An all-new Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) will join the ranks of law enforcement departments across North America in 2011. General Motors confirmed the news today at the annual International Association of Chiefs of Police convention, in Denver, Colorado.

The announcement also ends months of speculation that the Pontiac G8 may live on as a police car but it builds hope that a version of the new Caprice may eventually be sold in local showrooms.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car

The Caprice PPV is a modern, full-size, rear-drive sedan that will offer both V-8 and V-6 engines, as well as a host of specialized equipment and features. It rides on the same Zeta rear-wheel drive platform that underpins the Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet Camaro, although it uses the longest wheelbase of the architecture--118.5-inches.

Much of the specs are being withheld but we do know that the car will come with a 6.0-liter V-8 engine churning out 355-horsepower and an estimated 384-pound-feet of torque at launch. A smaller V-6 model is due in 2012. Both will come with a six-speed automatic transmission, as well as touchscreen displays, specially contoured seats designed to fit police utility belts, a high-output alternator, and heavy-duty brakes.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car

The Caprice is a luxury rear-wheel drive sedan engineered and built by Holden in Australia. The car is also sold in other markets wearing Buick, Chevrolet and Daewoo badges.

2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car