Florida Highway Patrol Possesses the Coolest Police Car in America | Carscoops

      The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has recently unveiled the latest addition to its patrol fleet: the 2023 C8 Corvette Stingray, which has been acquired through the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Displayed in the traditional FHP black and tan colors, this Stingray boasts a top speed of 194 mph.

      While it's often said that crime doesn’t pay, it appears to have provided the FHP with a striking junior supercar intended to enhance safety on state roads and encourage drivers to adhere to speed limits.

      This week, the FHP took to Facebook to highlight the new C8 Stingray in its fleet. In anticipation of potential criticism regarding the use of funds on luxury vehicles rather than addressing community concerns, the agency clarified that the 2023 Corvette did not cost taxpayers anything.

      Instead of acquiring the car through normal dealership channels, the C8 was added to the FHP arsenal after being seized from a criminal, as indicated on their social media.

      According to the FHP’s Facebook post, “The Corvette was seized by the Florida Highway Patrol, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force; it was not purchased with state funds.” They further noted that “[It] will be utilized to support the Florida Highway Patrol’s mission of keeping our roadways and highways safe and will be seen at various educational outreach events.”

      Photos from FHP and an exclusive video from the YouTube channel Nick Off Duty showcase the 70th Anniversary Stingray in its striking black finish, complemented by the classic FHP tan roof and spoiler—features that are certainly not common among typical patrol vehicles. While the base C8 has taken a backseat in public attention to the faster Z06, ZR1, and E-Ray models in recent years, it still presents an imposing figure in the rear-view mirror and maintains impressive performance capabilities.

      Powered by a 6.2-liter LT2 pushrod V8 engine generating 490 hp (497 PS) or 495 hp (502 PS) with the optional sports exhaust, this car achieves a top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h) and accelerates from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in around three seconds. Although it features certain enhancements that may indicate it has the Z51 package, the brake calipers suggest it may simply be the base model with added styling components, some of which are characteristic of the 70th Anniversary edition. We trust the expertise of the C8 community to correct us if needed.

      Is this C8 the finest American police vehicle currently in operation, or do you prefer the Ford Mustangs used by North Carolina? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.

      Image credits: FHP