LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF S DEPARTMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE TEST AND EVALUATION PROGRAM VEHICLE MODEL YEAR 2009 LEROY D. BACA, SHERIFF
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Introduction. 3 Track Description... 4-7 Vehicle Specifications. 8-16 32 Lap High Speed Vehicle Evaluation.. 17-41 Pursuit Course Evaluation... 42-52 Brake Evaluation. 53-54 Acceleration Evaluation.. 55-57 Heat Evaluation... 58-60 Mechanical Evaluation 61-76 Communication Evaluation. 77-87 Ergonomic Evaluation. 88-105 Fuel Efficiency Evaluation.. 106 2
2009 MODEL YEAR VEHICLE TEST On October 9, 2008, vehicle testing was performed at the Los Angeles County Sheriff s Department s Emergency Vehicle Operation Center in Pomona, California. Chrysler, General Motors, and Ford all submitted vehicles in the Police Package category. Police Package vehicles have been identified by the manufacturers as pursuit vehicles. All of the vehicles submitted completed the test satisfactorily, without incident. The vehicles submitted for evaluation were all 2009 models, and are identified below. HIGH SPEED POLICE PACKAGE VEHICLE CATEGORY: Chevrolet Impala: Full size, four door sedan, front wheel drive, 3.9 liter V-6 engine, a 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive, and a 3.29 axle ratio. Chevrolet Impala E-85: Full size, four door sedan, front wheel drive, 3.9 liter V-6 engine, a 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive, and a 3.29 axle ratio. Chevrolet Tahoe: Chevrolet Tahoe E-85: Full size, four door sport utility, rear wheel drive, 5.3 liter V-8 engine, a 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive, and a 3.73 axle ratio. Full size, four door sport utility, rear wheel drive, 5.3 liter V-8 engine, a 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive, and a 3.73 axle ratio. Dodge Charger V-6: Full size, four door sedan, rear wheel drive, 3.5 liter V-6 engine, a 5 speed automatic electronic transmission and a 2.87 axle ratio. Dodge Charger V-8: Full size, four door sedan, rear wheel drive, 5.7 liter V-8 Hemi engine, a 5 speed automatic electronic transmission and a 2.82 axle ratio. Ford CVPI - 3.27: Full size, four door sedan, rear wheel drive, 4.6 Liter V-8 engine, a 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive, and a 3.27 axle ratio. Ford CVPI 3.55: Full size, four door sedan, rear wheel drive, 4.6 Liter V-8 engine, a 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive, and a 3.55 axle ratio. 3
HIGH SPEED DRIVING COURSE TRACK LENGTH 1.57 MILES 4
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CITY STREET PURSUIT COURSE TWO LAPS 2.45 MILES 6
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VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS 8
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA Vehicle Description: Full size, 4 door sedan, front wheel drive, Police Package vehicle Engine: 3.9L / V-6 Horsepower: 233 @ 5,600 RPM Torque : 240 @ 4,000 RPM Axle Ratio: 3.29:1 Curb Weight: 3,691 lbs Alternator Output: 150 Amp Battery: 750 CCA Transmission: 4 Speed automatic with overdrive Suspension, Front: Independent McPherson strut, coil spring, stabilizer bar Rear: Independent tri-link, coil spring over strut, and stabilizer bar Brakes, Front: 11.9 inch vented disc Rear: 10.9 inch solid disc Tires: Pirelli P225/60R16 97V Wheels: 16 x 6.5 inch steel Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 gallons EPA Fuel Mileage: City - 17 mpg Highway - 24 mpg Seats, Front: High density foam bucket, 6 way power, manual lumbar Rear: Vinyl with high density foam bench Exterior Dimension: Length 16.7 feet Width 6.07 feet Height 4.89 feet Head Room: Front - 39.4 inches Rear - 37.8 inches Hip Room: Front - 56.4 inches Rear - 57.2 inches Leg Room: Front - 42.3 inches Rear - 37.6 inches Trunk: 18.6 cubic feet 9
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA E-85 Vehicle Description: Full size, 4 door sedan, front wheel drive, Police Package vehicle Engine: 3.9L / V-6 Horsepower: 233 @ 5,600 RPM Torque : 240 @ 4,000 RPM Axle Ratio: 3.29:1 Curb Weight: 3,691 lbs Alternator Output: 150 Amp Battery: 750 CCA Transmission: 4 Speed automatic with overdrive Suspension, Front: Independent McPherson strut, coil spring, stabilizer bar Rear: Independent tri-link, coil spring over strut, and stabilizer bar Brakes, Front: 11.9 inch vented disc Rear: 10.9 inch solid disc Tires: Pirelli P225/60R16 97V Wheels: 16 x 6.5 inch steel Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 gallons EPA Fuel Mileage: City - 12 mpg Highway - 18 mpg Seats, Front: High density foam bucket, 6 way power, manual lumbar Rear: Vinyl with high density foam bench Exterior Dimension: Length 16.7 feet Width 6.07 feet Height 4.89 feet Head Room: Front - 39.4 inches Rear - 37.8 inches Hip Room: Front - 56.4 inches Rear - 57.2 inches Leg Room: Front - 42.3 inches Rear - 37.6 inches Trunk: 18.6 cubic feet 10
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE Vehicle Description: Full size, 4 door sport utility, rear wheel drive, Police Package vehicle Engine: 5.3L / V-8 Horsepower: 320 @ 5,200 RPM Torque : 340 @ 4,000 RPM Axle Ratio: 3.73:1 Curb Weight: 5,265 lbs Alternator Output: 160 Amp Battery: 730 CCA Transmission: 4 Speed automatic with overdrive Suspension, Front: Independent, single coil over shock with stabilizer bar Rear: Multi link with coil spring Brakes, Front: 14.0 inch vented disc Rear: 13.0 inch solid disc Tires: Goodyear Eagle RS-A P265/60R 17 108H Wheels: 17 x 7.5 steel Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons EPA Fuel Mileage: City - 14 mpg Highway - 19 mpg Seats, Front: Front heavy duty cloth bucket, high back with inboard arm rest Rear: Rear vinyl with high-density foam bench Exterior Dimension: Length 16.83 feet Width 6.58 feet Height 6.15 feet Head Room: Front 40.3 inches Rear 39.2 inches Hip Room: Front 64.4 inches Rear 60.6 inches Leg Room: Front 41.3 inches Rear 39.0 inches Rear Cargo: 108.9 cubic feet 11
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE - E85 Vehicle Description: Full size, 4 door sport utility, rear wheel drive, Police Package vehicle Engine: 5.3L / V-8 Horsepower: 295 @ 5,200 RPM Torque : 335 @ 4,000 RPM Axle Ratio: 3.73:1 Curb Weight: 5,265 lbs Alternator Output: 160 Amp Battery: 770 CCA Transmission: 4 Speed automatic with overdrive Suspension, Front: Independent, single coil over shock with stabilizer bar Rear: Multi link with coil spring Brakes, Front: 14.0 inch vented disc Rear: 13.0 inch solid disc Tires: Goodyear Eagle RS-A P265/60R 17 108H Wheels: 17 x 7.5 steel Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons EPA Fuel Mileage: City - 14 mpg Highway - 19 mpg Seats, Front: Heavy duty cloth bucket, high back with inboard arm rest Rear: Vinyl with high-density foam bench Exterior Dimension: Length 16.83 feet Width 6.58 feet Height 6.15 feet Head Room: Front 40.3 inches Rear 39.2 inches Hip Room: Front 64.4 inches Rear 60.6 inches Leg Room: Front 41.3 inches Rear 39.0 inches Rear Cargo: 108.9 cubic feet 12
