The Michigan State Police's driving unit will evaluate the 2010 models of patrol cars, motorcycles and SUVs later this month and post the performance results on its website in early October, according to the unit's Lt. Keith Wilson.
This year, the tests will be performed at the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea on Sept. 19 and the Grattan Raceway in Grattan on Sept. 21.
The vehicles are evaluated in categories such as acceleration, top speed, braking, ergonomics, communications and fuel economy. A "vehicle dynamics" evaluation is completed on a two-mile course to simulate pursuit and other emergency driving conditions.
For the 2010 model year, the driving unit will test three models of patrol cars: the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, Chevrolet Impala and Dodge Charger. The unit will test also test the Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. Five motorcycles will be evaluated: Harley-Davidson's Road King FLHP and Electra Glide FLHTP, BMW's R1200 RTP and G650, as well as the Buell Ulysses XB12XP.