The Ford Mustang Failed The Australian Highway Patrol’s High Performance Test Because It Overheated
When we tested the 2015 Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT at a wet and windy Silverstone last month, we couldn’t help but fall for it. With new independent rear suspension, a 410bhp V8 and a sweet manual gearbox, we were overjoyed that Ford had finally given us a Mustang that felt at home on undulating UK roads.
With production of the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore coming to an end, our friends down under have been searching for their next high performance patrol vehicle. The Mustang was their first choice with its sizeable boot, torque-laden V8 and well-regarded factory support. Unfortunately - and somewhat surprisingly - the GT failed the Australian Highway Patrol’s high performance test with Jalopnik reporting that the car overheated after just three minutes of “intense driving.”
The GT passed a brake test at the New South Wales (NSW) Police Driving Academy, but the automatic gearbox - a requirement for all vehicles on the force - put an end to proceedings, forcing the car into a “limp home mode” mid-way through a performance test. Business Insider Australia reported that the car even had to be taken to a local Ford dealership for repairs.
So it looks like the Ford is well and truly out of the running, but the NSW Police Department still has the Volvo S60 Polestar and Volkswagen Golf R Wagon on its shortlist. The car that they eventually choose will have to take part in Operation Freeflow, an operation designed to deter traffic offences by intimidating drivers to slow down. Granted, the Golf and Volvo will be better dynamically, but is there anything scarier than seeing a V8 Muscle car in your rear-view?
So this got us thinking. Can we help choose a car for the NSW Police Department? What automatic, high-performance car would you guys like to see join the force? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: EFTM and Business Insider Australia.
Comments
That’s surprising, I ran my GTPP hard through the desert when it was 110℉ out, the coolant temp didn’t budge because of the beefy radiator.
“Is there anything scarier than seeing a muscle car in your rear view mirror?” yes, there is. It’s called an Abrams following you at Audi distance. Because freedom, that’s why…
WRX STi?
Agreed, I know the UK police force used an Impreza and a Lancer Evo at one point. Don’t see them around anymore but it would be nice for lots of departments to use Imprezas - decent power without being a completely fuel greedy car (compared to a V8 like the Mustang), having a decent amount of seats and having that aggro factor that the police want! I think they’re mostly manual, but there’s probably an auto option somewhere, especially on later ones
They’re going to crack ringlands left and right, just before they eventually have to refuel because of the sti’s 50 mile range on one tank of gas.
We used to at 1 stage
Dont get me wrong subaru till i die.
But unfortunatly out of the factory.. Too slow
How about a Dodge Charger SRT8 or Hellcat? Figure, the Hellcat would be great for the highways, and the SRT8 would be good all around. The SRT8 392 has a top speed of 175 and a 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds, and is automatic. Hellcat tops out at 204mph and 4.3 second 0-60. Not 100% sure if they get those Down Under…..
We don’t unfortunately
Nah mate, we don’t get either of them here in Australia
Around me it’s crown vics chargers explorers a couple f150’s taurus even a 4 door wrangler
This guy really likes MURIKAN cars :)) Don’t lie to me, you live in Texas at ranch, don’t you?
He. He. Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehhehe.
How can a criminal escape when the police have time on their side?
“Do you kbow why i pulled you over sir?”
“I have no idea officer.”
“Well ive had to come back in time to give you this ticket, the fine is $2680 and an immediate loss of license.”
“But officer i haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Not yet” puts sunglasses on CSI theme plays.
They could use something like a Impreza sti or a audi Quattro or something like that
What’s wrong with an Astra diesel?
Too slow for highway pursuits
Jajaja in my country the police patrols are Renault Logan and dusters