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS 2009 DODGE CHARGER V-6 Vehicle Description: Full size, 4 door sedan, rear wheel drive, Police Package vehicle Engine: 3.5L / V-6 Horsepower: 250 @ 6,400 RPM Torque: 250 @ 3,800 RPM Axle Ratio: 2.87: 1 Curb Weight: 3,829 lbs Alternator Output: 160 Amp Battery: 800 CCA Transmission: 5 Speed electronic automatic Suspension, Front: Independent high arm SLA with dual ball joint lower, coil spring, and sway bar Rear: Independent multi-link, coil spring, and sway bar Brakes, Front: 13.6 inch vented disc Rear: 13.8 inch vented disc Tires: Continental P225/60R18 99V Pro Contact Wheels: 18 x 7.5 inch steel Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons EPA Fuel Mileage: City - 16 mpg Highway - 25 mpg Seats, Front: Heavy duty cloth bucket Rear: Vinyl bench Exterior Dimension: Length - 16.68 feet Width 6.21 feet Height 4.85 feet Head Room: Front - 38.7 inches Rear- 36.2 inches Hip Room: Front - 56.2 inches Rear - 55.5 inches Leg Room: Front - 41.8 inches Rear - 40.2 inches Trunk: 16.2 cubic feet 13
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS 2009 DODGE CHARGER HEMI Vehicle Description: Full size, 4 door sedan, rear wheel drive, Police Package vehicle Engine: 5.7L / V-8 Horsepower: 368 @ 5,200 RPM Torque : 391 @ 4,150 RPM Axle Ratio: 2.82: 1 Curb Weight: 4,257 lbs Alternator Output: 160 Amp Battery: 800 CCA Transmission: 5 Speed electronic automatic Suspension, Front: Independent high arm SLA with dual ball joint lower, coil spring, and sway bar Rear: Independent multi-link, coil spring, and sway bar Brakes, Front: 13.6 inch vented disc Rear: 13.8 inch vented disc Tires: Continental P225/60R18 99V Pro Contact Wheels: 18 x 7.5 inch steel Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons EPA Fuel Mileage: City - 15 mpg Highway - 23 mpg Seats, Front: Heavy duty cloth bucket Rear: Vinyl bench Exterior Dimension: Length - 16.68 feet Width 6.21 feet Height 4.85 feet Head Room: Front - 38.7 inches Rear- 36.2 inches Hip Room: Front - 56.2 inches Rear - 55.5 inches Leg Room: Front - 41.8 inches Rear - 40.2 inches Trunk: 16.2 cubic feet 14
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS 2009 FORD CVPI - 3.27 Vehicle Description: Full size, 4 door sedan, rear wheel drive, Police Package vehicle Engine: 4.6L / V-8 Horsepower: 250 @ 5,000 RPM Torque : 297 @ 4,000 RPM Axle Ratio: 3.27:1 Curb Weight: 4,214 lbs Alternator Output: 200 Amp Battery: 750 CCA Transmission: 4 Speed automatic with overdrive Suspension, Front: Independent, SLA w/ball joint and coil spring, monotube shock Rear: 4 bar link, w/watt s linkage, coil spring, monotube shock Brakes, Front: 12.01 inch vented disc Rear: 11.61 inch vented disc Tires: Goodyear P235/55R17 Eagle RS-A Plus Wheels: 17 x 7.5 inch steel Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons EPA Fuel Mileage: City - 14 mpg Highway - 21 mpg Seats, Front: Heavy duty cloth bucket, w/power lumbar driver s seat Rear: Vinyl bench Exterior Dimension: Length - 17.66 feet Width - 6.53 feet Height - 4.58 feet Head Room: Front - 39.5 inches Rear 37.8 inches Hip Room: Front - 57.4 inches Rear 56.1 inches Leg Room: Front 41.6 inches Rear - 38 inches Trunk: 20.6 cubic feet 15
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS 2009 FORD CVPI - 3.55 Vehicle Description: Full size, 4 door sedan, rear wheel drive, Police Package vehicle Engine: 4.6L / V-8 Horsepower: 250 @ 5,000 RPM Torque : 297 @ 4,000 RPM Axle Ratio: 3.55:1 Curb Weight: 4,214 lbs Alternator Output: 200 Amp Battery: 750 CCA Transmission: 4 Speed automatic with overdrive Suspension, Front: Independent, SLA w/ball joint and coil spring, monotube shock Rear: 4 bar link, w/watt s linkage, coil spring, monotube shock Brakes, Front: 12.01 inch vented disc Rear: 11.61 inch vented disc Tires: Goodyear P235/55R17 Eagle RS-A Plus Wheels: 17 x 7.5 inch steel Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons EPA Fuel Mileage: City - 14 mpg Highway - 21 mpg Seats, Front: Heavy duty cloth bucket, w/power lumbar driver s seat Rear: Vinyl bench Exterior Dimension: Length - 17.66 feet Width - 6.53 feet Height - 4.58 feet Head Room: Front - 39.5 inches Rear 37.8 inches Hip Room: Front - 57.4 inches Rear 56.1 inches Leg Room: Front 41.6 inches Rear - 38 inches Trunk: 20.6 cubic feet 16
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED VEHICLE EVALUATION RESULTS This test is conducted on a high-speed driving course. It is designed to evaluate, identify and eliminate the obviously unacceptable vehicles (i.e., those vehicles that are demonstrably unstable or otherwise exhibit unsafe characteristics). For this test, four drivers are utilized for each vehicle. Each driver completes eight laps around our 1.57 mile test track at the Los Angeles County Fairplex in Pomona, for a total of 32 timed laps. Lap timing is via a GPS based VBOX Datalogger mounted in the vehicle. The fastest and the slowest lap times are eliminated, the remaining six lap times are averaged. The average time and speed are recorded next to the driver s name. Four Emergency Vehicle Operations Center driver training instructors, two each from the Los Angeles County Sheriff=s Department and Los Angeles Police Department share the driving and evaluation of these vehicles. At the conclusion of the preliminary handling portion of the test, each driver completes a "Driver s Subjective Evaluation" form. If the test vehicle is judged unacceptable in this preliminary review, it is rejected and not subject to further testing and evaluation. 17
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA DRIVER LAP 1 LAP 2 LAP 3 LAP 4 LAP 5 LAP 6 LAP 7 LAP 8 Hemsworth, LAPD 1:27.70 1:23.90 1:24.05 1:24.00 1:24.25 1:24.30 1:24.30 1:24.85 1:24.7 66.72 AVG TIME AVG SPEED Ocello, LASD 1:27.95 1:24.60 1:25.30 1:25.10 1:24.75 1:25.25 1:25.25 1:25.05 1:25.4 66.18 Penrith, LAPD 1:27.10 1:24.40 1:24.55 1:24.35 1:24.70 1:25.70 1:24.75 1:25.00 1:25.1 66.41 Robinson, LASD 1:28.05 1:25.45 1:25.55 1:25.60 1:25.60 1:25.80 1:25.85 1:25.80 1:26.0 65.72 DRIVER TIME TEST STARTED AIR TEMPERATURE Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 8:14 am Air - 67 Track 73 Deputy Ocello, LASD 8:33 am Air 68 Track 76 Officer Penrith, LAPD 8:52 am Air 70 Track 78 Deputy Robinson, LASD 9:11 am Air 72 Track 86 18
