As we all know, police cruisers are integral to law enforcement, and their choice is critical for public safety.
Cops need cars to get things done dammit.
Like the Ubiquitous and never forgotten Ford Crown Victoria.
It was the go-to choice for many police departments across the United States because of its robust V-8 engine, rear-wheel-drive and built-proof reliability.
It ruled the roads and scared every person in the left lane for decades.
Sadly, however, with the discontinuation of the Crown Victoria in 2011, police departments were searching for a new go-to vehicle.
This opened the doors for a whole host of new cop cars. From SUVs to crossovers, the market was open.
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Table of Contents
- A New Competitor Enters
- Engines
- Transmission
- Why It’s So Awesome
- Cop Goodies
- Why You Need One
- Prices
- Wrapping Things Up
A New Competitor Enters
Enter the Chevrolet Caprice PPV, a vehicle that offered the familiar V-8 and rear-wheel drive that departments were used to.
For a brief 5-year period from 2012-2017, the police departments of America could buy this beast.
The Chevrolet Caprice PPV is a stretched version of the now-famous and discontinued Pontiac G8.
Stretched 3.7 inches between the front and rear wheels, it provided more interior space for the officers and their equipment.
The Caprice’s chassis engineers stiffened the front struts and every component in the rear suspension, providing the vehicle with a responsive and planted feel.
Its dynamic prowess and superior handling capabilities made it an excellent option for police departments operating in twisty locales.
Engines
The Caprice PPV came equipped with two engine options: a 3.6-liter V-6 and a 6.0-liter V-8.
The V-6 engine generated 301 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, which is respectable but let’s be honest no one cares.
It’s the V8 we all want.
All though not quite an LS, the L77 V-8 engine in the caprice produces a staggering 355 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.
Based on the popular L96 Vortec architecture used in trucks, GM modified this engine to have active fuel management cylinder deactivation (yuck) and accept E85 fuel.
Transmission
The Caprice’s six-speed automatic transmission has a sport mode that holds gears longer and downshifts under braking.
In standard duty, the Caprice’s shifter remains on the center console, offset to the driver’s side, to make room for computers and cop gear.
The PPV was also offered in a detective package for stealthier duty called package 9C3. The transmission also has a manual-shift gate if you optioned the detective package.
Why It’s So Awesome
What sets the Caprice apart from other police cars is its unique existence in the market.
There was no civilian version of the Caprice in the United States, making it a genuinely police-only vehicle.
See the Caprice’s secret is that it’s not even American. It’s really an Australian pretending to be an American cop!
The Caprice is really a Holden Commodore from Australia just with the steering wheel on the Left side and a badge job.
It was then retrofitted with police-specific gear to make sure it could handle the duties of being an American Police vehicle.
Cop Goodies
The car was upgraded with suspension components, a cooling system, brake calipers, rotors, and pads specific for police duty.
The Caprice also has a second battery that allowed it to power the various auxiliary systems in a police car, ensuring that the vehicle always started even after sitting on location with lights, computers, and cameras.
Why You Need One
If you like the idea of sleepers, this is the ultimate version. You are pretty much guaranteed never to run into another one like it on the roads.
0-60 mph in about 5 secs. Quarter mile in about 14 flat.
Pretty good reliability because of CHEVY parts Duh.
And Also power.
It’s an LS-based motor so you can pretty much blow on it and make more power.
But seriously folks. Active fuel management delete, headers, cams, intake, and exhaust. You’re looking at 400+ horsepower to the wheels.
The displacement on demand fuel management stuff is its only real weakness and that’s fixed anyway when you upgrade the power.
Throw a blower in the mix and you have yourself a budget hellcat.
Prices
Even though these things are cop cars, people aren’t just giving them away.
To get a good spec one on the used market these days will require a minimum of $10k and detective packaged cars can go for $15k or more.
Unless you come across a police auction no one is attending, prepare to pay a bit of money to get one.
Still, for what you’re getting, it’s a bargain.
Unless you want a charger, this is the only other viable option but remember, you’ll lose the rarity factor with the dodge.
Where can I find one of these rare beasts you say? Well, eBay Motors of course.
Wrapping Things Up
The Chevrolet Caprice PPV’s unique existence in the police-only market, coupled with its upgraded suspension components, cooling system, and brake calipers, rotors, and pads, make it a reliable and durable option for those looking for the exclusive sleeper sedan.
Only If you get a V8 though.
Really the V6 sucks don’t even think about it.
We might receive commissions if you click on our links and sign up/make purchases. However, please know this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try to keep things fair and balanced to help you make the best choice for your needs. Thanks.