Anywhere you look at the new 2021 F-150 Police Responder you'll see improvements specifically designed to cater to the needs of law enforcement agencies and improve performance, on- or off-road.
Not Kidding About Improved Performance
The new '21 version of the Police Responder features the exciting 3.5L V6 twin-turbo EcoBoost engine producing 400hp and 500 lb.-ft. of torque, which Ford claims tops all pursuit-rated police vehicles. To put that into perspective, remember that the 1999-2004 Ford F-150 Lightning made 380hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque with a supercharged 5.4L V8. And keep in mind that the 2021 Raptor only makes 50 more horsepower and only 10 more pound/feet of torque.
"Law enforcement agencies told us they wanted...more confidence in speed and handling," said Greg Ebel, Ford police brand vehicle manager. "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." To give them that confidence, they coupled a 10-speed automatic transmission to the potent EcoBoost engine that is built to meet rigorous law enforcement needs while allowing for speeds significantly higher than a stock F-150.
Other improved technology and off-road capability come in the form of a torque-on-demand transfer case to seamlessly transition from on-road to off-road at high speeds, specially rated all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, off-road tuned shocks, and an electronic locking rear axle.
Built for Officers
Not every aspect of the new Police Responder is as appealing to civilians as its performance numbers. Ford's Police Engine Idle allows an officer to take the key out of the ignition and leave the vehicle with the engine running to power lights and sirens without worrying about vehicle theft.
It's also got front seat bolsters that are sized to enable easier exits and entrances into the truck for an officer wearing a duty belt- great for a policeman on an 8-hour shift, but maybe not so great looking for the average Joe.
Still, it's an exciting truck, and probably not a good idea to try to outrun in any stock vehicle. We can only hope that Ram responds to Ford's hot F-150 Responder with a detuned TRX 1500 Pursuit truck. Fingers crossed.