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The Michigan State Police have been driving and rating new police vehicles since 1974. But this year is special. The agency's precision drivers say they would be hard-pressed to name a year of testing that's generated more discussion and anticipation than this one.

On the eve of testing of the 2011 model year patrol vehicles, Lt. Keith Wilson of the Michigan State Police precision driving unit sat down with POLICE in Lansing to review the five new patrol vehicles, explain testing proceedures, and discuss officer safety during high-speed pursuits. Listen for Wilson's explanation of how Ford plans to get a "sneak peek" of the performance of its new police interceptors while it continues to develop the replacement for the Crown Vic.

Can the police version of the Taurus sustain Ford's domination of the patrol car market? What we can say now is that the NGPI is a fine-looking automobile with the sleek lines of a luxury sports sedan; it performs like a muscle car; and it was designed from the ground up for police duty.

Each year, the Michigan State Police driving unit evaluates law enforcement vehicles from the new model year. The unit evaluates patrol cars, SUVs and motorcycles using a series of tests that test each vehicle's performance, ergonomics and mechanic-friendly qualities. The results are tallied and included in a report that's used by police fleet managers to aid in the decision to purchase patrol vehicles.

What truly sets all of T3 Motion's vehicles apart is an innovative "power management system."

In the words of one EVOC trainer, "Every officer wants the best vehicle they can get their hands on. Every department wants the most cost-effective fleet possible. Somewhere in between is probably the best place to be."

Contrary to some rumors, size does matter. This is just one of the many things the 2007 Chevy Tahoe has going for it. The Tahoe makes a strong impression. While test driving the PD-equipped model for this article, I had many people stop to take a long look and ask me questions about it.

Every fall, law enforcement vehicles are tested by two of the nation’s premier law enforcement agencies: the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan State Police. This year, Ford brought a hybrid vehicle.