A few of the coolest police cars on the planet

Thu, 14 Aug 2014

Police cars are faster, more athletic and even better looking than they have been in generations.

Nobody likes getting a ticket. It's expensive, embarrassing and annoying. And when the officer ambles back to an ancient Ford Crown Victoria, more than a few of enthusiasts have had the tantalizing thought: I could have outrun him.

Okay, slap yourself across the face. That's a ridiculous idea. Engaging in a police chase over a speeding ticket is idiotic, and just to dissuade you further, digest this: police cars are faster, more athletic and even better looking than they have been in generations.

The Detroit Three each offer imposing sedans for police. With gaudy horsepower ratings and track-capable 0-60 times, these patrol vehicles are really muscle cars wearing the uniform. Still, those cars are downright button-downed compared to some of the international offerings from supercar makers like Lamborghini. Read on for a few of our favorites.

Related GalleryBrabus B63S 700 Widestar Dubai Police

Brabus B63S-700 Widestar

The German tuning house Brabus is known for giving Mercedes-Benzes even meaner streaks. We're talking body kits, huge horsepower boosts and crazy wheel designs. Generally, those things aren't something you'd associate with a police car-except in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates' largest city has an extensive range of supercars used for police work: these guys even have an Aston Martin One-77 and a Bugatti Veyron on the force.

But we're going with the Brabus Mercedes for our list, since it's one of the most creative examples of remaking an SUV. Brabus takes the base G63 AMG utility vehicle, which already makes 536 horsepower, and juices the bi-turbo V8 to 700 hp and 708 pound feet of torque. Top speed is a relatively modest 149 miles per hour, though it can sprint to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Then Brabus slathers on the bodywork, including 23-inch wheels, fender flares, LED-illuminated side steps and a roof spoiler. Compared to some of the other exotics, this might sound a little tame, but it has the power of a Hellcat and space for the mobile evidence unit.

Related GalleryItalian police Lamborghini Huracan

Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Polizia

As you probably guessed by the name, the Huracán is the new halo car for the Italian State Police, replacing the Gallardos used from 2004. The Huracan provides the polizia 610 horsepower from a 5.2-liter V10 capable of 202 mph, plus typical cop accouterments like gun holsters, radio equipment and a stop sign.

While this is a bit of a publicity stunt, or as Lamborghini called it, an "effective deterrent," the Italian police actually use their Lamborghinis on patrol. Their most recent one has racked up more than 68,000 miles since 2009, while its processor logged 87,000 miles. During that time neither required significant repairs.

The Huracán has a video system that can transfer images of license plates to local police stations to rapidly identify stolen cars, and the front luggage compartment is equipped with a refrigeration system for speedy transport of donor organs to hospitals.

Related GalleryAriel Atom PL1 Police Car

Ariel Atom PL1

This might be the most unconventional cop car on our list. That also means it might be our favorite. The PL1 is based on the Atom 3.5R and uses the same supercharged 350-hp inline four-cylinder Honda engine. It can explode to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. No, you can't outrun this in your IROC Chevy Camaro.

The Atom is being used by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary in the United Kingdom for promotion purposes to raise awareness about Safer Rider campaign to reduce motorcycle deaths. Ariel Motor Co., which produces the Atom, is based in Somerset, an area that has seen motorcycle deaths increase 30 percent through the first five months of 2014.

So don't worry, the Bakersfield Police Department isn't going to start ordering these, but just the fact that there is an Ariel Atom police car somewhere in the world is reason enough to slow down.

By Greg Migliore