Dodge is making a serious return to the police and emergency fleet market with a new law enforcement version of the latest Charger. Called the Charger PPV, short for Police Pursuit Vehicle, the model was shown at the Police Fleet Expo in Daytona Beach, Florida, where Dodge outlined its plans to re enter a segment it once knew very well.
Dodge Sees an Opening in the Police Car Market
The timing could work in Dodge’s favor. Ford and Chevrolet no longer offer traditional police sedans, while Ford has also ruled out developing a pursuit rated Mustang. That leaves Dodge with a rare opportunity to become one of the few brands offering a dedicated sedan for high speed police work in North America.
The Charger PPV shown at the event already wears the kind of equipment you would expect from a patrol car. It gets a roof mounted light bar, police graphics, and additional emergency lighting designed to make its presence obvious from almost every angle.
Inside, the car is fitted with a Havis center console for items such as a laptop and radio equipment. A divider separates the front and rear seats, while another barrier isolates the rear passenger area from the hatchback cargo space, which can be used for police gear and weapons.
Dodge is also working with the Michigan State Police and California Highway Patrol as it develops the car to meet official pursuit and performance requirements.
Hurricane Power Could Make It Seriously Fast
The Charger PPV is expected to use powertrains already available within the latest Charger lineup.
The most obvious choice is the twin turbo Hurricane inline six, offered with either 420 or 550 horsepower. In its more powerful form, it would give police departments a sedan with plenty of performance for high speed highway pursuits.
Dodge could also consider the electric Charger Daytona for certain fleet applications. An EV may make sense for urban patrol work, particularly in situations where police cars spend long periods idling or operating at lower speeds.
ArabGT’s View
Dodge’s decision to revive the Charger PPV looks like a smart move. Police fleets have shifted heavily toward SUVs in recent years, but a lower, more stable sedan can still make a lot of sense for high speed pursuit duty.
With up to 550 horsepower available from the Hurricane engine, the new Charger certainly has the performance to take that role seriously. If Dodge can combine that speed with the durability and equipment police departments need, the Charger PPV could once again become a familiar sight in American rearview mirrors.