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA ITEM RATING ** Steering 7.75 Body Lean 8.5 Bounce 8.75 Brake Fade 9 Brake Pull 8.75 ABS Operation 9.5 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Officer Hemsworth - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Strong consistent braking throughout session. Easy to modulate, ABS onset uneventful. Some rear end motion but less than prior year. Cornering/Handling Very neutral, well balanced. Easy to drive fast with confidence. Transmission (Shifting Points) Ratios and shift points good. Consistent throughout session. Less inside front wheel spin than previous years. Engine Good power, eager to rev and stay in power band. Good combination with current transmission. Other Excellent, well balanced package. Deputy Ocello - Brakes Brakes were consistent all 8 laps. Cornering/Handling Slight understeer but predictable and controllable. Transmission (Shifting Points) Shift points were good. Engine Good power. 19
Officer Penrith - Brakes I felt the ABS was slightly intrusive (activated too soon) lost deceleration rate on lap 5 but stayed there through 8. I had to apply brakes approximately 3 car lengths sooner. Pedal effort is too light lacks full travel a bit long all that said I did have confidence in the brakes. Cornering/Handling A bit too much body lean, especially in the transitions when weight had to pass across roll center fairly neutral with slight tendency for understeer both steady state and on power app/s could induce oversteer with provocation. Transmission (Shifting Points) Slow to downshift I feel the transmission is the weak point in the power train as the engine is strong. Engine Acceptable power delivery could use more low end but once over approximately 30 MPH vehicle pulls nicely. Other Steering way too light for my taste but acceptable. Deputy Robinson - Brakes The brakes worked well all eight laps. There was minimal fade starting on lap 6 which was manageable with slightly increased distances. There was no pull. Pedal feel and travel remained consistent. Pedal feel was too light though. Cornering/Handling This car displayed minimal to moderate understeer in all turns. Body lean and bounce were also minimal to moderate in all turns. Steering feel was far too light making precise adjustments difficult. Transmission (Shifting Points) - The transmission performed well with good shift points. Engine The engine made good power on all eight laps. 20
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA E-85 DRIVER LAP 1 LAP 2 LAP 3 LAP 4 LAP 5 LAP 6 LAP 7 LAP 8 Hemsworth, LAPD 1:28.00 1:24.55 1:24.15 1:24.80 1:24.45 1:24.25 1:24.55 1:24.90 1:25.0 66.49 AVG TIME AVG SPEED Ocello, LASD 1:28.70 1:25.75 1:25.95 1:25.60 1:25.40 1:26.00 1:26.05 1:26.10 1:26.1 65.64 Penrith, LAPD 1:28.05 1:25.30 1:25.55 1:25.50 1:25.20 1:24.85 1:24.85 1:25.35 1:25.5 66.10 Robinson, LASD 1:28.55 1:25.90 1:25.80 1:26.15 1:26.45 1:26.10 1:25.80 1:26.65 1:26.4 65.41 DRIVER TIME TEST STARTED AIR TEMPERATURE Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 12:42 pm Air - 98 Track 129 Deputy Ocello, LASD 1:02 pm Air 98 Track 129 Officer Penrith, LAPD 1:30 pm Air 99 Track 129 Deputy Robinson, LASD 1:49 pm Air 98 Track 129 21
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA E -85 ITEM RATING ** Steering 7.75 Body Lean 8.75 Bounce 9 Brake Fade 9.25 Brake Pull 9 ABS Operation 9.5 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Officer Hemsworth - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Powerful and easy to modulate, from 1 st lap to last. Outstanding. ABS onset unobtrusive. Minor rear end wiggle braking over pavement irregularities but less than Impala s in previous years, no problem. Cornering/Handling Minor understeer in all corners, fast and slow. Easy to control with gradual and progressive onset. Chassis motions well damped/controlled. Steering ratio and effort is appropriate. Minimal road impact feedback. Transmission (Shifting Points) Ratios and shift points well chosen. Shift action fine. Engine Very eager to rev, good power and response. Makes car easy to control and drive fast. Other Good package, confidence inspiring brakes and eager engine. Deputy Ocello - Brakes Brakes were outstanding all 8 laps good deceleration, good pedal. Cornering/Handling slight understeer. Transmission (Shifting Points) Good shift points would like to see 2 nd be a bit more responsive. Engine Great power. 22
Officer Penrith - Brakes Consistent with only slight fade on last three laps pedal throw is too long and effort is too light makes it difficult to get a good feel on hard brake applications - vehicle pulls quickly from side to side no correction needed but a bit disconcerting hard to input steering accurately with the front end moving about. Cornering/Handling Fairly neutral upon turn in if speed is adjusted appropriately and still on brakes power out on slower turns of course induces understeer. Transmission (Shifting Points) slow and soft shifts second gear too high for the slower corners seems like quite a long delay between gears. Engine Strong/smooth same tops speeds as crown Victoria at ends of straights but slower out of corners. Other Steering effort is too light at all speeds. Deputy Robinson - Brakes Pedal feel and travel remained consistent throughout all eight laps. Pedal feel is very light. There was no noticeable fade or pull. Very predictable. Cornering/Handling This car displayed minimal to moderate understeer handling characteristics in all corners. It was a little difficult to modulate the throttle to maintain cornering speed without increasing the understeer. Body lean and bounce were good. Steering feel was very light making precise inputs difficult. Transmission (Shifting Points) - The transmission had good shift points which kept the engine in or near its power band at all times. Engine The engine made good power throughout all eight laps. 23
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE DRIVER LAP 1 LAP 2 LAP 3 LAP 4 LAP 5 LAP 6 LAP 7 LAP 8 Hemsworth, LAPD 1:31.21 1:27.37 1:27.02 1:27.25 1:27.34 1:27.29 1:27.90 1:27.27 1:27.4 64.37 AVG TIME AVG SPEED Ocello, LASD 1:30.86 1:28.12 1:29.15 1:28.40 1:27.92 1:28.19 1:28.32 1:28.98 1:28.5 63.72 Penrith, LAPD 1:31.23 1:27.46 1:27.19 1:27.66 1:26.84 1:27.27 1:27.60 1:27.23 1:27.4 64.44 Robinson, LASD 1:31.82 1:27.81 1:27.77 1:28.04 1:28.10 1:28.71 1:27.45 1:28.40 1:28.2 643.93 DRIVER TIME TEST STARTED AIR TEMPERATURE Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 1:05 pm Air - 87 Track 120 Deputy Ocello, LASD 1:22 pm Air 88 Track 120 Officer Penrith, LAPD 1:41 pm Air 89 Track 119 Deputy Robinson, LASD 2:02 pm Air 88 Track 120 24
