We knew that the next-gen police cruiser from the Blue Oval was in works. Finally, we have something to show for. A set of new spy photos of the Ford Explorer in uniform have surfaced the net. From what we see under the camouflage, we have to admit that the fear-inducing machine looks even better now.

The Big Bully Is Back Looking More Intimidating

The Interceptor is based on the next-generation Ford Explorer SUV. These pictures are the best we have seen of this crime-fighting machine to date. Although we have spotted the new Explorer with sheer clothing doing test rounds, this is the first time we are seeing the Cop car ‘properly.’ The last time we saw this new Ford cruiser was back in August when it was spotted in full camouflage with Police Interceptor badging on the cover.

This time, we can see badges, spotlights on the ORVMs, and built-in LEDs on the front grille. It also sports steel wheels and provisions to add extra lights. There is no clarity on what it exactly is, but we are guessing it is to protect occupants from being injured in the event of a rear-end collision at high speeds because the cruisers are parked on the highways often.

In terms of the shape, the new Explorer is not different from its last generation, but does have sharper lines at the C and D-pillars, and a sleeker new grille and headlights. This makes the car look menacing and aggressive, and even more when it comes to the Explorer in the police avatar. Talking about the powertrain, the Interceptor will come with a hybrid unit, details of which we don’t yet have. However, the automaker has said that it will offer better acceleration and a remarkable increase in fuel economy when compared to the outgoing V-6 model.

Wild, But Hopeful Speculations

We know that a new, powerful Ford Explorer ST is coming and it will feature a twin-turbo, V-6 unit that churns out over 400 horses. We also know that the previous generation police Explorers have been much more powerful than their commuter counterparts. See where I’m going with this? Who knows, perhaps the new cop SUV will feature the extra horses as well. Although the launch date has not been announced yet, we expect it to happen sometime in the first quarter of 2019.

Further Reading

Read our driven review on the 2017 Ford Explorer.

Read our full review on the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility.