(September 24, 2011) GRATTAN, Mich. — Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge are touting their vehicles' performance in the recent Michigan State Police testing in Chelsea and Grattan, Mich. The bottom line is that new vehicles from all three rivals were recommended for law enforcement use around the country.

Millions of dollars in law enforcement contracts are at stake for the Detroit 3.

While all the vehicles on hand for testing from General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were deemed acceptable for the demanding standards of law enforcement work, Michigan State Police testing involved head-to-head competition, and the Detroit 3 hope the bragging rights from these tests lead to sales.

And there were some bragging rights for each of the Ford, Chevy and Dodge entries.

Dodge said that its Charger Pursuit V-8 recorded the fastest lap time ever in the Michigan test at 1:33.7, garnered the fastest V-6 naturally aspirated six-cylinder lap time, and the V-8 delivered the best 0-to-60 time of 5.33 seconds. Dodge also claimed it was named "the sedan with the best combination of acceleration, braking, handling and dynamics.

"Achieving the fastest-ever lap time at the Michigan State Police's annual Police Vehicle Evaluation test reflects the mission of the Dodge Charger Pursuit Team to equip our law enforcement officials with the absolute best combination of vehicle performance and tactical equipment," said Peter Grady, Vice President of Network Development and Fleet at Chrysler.

Ford touted the performance of its Police Interceptor Utility, "which not only outperformed the Chevrolet Tahoe but held its own among the sedans." The Police Interceptor Utility excelled in 0-60 acceleration, braking, and handling over the two day testing, Ford said.

"We are pleased that the performance of the Police Interceptor Utility was validated because it provides more choice for law enforcement agencies,” said Lisa Teed, Ford’s marketing manager for the Police Interceptors.  "They can be assured that whether in slippery conditions like snow or in pursuit situations the purpose-built Utility will deliver."

Chevrolet held its own as well. The Caprice PPV 6.0-liter V-8 was named best-in-class in the 60-0 mph braking test for the second straight year, with a 125.8 foot stopping distance.

Caprice also posted a best-in-class top speed for the second consecutive year increasing 6 mph to 154 mph. The Caprice LFX 3.6-liter V-6 outperformed the naturally aspirated Dodge Charger V-6 and Ford Police Interceptor Taurus Sedan V-6 in 60-0 mph braking, top speed and acceleration.

The Impala, with its new LFX 3.6-liter V-6 engine, posted a best-in-class top speed of 150 mph — faster than any V-6 entrant. The Impala has an increase of more than 70 horsepower compared to last year. It topped all naturally aspirated V-6 entrants in acceleration and top speed.

“When we set out to develop the Caprice PPV, we received critical input from police officers around the nation and they told us they wanted a serious rear-drive performance cruiser,” said James Soo, lead development engineer of the Caprice PPV.  “The Caprice has been designed solely for the police officer who depends on performance and technology to get the job done.”

The Tahoe PPV, the first and only traditional SUV designed for police use, achieved segment-leading top speed at 139 mph and reduced its stopping distance by seven feet compared to its 2011 model.

Ford also touted its safety. The Ford Police Interceptors are the only vehicles certified to pass 75 mph rear collisions, Ford said. Ballistic door panels to protect from gunshots are available on the driver or passenger doors. Safety cell construction helps direct the force of a collision around the occupant compartment. Crumple zones help absorb and dissipate the energy of a crash.