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE ITEM RATING ** Steering 8.66 Body Lean 7.66 Bounce 6.66 Brake Fade 8.33 Brake Pull 9.33 ABS Operation 10 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Officer Hemsworth - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Good, consistent power throughout session. Relatively easy to modulate input and release. ABS onset uneventful. Cornering/Handling Predominantly neutral however detected increasing oversteer in slow turns last 3 laps no problem but it is there. Transmission (Shifting Points) Transmission functions fine. Large gap in ratio between 2nd and 3 rd, hinders vehicle performance. Engine Disappointed in low rpm power. Good power at high engine RPM. Other Large weight/mass is dominant characteristic never lets you forget it s heavy. Deputy Ocello - Brakes Consistent through first 6 laps, laps 7, 8 I noticed the fade onset. By the end of 8 the fade or rate of deceleration dropped. Cornering/Handling Some understeer heavy vehicle caused a lot of lean. Transmission (Shifting Points) Shift points were ok like to see a higher shift point from 2 nd to 3 rd. Engine Good power. Other This vehicle reminds you that it is large and heavy. 25
Officer Penrith - Brakes Applied just a little earlier than probably necessary, but they were very consistent with only maybe a 5% loss on last two laps they did their job well considering size of vehicle but there was little to no pedal feel difficult to modulate. Cornering/Handling Quite predictable and consistent throughout session much better than previous year attempts initial body lean only and then maintains as long as the surface is smooth bumps cause tremendous havoc with rear end. Transmission (Shifting Points) No complaints, well matched/spaced for engine output. Engine Very strong top speeds not far off other vehicles (other than V-8 Charger). Other Steering is a little vague, but acceptable. Deputy Robinson - Brakes The brakes were very good throughout all eight laps. There was no noticeable fade or pull. Pedal travel and feel were very good and consistent throughout all eight laps as well. Cornering/Handling There was minimal to moderate understeer in all turns. Laps 1-3 understeer was minimal in the 180º turn. After that it became difficult to hold a driving line due to ever increasing understeer (it felt as if the R/F tire was unable to grip). Steering feel was good. Transmission (Shifting Points) - The transmission performed well and did not hunt for the correct gear. Engine The engine made good power all eight laps. 26
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE E-85 DRIVER LAP 1 LAP 2 LAP 3 LAP 4 LAP 5 LAP 6 LAP 7 LAP 8 Hemsworth, LAPD 1:30.55 AVG TIME AVG SPEED 1:28.20 1:27.75 1:27.55 1:27.90 1:27.55 1:27.50 1:27.95 1:27.82 64.35 Ocello, LASD 1:30.15 1:27.00 1:27.05 1:27.60 1:26.80 1:26.85 1:28.30 1:28.45 1:27.54 64.56 Penrith, LAPD 1:32.10 1:28.10 1:28.80 1:27.75 1:28.30 1:28.05 1:27.75 1:28.95 1:28.33 63.98 Robinson, LASD 1:32.00 1:28.60 1:28.80 1:28.20 1:28.25 1:27.65 1:27.60 1:27.95 1:28.24 64.05 DRIVER TIME TEST STARTED AIR TEMPERATURE Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 11:25 am Air - 95 Track 117 Deputy Ocello, LASD 11:42 am Air 95 Track 119 Officer Penrith, LAPD 12:02 pm Air 96 Track 122 Deputy Robinson, LASD 12:22 pm Air 98 Track 125 27
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE E-85 ITEM RATING ** Steering 6.66 Body Lean 7 Bounce 6.33 Brake Fade 7.33 Brake Pull 10 ABS Operation 9.66 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Officer Hemsworth - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Good power considering vehicle weight. Stopping distance throughout test consistent. Pedal travel increased through test but never went to floor, just got a little mushy. ABS operation unobtrusive, no pull or shake. Cornering/Handling Overall very neutral, however noticeable/moderate understeer in south (slow) turn, minor oversteer in S s prior to Edison straight. Onset of oversteer progressive. Transmission (Shifting Points) Big gaps in ratios, hinders engine performance. Feels like it could use 1 more gear to tighten ratios, 2-3 shift inconsistent. Engine Good power, only hampered by less than optimum shift/trans operation. Other Lots of body motion but well controlled. Damping rates good. Deputy Ocello Brakes Good rate of deceleration laps 1-4. Pedal travel was mid-range and firm. Laps 5-8 rate of deceleration was less, pedal travel went to the floor, and brake zone was adjusted by two car lengths. Cornering/Handling Slight understeer to neutral. Some hopping in 180º - manageable. Transmission (Shifting Points) 2 nd to 3 rd would like to see higher power band. Engine Engine had good power 28
Officer Penrith - Brakes Smooth input yields progressive braking but lacked any initial bite. By the third lap brakes felt the same on initial application but 2/3 s into the braking zone the brakes were no longer slowing vehicle. Not a hard pedal nor to the floor, just no more deceleration. Cornering/Handling Initial turn in is reasonable for a vehicle of this size but a great degree of understeer as brakes are trailed off and more under acceleration oversteer only occurred with quick transitions of steering inputs. Very pronounced bounce and oscillations through 180º. Transmission (Shifting Points) Shift points inconsistent and quite soft (long time periods between gears) would benefit from a lower second gear for city use. Engine Acceptable power engine let down by transmission. Other Better than past years regarding control of initial lean and total body lean. Deputy Robinson - Brakes The brakes were consistent on laps 1-6 but the pedal feel was a little soft. On lap 7 there was a dramatic and unexpected drop of performance causing me to go way off the decreasing radius turn. Pedal feel was very soft and travel went to the floor. Lap 8 I was able to adjust with much longer braking distance. Cornering/Handling This vehicle displayed minimal to moderate understeer handling characteristics. There was also moderate to heavy bounce in the 180º turn as well as moderate understeer manageable with throttle modulation. Transmission (Shifting Points) - The 2-3 shift caused the engine rpm to drop out of its power band. Engine The engine made good power. Except after the 2-3 shift. 29
