EAST LANSING, MI- Chrysler's 2010 Dodge Charger ranked highest in Michigan State Police driving unit's evaluation of the most widely used two- and four-wheel patrol vehicles, according to Police Magazine.
For patrol cars, the Dodge Charger (5.7L V8) was the acceleration champion from zero-to-60 mph, reaching it in 6 seconds flat. The Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L SUV running E-85 was the runner-up at 8.13 seconds.
The 5.7L Charger also attained the top-logged speed of 146 mph. The two Chevrolet Impala cars (one running E-85 fuel) reached 139 mph.
In addition to acceleration and top speed, vehicles were tested on braking, ergonomics, communications and fuel economy. In one of four braking tests, the Dodge Charger 3.5L came to a stop from 60 mph in 138 feet, the shortest distance reached for that test.
A vehicle dynamics evaluation is completed on a two-mile course to simulate pursuit and other emergency driving conditions. Motorcycles are also evaluated in this category.
For the 2010 model-year, the driving unit tested Ford's Crown Vic Police Interceptor (both rear-axle ratios), GM's front-wheel Impala, and two-wheel pursuit-rated Tahoe and the pair of Chargers (3.5L and 5.7L). Motorcycles tested included Harley-Davidson's Road King, Electra Glide, and Buell Ulysses XB12XP, as well as BMW's R1200 RTP and G650.
The reports can be viewed at the agency's Web site. Agencies can also contact Sheila Cowles of the Michigan State Police at (517) 322-5174 for a print copy that will be available by the end of November, according to Police.
