Following last year’s announcement of building a Zeta-based police car for North American law enforcement officers, Chevrolet has finally revealed the concept at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. Named the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice police patrol vehicle, this car has been built following considerable feedback from police officers. The Caprice is not modeled on the existing civilian car design; instead, it has been specifically built to accommodate modern equipment and features essential to police duty.

This rear-drive sedan offers E85-compatible 6.0-liter V8  engine along with 355 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. Beginning in the 2012 model, a V-6 engine will also be offered. It has a host of other utility features like the optional front-seat-only side curtain air bags, two trunk-mounted batteries among which one is used to power various police equipments, touch-screen digital display on the dashboard and a couple of storage locations including one for stacking weapons between the front seats. The cockpit is divided by a plexiglass barrier securing the driver and front-passenger from the person behind.

‘”The Chevrolet Caprice PPV’s seats represent a revolution in comfort and utility for officers who spend long hours in their car,” said Bob Demick, lead seat design manager. “‘The shape also enhances entry and egress, making it easier for officers to exit the vehicle quickly. The seatback bolsters, for example, have been purposefully contoured to help pocket the equipment on the belt, which includes the gun, Taser and handcuffs, which rest comfortably in the sculpted lower bolsters. That also increases the longevity of the trim cover surface.”

General Motors believes that the new Chevrolet Caprice is the right tool at the right time for law enforcement. Chevrolet’s alliance with law enforcement goes a long way back, the police department having used Chevy sedans as police cars for decades. The Caprice is scheduled to hit the streets in early 2011.