Speeding in North Carolina? Be cautious of the Ford Mustang V8 interceptors that are on the prowl.

      North Carolina Highway Patrol

      After nearly a year of extensive testing and a significant setback caused by weather, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol has finally put its new fleet of V8-powered Ford Mustang Police Interceptors into service. While your electric vehicle might reach 60 mph faster than most V8s, you won't be able to outrun these gasoline-powered Mustangs on the highway. It’s better to just pull over and accept your fate.

      The acquisition of 25 Coyote-powered pursuit vehicles harkens back to the ’80s and ’90s, when Ford’s Fox body Mustang SSP (Special Service Package, formerly SSM for “Severe Service Mustang”) was available to police departments across the country. From California to Texas—and including the Carolinas—V8-powered Mustangs were actively patrolling for those looking to channel their inner Sammy Hagar.

      “These patrol vehicles, though limited in number, will play a key role throughout our state,” stated North Carolina Highway Patrol commander Colonel Freddy L. Johnson, Jr. “Their presence during patrols will certainly act as a deterrent and support our essential role as representatives for the great state of North Carolina.”

      Since Ford no longer manufactures a specialized law enforcement package for the Mustang, the troopers had to manage the upgrades internally. The logistics team was responsible for equipping them for police use, after which they were transferred to the department’s driver training staff to familiarize the troopers with the Mustang’s capabilities. After all, the next closest performance vehicle in the department’s fleet is a Dodge Charger, which is significantly heavier and less powerful.

      The first of the new V8-powered interceptors was actually delivered last spring, according to the department, but the process was interrupted in September due to Hurricane Helene. The hurricane's impact caused the department to redirect resources away from the Mustang launch to provide “relief, assistance, and public safety” in western North Carolina—efforts that are still ongoing, as stated by the department.

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