Thread: We're on a mission from GOD,,,

Filed under: Garage, Sedans/Saloons, Dodge

click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Dodge Charger cop car

To paraphrase the words of the immortal Elwood Blues to his recently emancipated brother, Jake; "It's got a cop motor, cop tires, cop suspension, and cop shocks." There was a time when Dodge was a major player in the field of supplying vehicles to the police agencies of America. In the early '70s, the black and white Dodge Monaco as exemplified in the Blues Brothers film was a common sight patrolling the streets of this country. As the '80s faded into the '90s, Chrysler dropped out of the cop car market as its entire lineup went front-wheel drive.

Earlier this decade, rear-wheel-drive cars returned to the PentaStar range and the Ford Crown Victoria faced a new competitor in the form of the Dodge Magnum and Charger. When Autoblog asked Chrysler for a chance to spend some time behind the wheel of a Charger police special, the car-maker turned over a demo unit in black and white regalia complete with a full light kit and "Dodge City" police markings all over the sides. In spite of the prominent "Out of Service" markings across the windshield and trunk, the look proved to be a little too authentic for some. In true Autoblog fashion, however, we were "On a mission" of some kind and went the extra mile for you our loyal readers. Read all about our little adventure with the Charger cop car after the jump.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: Dodge Charger Cop Car

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: On a mission from God! We test the 2008 Dodge Charger cop car

Some time ago when Chevrolet were still making V8 engined rear drive cars and still active and successful in the police car business, they set up a display at an major convention of US police chiefs. As well as the current models fitted with all relevant options and accessories was a car prepared by the Goodwrench Performance Parts Division. This was a rocket ship. Big block 454 LS6 engine, competition suspension, running gear and brakes, Nascar steering knuckles , HD full floating diff. and an auto? trans supposedly prepared by Detroit Diesel Allison and "loosely based on a Turbo-hydramatic". The trans could be switched through several modes from full slush and slip, slip-lock up-slip-lockup-slip lockup, to full lock up all the way from about 1200rpm. Could be auto or manual shifted. The purpose was to show the chiefs "what we can do if required". The GM spokesman said that there would be only a handful of super cars and muscle cars that would get away from it , straight or twisting road. Engine was way short of complying with emission regulations. Road and Track journalists were most impressed. There was a comprehensive article in Detroit Diesel Power Parade, DDA's house magazine. Glossed over the auto trans though. GM's other trick auto used in the Chapparal sports racing cars has also been kept under wraps with no technical details ever officially released. They used to race with a padlocked leather bag around the trans.