Dodge Ram Police Truck Performance, Price, Accessories & Road Test

After spending time on the road in this high-profile truck, we understand what it's like in a Highway Patrol cruiser, as motorists literally fling themselves from our path. Until a driver gets a good view of the "Truckville USA" badge on the front doors, they exhibit a reflex action to get a different view in the mirrors.

Developed by Performance West Group for the 2002 SEMA show, this faux police cruiser (bruiser) is a current-generation Dodge Ram, albeit enhanced. The striking visuals start with a Federal Signal Vector Light Bar on the roof, the same unit legit peace officers light up at the appropriate time. The massive front push bar, manufactured by Go Rhino!, is a suitable mount for the PIAA spotlights, ideal for getting the attention of wannabe road warriors.

Any police vehicle worth its ticket pad needs quality rubber to collar scofflaws, and this Ram sports a set of 24-in. Oasis B1 Alloy Wheels, wrapped with BFGoodrich gForce KDW tires. Under the hood is a 5.9 Magnum V-8, aided in its breathing by the installation of a Gibson Cat Back dual exhaust. The grumble that spits out of the tips sounds loads better than a siren. Note the tailgate-sourced Dodge logo on the side of the hood, a graphic nod to the original PowerWagon. The bed is capped with a Gaylord's Lid, the better to keep valuable equipment dry and free from sticky fingers.

Inside, the black-and-white treatment continues, with Katzkin coating the seats with law-enforcement-friendly leather. A laptop computer lets officials run a check on suspicious tags - or at least check their e-mail.

Verdict? This rig demands attention and a closer look, even if it means you didn't get caught, this time.