Outside of the red and blue lights, department insignias, and sturdy bullbars, the most unique characteristic of a police vehicle is its interior. Cop cars are typically fitted with an array of additional electronics inside the cabin, most notably a large laptop and radio unit attached to a bulky tray.
For the 2016 Charger Pursuit vehicle, Dodge took a different, Tesla-style approach. All of the original equipment is still in use, only now it’s stowed in the trunk and the controls are routed to a 12.1-inch Uconnect touchscreen display in the cockpit. Dispatch software, lighting, radio, and camera functions are all accessible through the screen or wireless keyboard, significantly freeing up interior space and diminishing visual distraction for the officer.
“As America’s high-performance police vehicle, Dodge Charger Pursuit is going big for 2016, offering a massive, Uconnect touchscreen system that streamlines a law enforcement officer’s computer system with our easy-to-use Uconnect system,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO of Dodge. “Designed and tested to Charger Pursuit’s stringent test requirements, our all-new Uconnect 12.1 system is the latest piece of tactical hardware that is neatly integrated into the instrument panel for a mobile command center that could only be delivered from Dodge.”
The new control unit is as pleasing to look at as it is functional, but for those who prefer the old-school way, Dodge has fitted the car with redundant switches and knobs below the climate control center as well.
If you’re looking to get this slick touchscreen in your car, you’re probably out of luck. Uconnect 12.1 is available exclusively on the 2016 Charger Pursuit, so if you can’t live without it, you’d better start studying for the police entrance exam now.
To see the system in action, check out Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s demo video below.
