what are great cars to get away from the cops

Constabulary cars: the world's best and worst

We delve into the magical world of the police motorcar, taking in the fastest, nigh exotic and most inappropriate police cars on Earth

8 Sep 2021

A police force car should be fearfulness inducing or reassuring, depending on which side of the law y'all're on. The vivid colours and flashing lights intentionally make them some of the most recognisable vehicles on the route but take away the markings and most police cars are pretty uninspiring, everyday cars. Not all of them, though! We're here to round upwardly some of the most interesting police vehicles from around the world alongside some major disappointments. From thrilling supercars to models that clearly weren't up to the cop auto chore, at that place's a bigger range of police cars out there than you might imagine.

Police forces in the Britain endure from a severe lack of impressive constabulary cars. Absolutely, it's not always financially practical for the local police force to spend thousands on a McLaren 570S or a fleet of Range Rover Sport SVRs, but a loftier speed chase or patrol effectually town would be far more than impressive in almost anything other than a Vauxhall Astra.

High-operation constabulary cars are mainly used for PR events as talking points to highlight road safety and sensible driving or as a way for manufacturers to promote their latest models. Constabulary supercars practice become more than necessary in places like Dubai where a Vauxhall Astra wouldn't have a hazard of catching the hypercars that are commonplace on the streets.

Fifty-fifty on the rare occasions that a police supercar tin be justified for operational reasons, there are some serious drawbacks, space being a crucial one. If officers tried to cram a criminal into the back of a Lamborghini information technology'southward they who'd be in line for a charge of GBH and any repair bills would accident almost police force force budgets in a single swoop. Let's put the practicalities to 1 side though and cheque out our list of the globe's greatest, and most disappointing, police force cars...

The world's best and worst police cars

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Engine: Electric
0-62mph: 3.7 seconds
Pinnacle speed: 111mph

The all-electric Mach-Due east SUV has been a corking success for Ford and now it'due south looking to practice a similar job with the police. The brand showed this Mach-E police car concept at the Emergency Services Show, equally a potential green choice for Uk forces to add to their fleets.

Ford plans to offer product vehicles with extended range batteries and the option of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The GT version of the new Mach-E does 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds with a summit speed of 111mph and several forces accept already shown an interest in a constabulary edition. This electric vehicle has the potential to be an operational service vehicle on streets almost you soon.

BAC Mono

Engine: 4-cylinder 2.5-litre Mountune, 305bhp
0-60mph: 2.8 seconds
Height speed: 170mph

BAC used the Isle of mann as its base for testing and developing the BAC Mono. To thank the Isle of Human being government for their hospitality, BAC gave the Isle of man Police Force their own supercar patrol vehicle. The one-seater Mono is a little impractical for everyday police force piece of work but it's well suited to a high speed hunt with a 0-60mph fourth dimension of 2.8 seconds. The Mono has joined the Isle of Man constabulary fleet as an center-catching conversation starter for promoting road prophylactic and responsible driving.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge

Engine: half-dozen.vi-litre V12
0-62mph: 4.8s
Top speed: 155mph

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The Rolls-Royce Ghost Blackness Bluecoat is an unlikely pick for a police car, but for a luxury patrol vehicle this would be a top pick. Rolls-Royce showcased this example at the Chichester law station open up solar day, close to its manufacturing headquarters at Goodwood, Sussex, to show its support for the Sussex Police and local community. The Ghost would not be the most economical or even sensible choice for an emergency vehicle but information technology would expect peachy every bit function of a police escort. Unfortunately, it won't get a permanent addition to the Sussex law's armada, for now.

Skoda Kodiaq vRS

Engine: Biturbo 2.0 TDI diesel
0-62mph: 7.0 seconds
Top speed: 136mph

While not necessarily a cool police car, Skoda's Kodiaq vRS would certainly exist an intimidating sight to run into hurtling towards you in your rear view mirror. Its four-bike drive arrangement and 237bhp hateful that the lawless take little chance of escaping the UK bobbies.

While many standard features remain such as the 20-inch alloy wheels and dual exhaust pipes, there have been some boosted law spec upgrades. Some non so standard features include 360-degree visibility thanks to powerful LED bespeak lights built into the front screen, grille, tailgate and number plate – plus a 100-amp iii-tone siren and roof-mounted emergency lights to top it off.

Nissan GT-R 'Copzilla'

Engine: Twin-turbo V6, 562bhp
0-62mph:

Alright, so there'south no additional performance bolted onto what is otherwise a standard GT-R, but nonetheless Nissan did vivid job styling this one-off 'Copzilla' for the 2017 New York Motor Show. Adorned with Skyline Metro Police Department motifs, the flashing lights and gigantic roof-mounted spoiler complete a terrifying expect. Who would dare try and outrun a copper driving one of these?

