This report presents the results of the Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Team's 2008 model year police vehicle evaluation.
In the 2008 model year police vehicle evaluation, a total of 19 vehicles were tested by the Michigan State Police Vehicle Test Team, including 1 pickup truck, 1 Suburban and 3 motorcycles. Vehicles evaluated were distributed into three categories: police, special service, and motorcycle. The police vehicle categories consisted of the Ford Police Interceptor, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Tahoe, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Magnum. Highlights of the results for police vehicles tested include: (1) the vehicle dynamics comparison showed the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Tahoe E85 outperforming the other vehicles tested for both 2007 and 2008; (2) the vehicle acceleration comparison showed the Dodge Magnum 3.5L and the Dodge Charger 3.5L performed the best in the 0-60 MPH for both 2007 and 2008; (3) the top speed comparison showed the Dodge Charger 5.7L performed the best in top speed attained for both 2007 and 2008; and (4) the brake testing comparison showed the Ford Police Interceptor 3.55 performing the best in stopping distances. Within the special service package vehicles, the categories included: Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, Ford F-150 2WD Super Crew, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban 3/4 Ton. These vehicles were tested in all the categories except vehicle dynamics. It is noted that these vehicles are not engineered for high speed and pursuit applications. Within the category of motorcycles, the vehicles included: Harley Davidson Electra Glide FLHTP, Harley Davidson Road King FLHP, and BMW Motorrad USA R1200RT-P. Because motorcycles encounter a variety of surfaces during patrol operations or emergencies, a braking test was developed. All of the cars and trucks were tested with a clean roof and without "A" pillar mount spotlights. In addition, each vehicle was tested with the tires that are available as original equipment on the production model. Tables