Durango model makes three police cruisers from Chrysler.
Auto Trends has been keeping a sharp eye on the police pursuit market lately as several important changes have been made.
Police Cruiser News
Earlier this month we reported on the fortunes of Carbon Motors, a would-be developer of police-spec sedans. That Indiana-based company had its U.S. Department of Energy loan application rejected, for reasons its CEO says were political. Carbon’s fortunes now rest in the hands of investors or perhaps a deep-pocketed suitor.
Last week we announced that the Ford Motor Company has brought not one, but two replacements to the market for its now-retired Ford Crown Victoria sedan. Ford also put out an invitation to this writer to test both vehicles at a special show ‘n tell in Queens, N.Y. this week, one that was accepted and reported on yesterday.
Dodge Durango Special Service SUV
This week, Dodge announced that a Special Service Dodge Durango designed for police, fire and general fleet customers can now be ordered with deliveries expected to begin in the second quarter of 2012. That vehicle joins the Dodge Charger Pursuit and the Ram Special Service Vehicle. Each of these vehicles is offered through Chrysler’s fleet operations department.
“We’re incredibly excited to add the Dodge Durango Special Service to our line-up of law enforcement vehicles,” said Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet Operations. “Adding Durango to our current Dodge Charger Pursuit and Ram 1500 Special Service vehicles allows us to offer a full range of fleet sedan, SUV, and truck options to law enforcement and government agencies.”
Dodge Durango Specifications
The standard engine with the Dodge Durango Special Service edition is Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. That engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and makes 290 horsepower. Optionally, a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is available and is also paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The more potent Durango makes 360 horsepower and 390 foot-pounds of torque. These vehicles are available in rear- or all-wheel-drive.
Dodge is emphasizing a few important points about its police-spec Dodge Durango including its 550-mile plus driving range with the V-6 engine and stand out power with its V-8. These models come equipped with a 220-amp alternator, a larger battery and a heavy duty water pump and engine oil cooler. This special service edition model is also covered by Chrysler’s 5-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Dodge Durango is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “top safety pick” as it scored the highest in crash tests involving frontal offset, side impact, rollover and rear collision accidents.
Model Modifications
Dodge says that its special service Durango offers a fully customizable rear cargo compartment equipped with under-floor storage compartments and side storage compartments. An interior dome lamp and headliner, spot lamp wiring prep and the removal of the standard third row seats for more cargo capacity. The separate air conditioning and heating controls found in the second row with general spec models will stay in place. Safety features such as traction control, stability control, electronic roll mitigation, hill start assist and trailer sway control are also included.
The Dodge Durango Special Services edition is being built at Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly plant in Detroit.
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