Ford Focus RS

Engine:ii.3-litre 4cyl turbo
0-62mph:4.vii seconds
Top speed:165mph

Dorsum in the 80's, the Essex and Suffolk Police tried out a Ford RS200 to see if it would work equally a patrol car. Despite reporting it as a 'stunning striking' it never did become into full use. Thirty years on, though, a new fast Ford hit the fleet – the Focus RS. With 345bhp under the bonnet, it's certainly non short of stride – and unlike the RS200, it offers upwardly rear doors for transporting suspected criminals, and a kicking large enough to store traffic cones. Plus if they get bored, the officers can try out 'Drift Style' on a deserted stretch of A-road.

Volvo V90

Engine: Due north/A
0-62mph: N/A
Top speed: N/A

The Swedish law forcefulness took delivery of some shiny new Volvo V90 estate cars in 2017. It's not hard to meet why – we very much similar the V90 hither at Automobile Express, and it appears the Swedish police force force exercise too. In fact, like all potential future vehicles, the V90 was tested to the limit in the land's stringent police car tests and scored ix.2 out of ten – the highest score every achieved past a machine.

The overall comments on the car were that the "chassis, steering, suspension, traction control and powertrain all show exemplary performance. Quick lane changes at loftier speeds feel almost deceptively piece of cake, the car does what it is told to do and shakes off lateral forces without any protest." Engine specs aren't known, simply we suspect the Swedish-spec cars might be using the punchy T6 petrol engine we don't become in the UK. That's good for 0-62mph in six.1 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

Caparo T1

Engine: iii.v-litre V6, 345bhp
0-62mph: 2.5 seconds
Height speed: 205mph

The Caparo T1 is less of a patrol auto and more of a high-speed pursuit vehicle. The mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive two-seater was put into law livery by London'due south Metropolitan Law. It tin blast from 0-62mph in just 2.five seconds, and while information technology'south unlikely to striking its 200mph-plus height speed in whatsoever pursuits downwards the Hackney Road, at least information technology'll go people moving out of the manner. Designed by the engineers behind the McLaren F1, the Caparo won't requite offenders much chance to escape.

Ford F-150

Engine:5.0-litre V8, 385bhp
0-62mph:6.6 seconds
Summit speed:N/A

Few vehicles are more intimidating than the massive Ford F-150 choice-up – simply in America, information technology'south a staple of life, and has been the best-selling vehicle for years. And so, just like the British law forces use the best-selling Ford Focus, information technology follows that American forces should use the F-150. The Police Pack is available on SuperCrew and SuperCab F-150's fitted with either the v.0-litre V8 or three.5-litre EcoBoost engines, and is fitted with all the equipment you lot'd expect from a police vehicle. Don't look to see it on these shores, though.

Mercedes GLE Coupe

Engine:5.5-litre V8, 577bhp
0-62mph:4.2 seconds
Top speed:155mph

Aussies dear a V8, and with the GLE 63 S Coupe the Australian constabulary forcefulness fifty-fifty become ii turbochargers tacked on every bit a bonus! The sleek coupe body might non be the most practical for transporting prisoners, just the jacked-up ride top should make mincemeat of the rough outback roads. This was only a loaner car, though, from Mercedes in Commonwealth of australia – as it was role of a campaign to boost route prophylactic in Victoria.

Porsche 911

Engine: 3.8-litre Boxer 6cyl, 370bhp
0-62mph: 4.five seconds
Acme speed: 186mph

Porsche recently historic 50 years of its iconic 911 sports machine, and it's likely the police in Berlin were neat to bring together the party with their 2005 model, which has been fettled by High german tuner TechArt. This 370bhp car tin can cover 0-62mph in simply 4.five seconds  on the style to a 186mph top speed, and helps keep wayward Berliners on the right side of the law.

Mercedes CLS Brabus Rocket

Engine: 6.3-litre V12, 720bhp
0-62mph: 3.2 seconds
Acme speed: 227mph

Not content with the 911, the German authorities were also treated to this Brabus-tuned MkI CLS, dubbed the Rocket. With a top speed of 227mph and 720bhp on offer, it'southward not hard to see where information technology got its proper name from. Brabus has given it all the kit needed to keep the added ability in check. Unlike some of our other hot cop cars, information technology'll besides fit a couple of offenders in the back.

Lotus Evora

Engine: iii.5-litre V6, 345bhp
0-62mph: four.4 seconds
Top speed: 178mph

Used by Italian republic'southward national military constabulary, the Carabinieri, this fully liveried version of the Lotus Evora has caused quite a stir. It delivers 345bhp and is capable of 0-62mph in 4.iv seconds, and so is a friction match for most traffic on the country's autostrada. Lotus besides takes care of maintenance and trains the drivers on how to handle the supercar. The Norfolk law force has took delivery of one, too, but it's for engaging the public rather than chasing crooks.

Jeep Wrangler

Engine: 2.8-litre diesel
0-62mph: N/A
Superlative speed: N/A

Yet another entry for the Carabinieri, but this fourth dimension it's a competent off-roader. FCA delivered the ii.8-litre diesel fuel Jeep Wrangler to the Italian paramilitary police to help patrol an area of the Italian east coast. While it is non the nigh powerful motorcar on this list, it is i of the nigh capable off-road. This is helped in role past something called the Mopar One Pack, which brings with information technology a ii-inch lift, 17-inch Gladiator wheels and additional flares on the front and rear wheelarches.

