(continued from above)
Sleek, streamlined and slightly sinister, a specialized stealth concept
version of Ford's Police Interceptor will debut at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment
Market Association) trade show in Las Vegas.
Using the strong lines and
muscular stance of the Ford Police Interceptor sedan as a base, Ford designer
Melvin Betancourt developed a customized undercover stealth version that's both
stylish and full of high-tech surprises.
"This car offered the perfect
canvas for me as a designer," Betancourt said. "The Police Interceptor sedan is
already a unique vehicle. I just started looking at ways to give it that
mysterious but high-tech look."
The Police Interceptor sedan was
introduced in March, followed by a utility version in September. Both
Interceptors will debut simultaneously when production of the Ford Crown
Victoria Police Interceptor ceases in late 2011.
The stealth concept
vehicle will be on display throughout the SEMA show, which runs Nov. 2-5.
Betancourt started the undercover version by lowering the body and giving
the illusion of added width. The body was lowered an inch, and the special
22-inch wheels are inside a staggered rim section so the front is 3 inches and
the rear is 3.5 inches.
"The rim section is stacked to give it the
illusion of greater width," he said. "The center of the wheel is glossy black,
and the rim is chrome. So we have that racy, hot rod look, but at the same time
we're building a sinister, stealthy, 'Don't mess with me' feeling."
Top-Secret Airplane Provides Inspiration
Betancourt used imagery of
the SR-71, the original stealth airplane, for inspiration as he customized the
vehicle. Known as the "Blackbird," this high-altitude, long-range reconnaissance
aircraft was secretly designed in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its top speed
was more than three times the speed of sound. Now retired, the Blackbird is
considered by many aviation enthusiasts as the ultimate airplane.
Ford Police Interceptor Concept: Review (2/2)
