* Illustration: Oksana Barak * Firefighters, paramedics, and even postal workers all have vehicles designed for their specific needs. Most American cops, however, hit the mean streets in modified versions of the same car that dominates US taxi fleets: the homely Ford Crown Victoria — called the Interceptor, in black and white. Now Atlanta-based Carbon Motors wants to give the fuzz a ride they can call their own. Code-named E7, it's engineered from the ground up to protect and serve those who serve and protect. With a prototype on the way, more than 300 agencies have expressed interest in adding the car to their arsenals. Be on the lookout for something new in your rearview mirror.
* Line Art: Brown Bird Design*Cruiser Showdown
1. Doors
The E7's wide-opening suicide doors (i.e., with rear-mounted hinges) in back make stowing less-than-docile perps quicker and safer.
2. Lights
In place of the Interceptor's old-timey roof-mounted light bar, Carbon Motors has built a UFO's worth of strobes, flashers, and spotlights right into the E7's roof and bumpers. So much for spotting cop cars in the dark by their outline, Mr. Leadfoot.
3. Body
Carbon's cruiser is 12 inches shorter and 6.5 inches narrower than the Interceptor, making it more maneuverable. It's also 5.9 inches taller — better for cramming bad guys into the back without banging their heads. Bonus: You can keep your hat on, officer.
4. Protection
The E7 comes standard with ballistic panels in the firewall and front doors that can stop a .44-caliber round. Ford offers front-door armoring as an option.
5. Monitor
Reed and Malloy had to twist their necks to check on suspects in the back. The E7's cockpit features an A/V feed from the rear compartment.
6. Engine
The upstart's six-cylinder turbodiesel uses 40 percent less fuel than the Ford's gasoline-fed V-8. Yet this 300-hp green machine hits 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (vs. the Interceptor's 8.4 secs) and can pursue suspects at 155 mph. The Ford tops out at a pokey 129.
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