Spyker C8

Engine: iv.two-litre V8, 400bhp
0-62mph: 4.5 seconds
Meridian speed: 187mph

This Dutch supercar was fittingly daubed in the crimson and blue colours of the country's law force. Information technology also has a specially made stand up to concur the calorie-free bar, equally there's nowhere for a standard static bar to exist fitted. And the rumbling Audi-sourced V8 has would-be criminals thinking twice.

Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4

Engine: 5.2-litre V10
0-62mph: 3.2 seconds
Peak speed: 202mph

The Italian Police didn't have long to expect to get their hands on the new Lamborghini Huracan. The fully-liveried Huracan Polizia was given to the Italian State Police past Lamborghini complete with the all important blue lights. The motorcar's v.2-litre V10 develops a crook-catching 602bhp.

Ford Shelby Mustang Roush Edition

Engine: v.0-litre V8
0-62mph: 4.5 secs
Elevation speed: 147mph

You can count on Dubai for a chip of motoring madness and it appears the police are fractional to some flash cars. Amidst the fleet of supercars the local constabulory get to run around in is this Ford Mustang. It's not just any Mustang though, it's a special edition 'Roush' Edition - complete with a 575bhp V8. We can only imagine the sound of this muscle car echoing across the dunes.

Aston Martin One-77

Engine: 7.iii V12, 750bhp
0-62mph: 3.7 secs
Superlative speed: 220mph

This is as special as they come from the legendary British maker. As the proper name suggests, the Aston Martin One-77 was a limited release of just 77 models worldwide. Beautifully hand-crafted materials and an obsessive attention to detail marker the auto out. Information technology'south no slouch, either, with 750bhp from a V12 and a meridian speed of 220mph.

Bentley Continental GT

Engine: 6.0 W12, 567bhp
Top speed: 197mph
0-62mph: 4.3 secs

Some other British car, the Bentley Continental GT is a fine option due to its superb refinement and quality. It's hand-fabricated at Bentley's famous Crewe mill, and every effort is made to produce the perfect car, tailored to buyers' every request. The 6.0-litre W12 engine catapults the car to just shy of 200mph, and dispatches the 0-62mph sprint in 4.3 seconds.

Ferrari FF

Engine: 6.2 V12, 651bhp
0-62mph: iii.7 secs
Top speed: 208mph

Practical and Ferrari are two words you rarely hear in the aforementioned sentence. The Ferrari FF is an exception, though, because it is a genuinely practical supercar with infinite for iv occupants in a shooting brake bodystyle – the perfect choice for transporting criminals to the station apace, thanks to its 651bhp V12 engine.

Skoda Enyaq

Powertrain: 82kWh, 201bhp
0-62mph: viii.5 secs
Top speed: 99mph

Skoda has provided many police cars to many countries in the past but the new Enyaq is the first bespoke electric police motorcar from the Czech brand. With a big 585-litre boot, the Enyaq police car should be able to cater for all the equipment police officers demand on the job. A maximum 333-mile range ranks among the best pure-electric cars on auction and information technology can charge to fourscore per cent in 38 minutes. The Enyaq also has fewer perishable parts than nearly ICE cars, significant information technology'll spend less time being serviced and more than fourth dimension out patrolling the road.

The earth'south worst police cars

Exotic law cars costing vast sums of coin to buy and run are inappropriate in their ain way but not in the aforementioned fashion as these models. Here are some of the world'southward worst police force cars...

Lada Riva

Engine: 1.5-litre, 80bhp
0-62mph: 14.5 seconds
Top speed: 95mph

Due to the merchandise embargo with the US, Cuba has institute it hard to obtain an appropriate armada of police cars. But its friends in Russia helpfully suggested the Lada Riva – and they weren't joking. The 4-door patrols the streets of Havana with a comically large siren, but  it's unlikely anyone sees the serious side.

Smart Fortwo

Engine: 0.nine-litre, 89bhp
0-62mph: x.4 seconds
Top speed: 96mph

Officers in New York City may struggle to be taken seriously when they trade their classic Ford Crown Victorias for the tiny Smart Fortwo. The NYPD has bought 250 of these diddy metropolis cars, presumably to trounce the crush of NYC's traffic congestion. But as they're nearly equally wide as a conventional machine, we can't quite meet the do good – apart from when parking, of form...

Toyota Prius

Engine: 1.8-litre, 134bhp
0-62mph: 10.1 seconds
Top speed: 112mph

In a bid to add to their green credentials, police in Berlin are attempting to offset the emissions of the Porsche on their fleet (above) with these hybrid Toyota Prius patrol cars. They're painfully slow, yet incredibly efficient – and when running on battery power, officers would be able to sneak up on criminals!

For more incredible law cars, check out our round-upward of the police cars of Dubai.

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