Ford has unveiled its all-new 2021 F-150 Police Responder, a purpose-built, pursuit-rated pickup truck.
The all-new Ford F-150 Police Responder features increased capability, including an improved 120 mph top speed, automatic four-wheel-drive mode with torque-on-demand transfer case to help patrolling officers transition from busy urban streets to dusty country roads.
Introduced in 2017 as a unique all-terrain law enforcement tool, F-150 Police Responder is built on the all-new 2021 F-150 SuperCrew platform and engineered to meet a wide range of agency needs, Ford said, from allowing officers to travel with more emergency response gear to transporting mobile command centers.
“Law enforcement agencies told us they would love to add F-150 Police Responder towing, hauling and off-road performance to their fleets, but they need more confidence in speed and handling,” said Greg Ebel, Ford police vehicle brand manager. “Whether suburban police departments, border patrol agents or rural sheriffs, officers never know where the job might take them, but the all-new F-150 Police Responder provides a pickup truck option engineered to get them there faster and with greater agility than ever before.”
F-150 Police Responder pickup is powered by a standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 400 horsepower, and its 500 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission and is calibrated to meet rigorous law enforcement use while enabling speeds significantly higher than a stock F-150.
The vehicle rides on specially developed Goodyear LT265/70R18 LRC BSW Wrangler Enforcer all-terrain tires.
A new torque-on-demand transfer case includes 4-Auto mode, with an electrically actuated clutch that automatically adjusts torque as needed to provide capability for terrain transition. On high-friction surfaces such as dry pavement, the system runs in two-wheel drive for maximum performance and improved handling around corners, avoiding the “crow-hopping” that commonly slows a four-wheel-drive vehicle, Ford said. If a pursuit shifts to slick or loose surfaces, the 4-Auto system simultaneously directs power to all four wheels.
“4-Auto mode bridges the gap between 2-High and 4-High, and you see performance improvements as a result,” said Allen Magolan, Ford police vehicles integration manager. “On dry pavement is where you see the real payoff because it allows you to carry more speed when cornering – a rare benefit in a pickup truck.”
The torque-on-demand system couples with the standard F-150 FX4 Off-Road Package to give officers improved off-road capability. The FX4 package includes underbody skid plates, off-road-tuned shocks, electronic-locking rear axle and Hill Descent Control to help maintain speed while driving down an incline.
For departments that need to tow a boat, horse trailer, mobile command center or other equipment, F-150 Police Responder features a standard towing capacity of 7,000 pounds and available towing capacity of 11,200 pounds, in addition to its payload capacity of 2,030 pounds. An available Trailer Tow Package adds Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The available Tow Technology Package adds a 360-degree camera, Trailer Reverse Guidance and integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Smart Trailer Tow Connector is standard on Class IV hitch-equipped vehicles and adds Trailer Coverage to the available Blind Spot Information System.
Available new Police Engine Idle lets an officer remove the key from the ignition and securely exit the truck with the engine running, allowing officers to continue powering lights and sirens without worry of vehicle theft. Agencies can choose the type of keys to operate their trucks – up to four traditional fleet keys per truck or up to four available fobs with keyless entry per truck.
SYNC 4 with cloud connectivity is standard. The system includes an 8-inch touch screen in the center stack and an embedded modem with wireless updates, allowing agencies to receive software updates and potentially avoid unplanned service or maintenance. An upgraded 4-inch productivity screen in the instrument cluster is standard.
Like all Ford commercial vehicles, F-150 Police Responder offers available Ford Telematics. New driver-assist features include a standard Reverse Sensing System, which provides an audible alert if the vehicle approaches an object while backing up. Available Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection that includes Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking now comes with a one-touch temporary disable switch exclusively for law enforcement. Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert is available.
Upfitting is simplified with features such as a front console-delete, universal top tray on the instrument panel and rear power lug. The 40-blank-40 front seat configuration lets agencies install their own department-specific center console. A new factory-installed center console is available as part of the Interior Upgrade Package, as is a new Interior Work Surface that provides an adjustable flat surface for writing or computer work.
The updated darker-colored interior, including police-grade heavy-duty cloth front seats, was influenced by officer input, Ford said. It features built-in steel intrusion plates in both front seatbacks for officer safety, as well as red-and-white task lighting. LED police warning beacons are available pre-installed in red and blue, amber or amber and white.