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 DODGE CHARGER V - 6 DRIVER LAP 1 LAP 2 LAP 3 LAP 4 LAP 5 LAP 6 LAP 7 LAP 8 Hemsworth, LAPD 1:28.47 1:23.80 1:24.00 1:23.51 1:23.96 1:23.87 1:24.01 1:23.84 1:23.9 67.4 AVG TIME AVG SPEED Ocello, LASD 1:28.89 1:24.18 1:25.07 1:24.50 1:24.62 1:24.68 1:24.53 1:24.27 1:24.6 66.8 Penrith, LAPD 1:28.15 1:24.07 1:23.88 1:23.55 1:23.21 1:23.89 1:23.79 1:23.70 1:23.8 67.4 Robinson, LASD 1:28.33 1:24.62 1:24.71 1:24.24 1:24.64 1:24.16 1:24.64 1:24.13 1:24.5 66.9 DRIVER TIME TEST STARTED AIR TEMPERATURE Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 7:38 am Air - 64 Track 65 Deputy Ocello, LASD 7:56 am Air 65 Track 68 Officer Penrith, LAPD 8:14 am Air 67 Track 73 Deputy Robinson, LASD 8:32 am Air 68 Track 76 30
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 DODGE CHARGER V - 6 ITEM RATING ** Steering 9.5 Body Lean 9.75 Bounce 9.75 Brake Fade 10 Brake Pull 10 ABS Operation 10 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Officer Hemsworth - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Excellent power, smooth consistent deceleration values. Good feel, easy to modulate on input and release. ABS onset predictable and progressive. Cornering/Handling Best V-6 Charger yet. Neutral handling all corners fast and slow. Steering ratio and effort appropriate. Transmission (Shifting Points) Ratios and shift points excellent. Transmission action invisible, eager to downshift and keep engine in power band. Little hesitations to downshift last 2-3 laps, possible heat related. Engine Good power, eager to rev. Powerband good for 3.5L engine. Other Easy and confidence inspiring to drive. Deputy Ocello - Brakes The brakes were very consistent through all eight laps. Pedal travel never changed, the rate of deceleration was outstanding. No fade or pull. Cornering/Handling Minimal lean and bounce. Slight understeer to neutral. Transmission (Shifting Points) I felt the shift point was too soon out of first and second. Would like to see it hold a little longer. Engine Great power. 31
Officer Penrith - Brakes Outstanding absolutely no fade, not sure I ever used all the brakes available could only be improved by adding just a little more aggressive pad for initial bite good pedal travel and very easy to modulate ABS threshold near perfect. Cornering/Handling Very well balanced slight tendency for understeer most noticeable on exits with throttle application. Less understeer would be appreciated for the track but is balanced near perfect for the street. Lateral weight transitions are handled very predictably great chassis, while turning chassis feels very stiff/rigid. Transmission (Shifting Points) Needs a lower 2 nd or better yet one more gear. Shift points seemed to vary slightly on corner exits but at a minimal cost to lap times overall excellent. Engine Very smooth, predictable power delivery no surprises I like the power of the V-8 but this V-6 is balanced very nicely. Other Steering very direct good ratio effort level is very nicely calibrated. Deputy Robinson - Brakes Very confidence inspiring brakes. The brakes were very consistent throughout all eight laps. There was no fade or pull. Pedal travel and feel were also consistent. Cornering/Handling The car displayed neutral to minimal understeer handling characteristics. The understeer was manageable with minimal throttle modulation. Body lean and bounce were also very minimal. Steering feel and input were very good. Transmission (Shifting Points) - The transmission had good shift points and kept the engine in its powerband at all times. Engine The engine made good power throughout all eight laps. 32
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 DODGE CHARGER - HEMI DRIVER LAP 1 LAP 2 LAP 3 LAP 4 LAP 5 LAP 6 LAP 7 LAP 8 Hemsworth, LAPD 1:22.87 1:19.35 1:19.75 1:19.75 1:20.65 1:19.95 1:20.20 1:21.10 1:20.2 70.4 AVG TIME AVG SPEED Ocello, LASD 1:24.78 1:22.05 1:22.15 1:21.70 1:22.40 1:22.45 1:22.55 1:22.35 1:22.5 68.5 Penrith, LAPD 1:24.20 1:21.65 1:21.90 1:22.05 1:21.52 1:21.75 1:21.75 1:24.55 1:22.2 68.7 Robinson, LASD 1:26.48 1:22.60 1:22.11 1:22.95 1:23.85 1:23.45 1:23.05 1:22.50 1:23.1 68.1 DRIVER TIME TEST STARTED AIR TEMPERATURE Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 8:52 am Air - 70 Track 78 Deputy Ocello, LASD 9:11 am Air 72 Track 86 Officer Penrith, LAPD 9:31 am Air 75 Track 88 Deputy Robinson, LASD 9:50 am Air 76 Track 92 33
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 DODGE CHARGER HEMI ITEM RATING ** Steering 9.25 Body Lean 9.75 Bounce 9.75 Brake Fade 8 Brake Pull 9.75 ABS Operation 9.75 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Officer Hemsworth - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Strong initially, good feel and easy to modulate. Noticeably less crisp with slightly increased pedal travel by lap 4-5. Had to adjust brake points back due to fade into laps 6-8. Brakes still there, just not as effective. ABS onset unremarkable. Able to trail brake oversteer into corners. Cornering/Handling Light understeer most conditions unless forced to oversteer with throttle. Onset of ESP limits ability to throttle-steer through and exiting, not as exciting on track but good for street operations. Transmission (Shifting Points) Transmission function no issue. 2-3 ratio gap little large to optimize engine power. Shift action fine. Engine Very strong. Feels faster than previous years. Added power tempered by ESP (see above) excellent power delivery allows driver to get most out of chassis. Deputy Ocello - Brakes Brakes were consistent but brake points were moved back by 3 car lengths, pedal travel was good. Rate of deceleration was fair. Cornering/Handling Predictable amount of understeer due to horsepower. I could control it with throttle modulation. Steering was light. Transmission (Shifting Points) Good shift points. Engine Great horsepower. 34
Officer Penrith - Brakes Brakes were predictable but I felt that I had to brake earlier on each successive lap they felt as if they had less bite than the V-6 and were harder to modulate probably just due to the increased heat of being driver #3. Cornering/Handling Could feel that the front end is heavy but car is still well balanced as power can be used to counter understeer if timed properly and you have room to track out, V-6 is better balanced and would give the average driver a better sense of confidence. Transmission (Shifting Points) No issues, V-8 power makes up for 2 nd gear issues with V-6 predictable shift points. Engine Strong, smooth, excellent power delivery, easy to modulate very good throttle response. Other ESP is calibrated very well not too intrusive but will save the driver from getting too aggressive, cuts in and out better than any police vehicle I have driven before. Deputy Robinson - Brakes The brakes were good on laps 1 & 2. On lap 3 I experienced significant fade into the south turn. On lap 4 there was again significant fade into the south turn causing me to have to brake very early on the remaining laps. There was no pull. Cornering/Handling The car displayed minimal understeer to neutral to minimal oversteer handling characteristics all of which was very dependent upon throttle application in turns. Steering feel was good. Body lean and bounce were minimal. Transmission (Shifting Points) - The transmission performed well with good shift points. Engine The engine makes tremendous amounts of power at all times, making it very easy to apply too much power. 35
