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Just the Facts:
* A new series of six YouTube webisodes featuring the 2011 Ford Police Interceptor show real police officers test-driving the Ford vehicle and its competitors and then bad-mouthing the Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicles.
* The uniformed officers who appear in the webisodes were "not paid for their participation," said Ford in a disclaimer.
* The riveting webisodes show cops getting stuck in the Chevrolet Tahoe as they attempt to navigate a gravel-filled course and griping that the Charger is "somewhat lethargic."
DEARBORN, Michigan — Taking a page from reality TV, Ford has released six YouTube webisodes that show real cops bad-mouthing the Chevrolet Tahoe and Dodge Charger police vehicles and raving about the 2011 Ford Police Interceptor. The Dearborn automaker says the police were "not paid for their participation" in the riveting webisodes.
In one webisode entitled "Dog Bone," the cops get stuck in the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV as they attempt to navigate a gravel-filled course. Another cop gripes that the Dodge Charger is "somewhat lethargic" after test-driving it. The Tahoe is also castigated by the men in blue for being "top heavy," while the Charger is knocked because "she seems kind of heavy."
"It was pretty sick, man," says Don Spence, a Dundee, Michigan police officer and Iraq War veteran, after test-driving the Ford Police Interceptor.
"I'm a believer," says Chris Whaley, a member of the Ontario Provincial Police, after his turn in the Ford.
Perhaps the most critical part of the exercise is Ford's disclaimer at the beginning of the webisodes. "The following demonstrations feature real police officers," it said. "They were not paid for their participation. Their comments and opinions are their own."
In a statement, Ford said it turned its new Police Interceptor — which is based on the 2011 Ford Explorer — over to "authorities for a series of competitive driving exercises against the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV and Dodge Charger Pursuit, proving that Ford's Police Interceptors are up for any challenge."
The two-day test drives were conducted at Ford's Arizona Proving Ground in Wittman.
The webisodes are compelling viewing for consumers because they provide insight into how police think when they are behind the wheel and what they look for in a vehicle.
The Ford Police Interceptor is due to hit the streets late this year. It is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. Ballistic door panels are optional.
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