Calling all cars: new Chevy Caprice police vehicle coming to your rearview mirror in 2011

GM’s Australian-built rear-wheel drive sedan will live on in North America – at least with law enforcement.

In 2011, the automaker will introduce the Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV), based on the same global rear-drive architecture that underpins the new Chevy Camaro and the retired Pontiac G8 sedan. For police duty, it’s the long wheelbase setup, already sold as the Middle East-market Caprice.

Announced at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police convention in Denver, Colorado last week, the new Caprice will bring full-size, rear-drive Chevys back to the cop-shop after 15 years. Some officers we’ve spoken to (I wasn’t speeding) get all nostalgic for the old body-on-frame Caprice that disappeared in 1996.

The new sedan will be offered with either a V6 or V8 engine and a fully independent suspension. The E85-compatiable, 355 horsepower, V8 is expected to delivery a 0-60 time under six seconds, ideal for the pursuit of perpetrators.

Of course, GM’s making all king of noise about police-specific engineering in the new Caprice, like two trunk-mounted batteries (one dedicated to powering extra equipment), front seats sculpted to “pocket” equipment belts and heavy duty materials and components.

Jim Campbell, general manager for GM fleet and commercial operations said, “We asked for a lot of feedback from our police customers, which helped us develop a vehicle that is superior to the Crown Victoria in key areas.”

Chevy says its Caprice offers a larger interior than the Ford - including 101 mm (4 in.) more rear legroom, a barrier between the front seat and rear seat positioned farther rearward for more seat adjustment and space to stow equipment and a large trunk.

Take note speed-freaks, there will be an “undercover” street-appearance package.

Of course, all this leaves us begging GM to offer a new Caprice to John Q, Public as well – maybe even a new rear-wheel drive SS model. Either way, you’ll see us at the police auctions down the road trying to grab one of these constabulary Chevrolets.

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