The Auto Writer

Utilizing an aluminum spaceframe body structure, the E7 comes with integrated emergency lights, spot lights, take down lights, and directional stick for a truly "can't miss this" look.

Other than the times that the “blue light special” pulls up behind you while you’re stopped on the side of the road, do you really take notice of what type of vehicle that the police officer is driving? If you live in the US or Canada, chances are he or she is driving a Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala or a Dodge Charger sedan, the biggest but perhaps not the best vehicle for law enforcement purposes. Oh, sure, you may get lucky and find the occasional modified Ford Mustang or Corvette cruiser, while in many northern climates a Ford Explorer might do. But, none of these vehicles are what most police officers really want which is a dedicated car built designed specifically for their needs.

10,000 Vehicle Reservations Later

Well, that may soon be changing as an upstart company, Carbon Motors Corporation, has designed and is in the process of finalizing a factory location for its fully dedicated “homeland security” E7 sedan, a purpose-built police cruiser – the first of its kind. Carbon Motors is an all new American automotive manufacturer that plans to build tens of thousands of police cruisers annually, vehicles that the company says have already been ordered to the tune of 10,000 units thus far.

Carbon Motors says that the E7 is “designed for law enforcement by law enforcement” to underscore what is lacking in the atypical police cruiser, which is a lot. Powered by its rear wheels, the E7 will utilize a 3.0L forced induction V-6 diesel engine which will be paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine is expected to produce 300 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft of torque, traveling from zero to sixty in 6.5 seconds, topping out at 155 mph. Clearly, a number of cars on the road will be able to out run the E7, but then again who hasn’t been able to lose a Crown Vic, Impala and Charger?

Just sayin’.

E7? That’s Just A Code Name

The privately held company says that the E7, which is just its code name, will meet or exceed all regulatory requirements and has a road life of 250,000 miles. Able to run on biodiesel, the clean burning E7 will also prove to be fuel thrifty, expected to deliver between 28-30 mpg.

Among the important attributes designed into the E7 – thanks to the input of law enforcement officials from all fifty states — is its 75 mph rear impact crash capability, a cockpit with fully-integrated factory fitted law enforcement equipment, integrated emergency lights, spot lights, take down lights, and directional stick, reverse back up camera, integrated shotgun mounts, integrated push bumpers and much more.

Narrowing Down A Factory Location

Headed up by William Santana Li, a former Ford Motor Company executive, production for the police cruiser is slated to begin in 2012, but first the company needs to select a factory location. Five states are in the running to host the plant including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana and Michigan. In fact, several communities have been identified as to where the plant could be built in those states including Charlotte in North Carolina and Connersville in Indiana. Carbon has stressed that they don’t need a closed factory owned by one of the Big Three, choosing to build its own facility instead.

Right now, Carbon Motors is in the midst of conducting what they call its “2009 Pure Justice Tour” where the company is bringing prototypes of the E7 to select cities across the US to introduce the sedan to law enforcement personnel as well as to members of the press. The company hasn’t said when a plant will be chosen, but has said that sales will be handled directly from the factory instead of through dealerships. The E7 is expected to be priced in the same range as current law enforcement vehicles.

Riding on a 122" wheelbase and 200" long, this two-ton police cruiser will be powered by a turbo-diesel engine with a top speed of 155 mph.

Designed by and for law enforcement personnel, this police cruiser features night vision compliant interior illumination, rear back up camera, remote start capability, and all of the other safety and security features that police demand.

The cruiser features purpose-designed seating for use with on-body equipment - heated and ventilated seats.

Perps have a dedicated compartment all to themselves, with rear hinged doors making access and egress simple. And, in case a maggot infested perp or other disease carrying criminal is apprehended, the rear compartment can be hosed down. Yes, I'm not kidding about that.

Source: Carbon Motors Corporation

See Also — Development Of Unique Police Vehicle Continues