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 FORD CVPI 3.27 DIFFERENTIAL DRIVER LAP 1 LAP 2 LAP 3 LAP 4 LAP 5 LAP 6 LAP 7 LAP 8 Hemsworth, LAPD 1:29.20 1:25.15 1:24.60 1:25.35 1:24.90 1:25.00 1:25.10 1:25.45 1:25.6 66.4 AVG TIME AVG SPEED Ocello, LASD 1:28.60 1:25.10 1:24.65 1:25.30 1:25.00 1:25.05 1:25.10 1:25.45 1:25.5 65.1 Penrith, LAPD 1:27.75 1:26.15 1:24.45 1:25.00 1:25.00 1:25.05 1:24.90 1:25.10 1:25.4 66.1 Robinson, LASD 1:28.05 1:25.45 1:25.55 1:25.90 1:25.95 1:26.30 1:26.30 1:25.85 1:26.1 65.6 DRIVER TIME TEST STARTED AIR TEMPERATURE Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 12.02 pm Air - 95 Track 122 Deputy Ocello, LASD 12.22 pm Air 98 Track 125 Officer Penrith, LAPD 12.42 pm Air 98 Track 129 Deputy Robinson, LASD 1.02 pm Air 98 Track 129 36
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 FORD CVPI - 3.27 DIFFERENTIAL ITEM RATING ** Steering 8.25 Body Lean 8.5 Bounce 8.5 Brake Fade 9.25 Brake Pull 9.75 ABS Operation 9.75 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Officer Hemsworth - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Strong and powerful throughout, little added pedal travel noted. No pull or hop. ABS onset predictable and uneventful. Cornering/Handling Lots of understeer first 2 laps, then became neutral after front tires came in. Neutral to minor oversteer in 180º turn thru session. Body motion well controlled. Onset of oversteer easy to control. Transmission (Shifting Points) Transmission operation unremarkable. Transmission ratios appropriate. Little slow to downshift accelerating out of turns but no problem. Engine Good power, eager to rev with good powerband. Other Good balanced package. Easy to drive fast. Steering ratio/effort appropriate. Deputy Ocello - Brakes Good brakes all eight laps, pedal was predictable and so was rate of deceleration. Cornering/Handling Right on slight oversteer in 180º but very controllable. Transmission (Shifting Points) Good shift points. Predictable with Ford. Engine Good power. 37
Officer Penrith - Brakes Pedal feel and brake bite were good and easily modulated. By lap 4 I was getting some fade but still a good pedal feel fade mostly at the end of long straight about (from 105 MPH to 35 MPH approximately) adjusted brake point by 3 or 4 car lengths to compensate. Cornering/Handling Very slight understeer to neutral on turn in full throttle thru 180º turn would produce oversteer caused by uneven pavement Transmission (Shifting Points) Needs lower second gear fairly consistent shift points Engine Adequate power delivery and throttle response. Other Power steering cut out several times on tighter turns 1/3 third way through input first three laps only. Deputy Robinson - Brakes Pedal feel was firm and the rate of deceleration remained consistent throughout all eight laps. Cornering/Handling This vehicle displayed minimal understeer to neutral to minimal oversteer handling characteristics dependent upon driving line. Steering feel was good, as were body lean and bounce. Transmission (Shifting Points) - The transmission shift points were good allowing the engine to remain in its power band. The transmission did not hunt for the correct gear at all. Engine The engine made good power throughout all eight laps. 38
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 FORD CVPI 3.55 DIFFERENTIAL DRIVER LAP 1 LAP 2 LAP 3 LAP 4 LAP 5 LAP 6 LAP 7 LAP 8 Hemsworth, LAPD 1:28.60 1:25.35 1:25.50 1:25.95 1:25.45 1:25.60 1:25.90 1:36.05 1:26.1 65.6 AVG TIME AVG SPEED Ocello, LASD 1:27.80 1:24.45 1:24.90 1:24.50 1:24.75 1:25.25 1:25.20 1:25.15 1:25.3 66.3 Penrith, LAPD 1:29.25 1:25.70 1:25.10 1:24.95 1:24.65 1:24.50 1:24.55 1:25.10 1:25.5 66.1 Robinson, LASD 1:28.05 1:24.95 1:25.70 1:25.65 1:26.25 1:25.65 1:26.35 1:25.75 1:26.0 65.7 DRIVER TIME TEST STARTED AIR TEMPERATURE Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 12:28 pm Air - 87 Track 120 Deputy Ocello, LASD 12:45 pm Air 87 Track 118 Officer Penrith, LAPD 1:04 pm Air 87 Track 120 Deputy Robinson, LASD 1:22 pm Air 88 Track 120 39
32 LAP HIGH-SPEED COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 FORD CVPI - 3.55 DIFFERENTIAL ITEM RATING ** Steering 9.66 Body Lean 10 Bounce 10 Brake Fade 9.33 Brake Pull 10 ABS Operation 9.66 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Officer Hemsworth - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Powerful with good ability to modulate on input and release. ABS activation virtually invisible. Cornering/Handling Neutral in fast and slow turns, easy to drive fast. Forgiving of driver errors, able to provoke oversteer but predictable and easy to control. Transmission (Shifting Points) Shift action and ratios fine, consistent shifting throughout, transmission operated invisibly. Engine Good power, eager to rev, good power exiting slow turns NOT hampered by transmission function. Power delivery easy to modulate. Other Very good package, works well, all functions well balanced. Deputy Ocello - Brakes Brakes were consistent through laps 1-4; I noticed some fade on the remaining laps. Pedal travel extended about 1 inch. Cornering/Handling Slight understeer to neutral. Transmission (Shifting Points) Shift points were good. Engine Good power. 40
Officer Penrith - Brakes Very consistent without too much fade, only increased stopping distances by maybe 10% on last three laps. Not as good a bite or feel as I would have liked but very capable. Cornering/Handling Very tidy and flat no surprises very well dampened and balanced very smooth predictable transitions best Crown Victoria I have driven to date. Transmission (Shifting Points) Best yet seems to work well with 3.55. Engine No complaints smooth linear power delivery. Other Steering effort and ratio excellent. Deputy Robinson - Brakes The brakes were very good throughout all eight laps. There was minimal fade starting on lap 4 with only a minor distance adjustment needed. Pedal feel and travel remained consistent. There was no pull. Cornering/Handling This car displayed minimal understeer to minimal oversteer handling characteristics, dependent upon the type of turn. All characteristics were predictable and manageable. The steering feel was good allowing input to be precise. Body lean and bounce were minimal. Transmission (Shifting Points) - The transmission shift points were good, keeping the engine in its power band. Engine The engine made good power at all times. 41
