RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Keep your eyes peeled for a new patrol car hitting North Carolina roads from the state highway patrol.
The agency announced Friday the official statewide release of a new version of the Ford Mustang police cruiser for patrol coverage.
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The highway patrol said last year the new Mustangs were coming and Friday they were unveiled. Some of the first Mustangs were delivered last year, but a training and customizing period followed, officials said.
“This onboarding process included our logistics staff outfitting the vehicles with proper equipment for daily use as well as our driving trainers examining the performance features and capabilities,” the highway patrol said in a news release.
Troopers announced in 2023 that Dodge Chargers are being phased out with the Ford Explorer among the replacement vehicles. Dodge said that year the production of the gas-powered Challenger and Charger would end.
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The official Mustang commemoration was delayed after Hurricane Helene, when the highway patrol provided critical “relief, assistance and public safety in Western North Carolina,” troopers said in the release.
Many long-time North Carolina residents might remember the highway patrol using Ford Mustangs in the 1980s and early 1990s. Those were 5.0 models — with some gray unmarked units that snuck up on many speeding motorists.
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Friday’s news release included photos of at least 25 new Mustangs at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds…