VANCOUVER — It’s not quite the Batmobile, but Vancouver’s police force will look just as good as Batman when their existing fleet of patrol cruisers is phased out and replaced by Dodge Charger Enforcers beginning this year. Fleet manager Rob Rothwell unveiled the first of the new patrol cars Wednesday.

Vancouver police currently drive a fleet of 176 Ford Crown Victoria Interceptors, a model that was discontinued by Ford earlier this year. They will all eventually be replaced by the Charger Enforcers, which have 3.6-litre engines and will reduce fuel consumption by about 25 per cent.

Patrol fleet emissions are expected to be reduced by 660 tonnes per year, a 32 per cent reduction, when the fleet replacement is completed in 2017.

The new cruisers, 61 of which will be on the roads by the end of this year, will feature redesigned exterior markings and a new “rumbler” siren, which projects a deep baritone burst.

Postmedia News