The Pursuit of Speed
A report from CBS6 Albany highlights the addition of 19 Ford Mustang GT units to the New York State Police fleet. While not as utilitarian as a Ford Explorer, the department says the Mustangs can support enforcement efforts – particularly in aggressive driving, excessive speeding, and deterrence.
This Mustang model is based on the latest S650 generation. One of the 19 units was used as a prototype for training and evaluation, with the first deployment set for this week in Troop G. The rest of the fleet will be outfitted with emergency lighting, communications, and safety equipment before entering service in the coming weeks.
The Heart of the Mustang
The Mustang GT is powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote V8, making it the more potent option over the 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four with 480 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. It is also available from the factory with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic, though the report did not specify which transmission was chosen for the New York State Police fleet. Given the cabin equipment typically installed in modern police vehicles, however, it is reasonable to assume the department opted for the automatic.
The car may be fast, but it is not ideal for year-round use. The department said the Mustangs will only be used from April to October due to weather limitations. The Mustang comes standard with rear-wheel drive, which is often preferred for track use, but all-wheel drive remains the more ideal choice in winter because it sends power to all four wheels for added grip. As such, the Mustangs will be sidelined in favor of the department’s SUVs during the colder months.
Value in a V8 Package
Those concerned about cost should note that the department said the Mustangs come in about 30% cheaper than patrol SUVs. For reference, the Mustang GT Fastback starts at $46,560, excluding destination fees.
Speaking about the new police cars, which are considered a “strategic addition,” Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The Mustang enhances our ability to conduct traffic enforcement while reinforcing our commitment to protecting the public on New York’s roadways.”
Elsewhere in the U.S., some states have also deployed fast police cars, including electric models like the Tesla Cybertruck used by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Others are seized vehicles repurposed for police outreach, such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 797-horsepower Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye.
