive – allowing police to choose the powerplant that best meets their patrol requirements.
For more information on Ford Police Interceptor, visit www.FordPoliceInterceptor.com.