PURSUIT COURSE EVALUATION RESULTS This test is for those vehicles equipped with a factory installed APOLICE PACKAGE@ and identified by the manufacturer as pursuit vehicles. This test is conducted on a closed 2.45 mile city street course which closely represents the environment most urban law enforcement emergency response vehicles must contend with. The course has virtually no straight-a-ways and consists of right and left hand turns and obstacles in the road way. This is the final test during our Aroad@ certification and the manufacturers, if they so choose, are allowed to rebuild the vehicle s brake system prior to this test. For this test, two drivers are utilized for each vehicle. Each driver completes two laps around the city or Apursuit@ course. Lap timing is via a GPS based VBOX Datalogger" mounted in the car. The combined times of the two laps are recorded next to the driver's name. If the test vehicle is unable to complete the course in less than 4 minutes and 45 seconds, it is judged unacceptable for high speed law enforcement use. 42
PURSUIT COURSE TEST RESULTS CHEVROLET IMPALA DRIVER LAP 1 TIME LAP 2 TIME TOTAL TIME AVERAGE SPEED Deputy Ocello, LASD 2:08.6 2:06.1 4:14.7 34.62 Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 2:09.1 2:06.1 4:15.2 34.56 CHEVROLET IMPALA E-85 DRIVER LAP 1 TIME LAP 2 TIME TOTAL TIME AVERAGE SPEED Deputy Ocello, LASD 2:08.6 2:06.8 4:15.4 34.53 Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 2:08.4 2:06.4 4:14.8 34.62 CHEVROLET TAHOE DRIVER LAP 1 TIME LAP 2 TIME TOTAL TIME AVERAGE SPEED Deputy Ocello, LASD 2:13.7 2:10.6 4:24.3 33.37 Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 2:13.6 2:10.9 4:24.5 33.34 CHEVROLET TAHOE E-85 DRIVER LAP 1 TIME LAP 2 TIME TOTAL TIME AVERAGE SPEED Officer Penrith, LAPD 2:12.6 2:11.4 4:24.0 33.40 Deputy Ocello, LASD 2:11.4 2:08.8 4:20.2 33.89 DODGE CHARGER V - 6 DRIVER LAP 1 TIME LAP 2 TIME TOTAL TIME AVERAGE SPEED Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 2:06.7 2:05.5 4:12.2 34.97 Deputy Ocello, LASD 2:08.2 2:06.5 4:14.7 34.62 DODGE CHARGER - HEMI DRIVER LAP 1 TIME LAP 2 TIME TOTAL TIME AVERAGE SPEED Officer Penrith, LAPD 2:07.0 2:05.4 4:12.4 34.94 Deputy Robinson, LASD 2:04.5 2:04.1 4:08.6 35.47 43
PURSUIT COURSE TEST RESULTS FORD CVPI - 3.27 DIFFERENTIAL DRIVER LAP 1 TIME LAP 2 TIME TOTAL TIME AVERAGE SPEED Officer Hemsworth, LAPD 2:08.1 2:07.0 4:15.0 34.58 Deputy Ocello, LASD 2:07.8 2:07.0 4:14.8 34.61 FORD CVPI - 3.55 DIFFERENTIAL DRIVER LAP 1 TIME LAP 2 TIME TOTAL TIME AVERAGE SPEED Deputy Robinson, LASD 2:07.6 2:06.3 4:13.9 34.73 Officer Penrith, LAPD 2:09.2 2:07.2 4:16.4 34.39 44
PURSUIT COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA ITEM RATING ** Steering 8 Body Lean 8.5 Bounce 9 Brake Fade 9.5 Brake Pull 9.5 ABS Operation 10 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Deputy Ocello - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Brakes were consistent, good rate of deceleration. Good firm pedal. Cornering/Handling If slight steering input coming out of a corner the tires would spin. Transmission (Shifting Points) Good shift points for pursuits. Engine Good power. Officer Hemsworth - Brakes Good power, consistent throughout run. Long pedal travel compromises brake feel. No fade or pull noted. Cornering/Handling Lots of suspension movement before and after at pursuit speed. No control problem, just noticeable, mild to moderate understeer, predictable and manageable. Transmission (Shifting Points) Ratio gap and shift points appropriate shifted fine. Consistent thru run. Engine Good power. Well matched with transmission. 45
PURSUIT COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA E-85 ITEM RATING ** Steering 7.5 Body Lean 9 Bounce 9 Brake Fade 9.5 Brake Pull 9.5 ABS Operation 9 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Deputy Ocello - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Brakes felt good and rate of deceleration was predictable. Cornering/Handling If the wheels were not straight it would spin the tires under hard acceleration. Slight understeer. Transmission (Shifting Points) Shift points were good. Engine Good power. Officer Hemsworth - Brakes Onset of ABS earlier than I anticipated, little aggressive for short gas/brake/gas/brake driving. No fade or pull noted. Cornering/Handling Minor understeer until ABS activation, then moderate. Steering boost little too much, too easy to over input steering. Transmission (Shifting Points) Shifting and ratios no problem. Lots of inside wheel spin exiting turns. Tire does not regain traction until front wheels fully straight. Engine Good power, only hampered by transmissions delivery to road. 46
PURSUIT COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE ITEM RATING ** Steering 8 Body Lean 8 Bounce 8.5 Brake Fade 9.5 Brake Pull 9.5 ABS Operation 9.5 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Deputy Ocello - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Good brakes, firm pedal no fade or pull Cornering/Handling Again, you know you re in a heavy vehicle, lots of lean and bounce Transmission (Shifting Points) Shift points okay but when you go full throttle out of a turn, slight flat spot Officer Hemsworth - Brakes Maintained brake power throughout pursuit. Long pedal travel with little resistance made fine modulation difficult. ABS onset uneventful. Cornering/Handling Moderate understeer predominates under all conditions. Made even more obvious if any brake was trailed into slow turns. Transmission (Shifting Points) Function okay but large gap in ratios pulled engine out of powerband frequently, no control problem, just slow. Engine Good power in mid to upper RPM range but disappointing low end response. See transmission note above. 47
