2012 CIZ G7

2012 Carbon Motors E7

Carbon Motors says their E7 is the 'first-ever' purpose-built law enforcement vehicle- and that it could soon make its way to a police force near you. Though photos call Robo-Cop or Night Rider to mind, the E7 is a very real piece of hardware.

The 'Machine', as it's nicknamed, has already taken part in a multi-city tour to visit law-enforcement officials for marketing and promotion activities. A 'no-obligation' pre-order sheet is available on the Carbon Motors website, too.

In addition to a mile-long list of high-tech options, E7 has plenty of advantages over the current king of the cop-car hill, Ford's Crown Victoria. For instance, the E7 has integrated flashers built into the body structure of the car, making it more aerodynamic. A twin-turbo clean diesel engine uses an estimated 40 percent less fuel than currently available models, and the E7 ships with all graphics, lights and decals pre-installed to minimize downtime.

Carbon Motors says that their E7 is built to withstand 250,000 miles of police use with minimal operating costs- a huge consideration in a fleet vehicle environment. Operating costs are one of the key advantages of the Ford Crown Victoria- which is relatively simple, easy and cheap to fix.

Of course, the average police car today is technically little more than an up-fitted family sedan- a point that Carbon Motors is quick to remind potential customers. Being purpose-built with integrated ballistics protection and high-speed crash safety translates to a big safety improvement over what's currently available.

Hon. Thomas J. Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security, comments "at the local, state and federal level, law enforcement is up against entirely new challenges that didn't exist thirty years ago. That's why we need to arm the men and women who protect our communities with the most up-to-date equipment. The E7 has the potential to meet that need, which would lead to safer and more effective patrol and policing operations and safer neighborhoods across America."

E7 specifications include a 3.0 liter diesel engine with twin turbochargers to deliver 300 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft of torque to the rear axle. Multi-link suspension components and 18-inch wheels should ensure adequate handling prowess from the 4,000 pound machine, which also claims a 50 / 50 weight distribution.

The Machine can blast through 0-60 in about 6.5 seconds, or about as quickly as a HEMI-powered Charger police car.

Carbon Motors says the E7 will come with antilock brakes, stability control and an aluminum structure for enhanced agility and stability. Rear-seats of the hose-off-to-clean variety, while the front perches are built to accommodate an officer wearing a utility belt. The interior is night-vision compliant, and E7 can be fitted with radiation and biological threat detection. Integrated shotgun racks are available, too.

Pricing and production details have yet to be announced- though Carbon Motors says that pricing will be 'comparable' to a current passenger car outfitted with law-enforcement equipment. Don't go looking for the E7's angry face in your rearview mirror just yet though- as a full-scale production target is yet undetermined.