Joining the Force: Ford Announces 2018 F-150, Expedition Special Service Vehicles
Ford recently revealed the 2018 model year iterations of its F-150 and Expedition, and now it is conscripting its biggest, baddest, and smartest vehicles into law enforcement services around the country.
Ford on Thursday introduced the 2018 F-150 Special Service Vehicle and Expedition Special Service Vehicle, respectively “even tougher, smarter, and more capable” than the current F-150 SSV and “the smartest, most capable, adaptable Expedition ever.” The Expedition follows the stead of the F-150 with an aluminum-alloy body and high-strength steel frame, and both follow up on the sales success of Ford’s other LEO vehicle offerings.
“While our Police Interceptor Utility remains the best-selling law enforcement vehicle in the country by a large margin, some agencies need to haul five people with higher equipment-carrying capacity, or off-road capabilities are required,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford police brand marketing manager. “That’s where the F-150 SSV and Expedition SSV come in.”
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The 2018 Ford F-150 SSV is offered with a second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost or 5.0-liter V8, both paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the 2018 Ford Expedition SSV is offered with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost. Both are standard with Auto Start-Stop.
The F-150 SSV is offered in both SuperCrew and SuperCab configurations with either a 4×4 or 4×2 drivetrain. The Expedition gets a 3.73 electronic limited-slip rear differential. Both models are updated with a 240-amp high-output alternator; on the inside, the rear seats and carpet flooring are respectively replaced by a vinyl bench and vinyl flooring.
Ford remains atop the LEO vehicle industry with its Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility consistently topping pursuit testing conducted by the Michigan State and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Ford’s Police Interceptor Utility was recently upgraded to add “no profile” interior visor light bars and rear spoiler traffic warning lights.
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