October 10, 2009Carbon Motors: The Future of the Po-Po

It’s hard to command respect when your ride is a Crown Victoria (or, at best, a Chevy Impala).  Such has been the plight of police officers across this great nation whose vehicles have been relegated to souped-up taxi cab status for the last several decades.

This is about to change.  A start-up, conceived in Los Angeles and currently operating out of Connersville, IN, called Carbon Motors has been hard at work for the last six years working to produce the first purpose-built police car.

The firm’s first product, the E7, will launch in 2012 with a 3.0 liter diesel engine, rear-wheel drive, a top speed of 155 mph (0-60 time of 6.5 seconds), and a host of safety-centric features including 75 mph rear impact crash capability and an option for ballistic protection panels.

The car will have other Kitt (Knight Rider)-like equipment: (i) 360-degree surveillance, (ii) remote start capability, (iii) integrated shotgun and rifle mounts, (iv) a rear seat compartment designed to accommodate cuffed passengers.

What’s more is that Carbon aims to produce the E7 as a cost-effective alternative to the modified second-rate cars that have ruled the police fleets since the beginning of time.

Why did it take this long to come up with this idea?

All Photos via CarbonMotors.com