PURSUIT COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE E-85 ITEM RATING ** Steering 8 Body Lean 7 Bounce 8 Brake Fade 9 Brake Pull 9 ABS Operation 9 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Officer Penrith - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Difficult to modulate as pedal effort is low, however initial bite and rate of deceleration is very good. Cornering/Handling Big, tall, heavy vehicle and it shows on this tight course. That being said it was quite easy to drive if corners were entered slow, quick exits possible with some instances of oversteer very respectable times achieved. Transmission (Shifting Points) slow soft shifting. Engine No complaints. Other Steering effort a little bit light and a quicker ratio would help on such a tight course. Deputy Robinson - Brakes The brakes performed well on both laps. There was no fade or pull. Cornering/Handling There was minimal understeer which was easily correctable with throttle modulation or throttle induced oversteer. Transmission (Shifting Points) Good shift points throughout both laps. Engine The engine made good power both laps. 48
PURSUIT COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 DODGE CHARGER V - 6 ITEM RATING ** Steering 9.5 Body Lean 9.5 Bounce 9.5 Brake Fade 9.5 Brake Pull 9.5 ABS Operation 9.5 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Deputy Ocello - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Great braking with great deceleration. Cornering/Handling Very stable, pleasure to drive. Transmission (Shifting Points) Great shift points. Engine Great power Officer Hemsworth - Brakes Outstanding, short braking distances, easy to modulate on input and release, onset of ABS seamless. Very easy to drive fast with these brakes. Cornering/Handling Neutral to mild understeer. Steering ratio and effort both just right, easy to go quick, forgiving of driver error. Transmission (Shifting Points) Transmission function was invisible. Nothing stood out so all transmission functions worked perfectly. Engine Good power without being difficult to use. Eager to respond. Extremely well suited to this type of environment. Other - Easiest car I have ever driven around Pomona pursuit course. 49
PURSUIT COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 DODGE CHARGER - HEMI ITEM RATING ** Steering 10 Body Lean 10 Bounce 10 Brake Fade 10 Brake Pull 10 ABS Operation 10 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Deputy Robinson - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes The brakes performed well both laps. There was no fade or pull. Cornering/Handling The car displayed minimal understeer to throttle induced oversteer characteristics. Body lean and bounce were minimal. Transmission (Shifting Points) The transmission performed well both laps with good shift points. Engine The engine made abundant power. Officer Penrith - Brakes Excellent bite and deceleration rates strong throughout session. Cornering/Handling Initial understeer can be controlled with brake (weight transfer) and a commitment to throttle application this course is a little tight for this car but with more laps a much better, cleaner lap could be done. Transmission (Shifting Points) no issues clear quick downshifts. 50
PURSUIT COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 FORD CVPI - 3.27 DIFFERENTIAL ITEM RATING ** Steering 9.5 Body Lean 9.5 Bounce 9.5 Brake Fade 9.5 Brake Pull 9.5 ABS Operation 9.5 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Officer M. Hemsworth - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes Excellent brake action. Good power, easily modulated, ABS onset predictable and mild. Cornering/Handling Corners predictably/consistently, mild understeer most situation unless pushed to oversteer intentionally, transition is smooth and easy to control. Transmission (Shifting Points) Shifting/ratios no problem, transmission action transparent. Engine Good power w/usable powerband. Other Steering ratio/effort appropriate, no loss of power steering assist noted in slow turns w/quick transitions. Deputy Ocello. - Brakes Brakes were predictable. Good rate of deceleration with minimal pedal travel. Brakes were consistent throughout course. Cornering/Handling Slight oversteer but controllable. Transmission (Shifting Points) Would like to see more RPM s prior to shift. Felt sluggish on downshift. Engine Good power. 51
PURSUIT COURSE VEHICLE DYNAMICS EVALUATION 2009 FORD CVPI - 3.55 DIFFERENTIAL ITEM RATING ** Steering 10 Body Lean 10 Bounce 10 Brake Fade 10 Brake Pull 10 ABS Operation 10 ** 1 Poor 5 Average 10 Outstanding Officer Penrith - DRIVER COMMENTS Brakes No fade strong predictable easy to modulate. Cornering/Handling Initial turn in displays mild understeer easily controlled with brakes transitions to power induced oversteer is smooth and very controllable car feels very flat and well controlled even when surface is not smooth. Transmission (Shifting Points) No hunting well suited to this course quick firm downshifts when throttle applied firmly. Engine Strong pull out of slow corners works very nicely with 3.55 Deputy Robinson - Brakes The brakes did not fade or pull on either lap. Pedal feel and travel was good as well. Cornering/Handling This car displayed minimal understeer to neutral handling in turns on both laps. Transmission (Shifting Points) The transmission performed well on both laps. Engine The engine made good power 52
BRAKE EVALUATION RESULTS This test procedure measures the braking response and efficiency of the vehicle. The test is conducted immediately following the preliminary handling test (32 laps). This ensures that the brakes are tested after being driven at high speeds, thus simulating the actual operating conditions experienced by the officer in the field. The test is conducted by first accelerating the vehicle to 80 MPH, then decelerating to a stop, maintaining an average deceleration rate of 22 feet per second. This procedure is repeated three additional times. At this point, a five minute stationary cool down period occurs. The vehicle is then accelerated to a speed of 60 MPH and decelerated at the maximum deceleration rate attainable before the onset of ABS. After a two minute delay, the 60 MPH procedure is repeated again. As soon as the vehicle has stopped, it is immediately accelerated to 60 MPH and then stopped as quickly as possible, simulating a panic stop. That stopping distance is measured and recorded, utilizing a VBOX Datalogger. The Datalogger is a GPS based measuring device. If a brake malfunction is experienced (i.e., severe fading or inability to stop in a straight line,) an effort is made to detect the cause of the brake failure. If it is decided that the failure is inherent in the engineering of the brake system of the vehicle, the test is discontinued and the vehicle is disqualified from further testing. If the failure is associated with a correctable situation, it is corrected and the test is rerun. The defect and any remedial action taken are noted in the test results. 53