bit different to the old one (lol)

yeah, i'll bet a lot will wish they followed GM, who are building one based on the australian Holden Caprice (LWB Commodore). Ford have the rear wheel drive Falcon in australia, but they dropped the LWB model a couple years ago, and that could have been the next crown-vic (which would have made it rear wheel drive).

Police will be more off-put by the fact that it's FWD - the Caprice will probably sell many more copies for that reason (the V8 will certainly help too).

Given that it's a relatively small engine, I can't imagine the torque curve will be that impressive. Then again, it couldn't be worse than the awful peakiness of the 4.6 V8 in the current Crown Victorias.

Interesting. Based on the SHO Taurus so I'd assume performance would be good (As in better than the CVPI?).

Don't a lot of departments favour the Charger and CV because they are rear drive though?

More details should arise soon.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/110031225084/all-new-2012-ford-taurus-interceptor-police-car-revealed

and here:
http://www.fordvehicles.com/fordpoliceinterceptor/?CID=11PI


Ford also dropped hints on an all-new Police Interceptor utility vehicle. Ford says it will complement the new Police Interceptor sedan.

That all-new "Police Interceptor utility vehicle" is likely the upcoming 2011 Ford Explorer (known internally as the U502)