SPECIAL REPORT—Most motorists are familiar with seeing police versions of civilian automobiles such as the Ford Crown Victoria, Dodge Charger and Chevy Impala on the streets. While these cars eventually became popular with law enforcement officers when topped with a light bar, painted in police colors and finished off with an insignia, these autos start off usually as family sedans and then later retrofitted with police parts, which create some compromises along the way. 

This, however is about to change and a new player in the police car market is set to give the traditional Big Three automakers—Ford, General Motors and Chrysler—competition directed at winning over fleet contracts from local and state law enforcement agencies nationwide.

The Georgia-based company, Carbon Motors, has built a purpose-built police car from the ground up, designed solely for law enforcement work with a platform specifically designed to stand up to the rigors of 250,000 miles of police work and is structurally sound for superior crash protection, even being able to withstand a 75 mph rear crash.

The E7 is the code-name designation for this car that company officials believe will revolutionize the police car market and could likely grab a firm hold on the market share of the police car industry if the upstart company can maintain popularity with fleet car purchasers and law enforcement officers alike.

One of the contrasting differences is in the powertrain. While Ford, Dodge and Chevy offer gasoline-powered engines for their police cars, the Carbon E7 offers a 3.0L turbodiesel engine that develops 300 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. This propels the E7 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and a quarter mile time of 14.5 seconds at 98-mph. Top speed will be approximately 155 mph.

 While this is about the same performance as that of the top-performing Hemi V8 Dodge Charger, the E7 is capable of getting over 30 miles per gallon (MPG) as opposed to the 20 MPG that the Dodge musters. With an 18-gallon fuel tank, this means a useful range of over 500 miles. Factor in the fluctuating price of gasoline, makes this a strong selling point.

Huge brakes haul down the 4000-pound E7 police sedan from 60 in just 125 feet again and again. Optimally designed suspension offers better performance in handling maneuvers than the competition, according to the company. A neutral percentage of 50/50 weight distribution means the car will stay well balance in higher-speed transitional turns and curves, which translates into a more predictably handling car with few surprises as speed climbs. 

High intensity exterior emergency lighting is integrated into the structure of the car for both improved aerodynamics but also for more discretion in traffic. Built-in lighting will be visible from all angles in traffic.

Besides the obvious differences, the E7 reveals a car with the law enforcement officer in mind. Seats and seat belts are designed to be fully accommodating of an officer wearing a belt and holster. While the front doors open conventionally, the rear doors are hinged to open to the rear. This feature not only makes it easier placing incarcerated persons in the back seat, but also aids in protecting officers using their doors as shields during a standoff situation. Rear seats are actually molded to make placement of handcuffed suspects easier and more comfortable. The floor and rear seats are designed to be easily hosed out with water and drained for clean up.

Setting this car further ahead of the pack, the company will offer many options designed specifically for law enforcement work and vehicles will arrive with very little prep work required with audio, video, sirens and lighting already installed at the factory. Options like Weapons of Mass Destruction sensors, spotlight and long gun mounts, radar and back up cameras will be available straight from the factory. Delivery is said by the company to be capable in less than four week.

Company officials expect the E7 to be available at comparable price to those automobiles offered by Ford, Chrysler and Chevy, which is essential to winning bids on large fleets such as those orders placed by state highway patrols, large city police departments and sheriffs’ offices.

While the E7 has yet to even be given an official nameplate other than the E7 code name, it is already making a name for itself as it tours the country from state to state with company officials hoping to win bids for the purpose-built car. 

The appearance seems futuristic, like a police car you would see in a sci-fi movie. The technology equally matches its exterior styling. However, the Carbon E7 is very much reality. Expect to see the Carbon Motors police car on the streets and highways in the next couple of years, perhaps in your hometown.