Lexus for Wiltshire Plod

282bhp GS430 to be used for motorway patrols

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 18 February 2003 / Loading comments

There was a time that British police forces would use British made cars for their fleet. Not any more. Plenty of forces around the UK now use a variety of German motors to police our roads.

Lexus is now giving itself a pat on the back after placing a GS430 with Wiltshire Constabulary.

The Lexus will be used principally for patrols along the M4 motorway and will have a service life of around 150,000 miles in three years.

Steve Botham, Wiltshire’s Fleet and Service Manager, commented: "The car came on a short term demonstration and it was so well received when we put it out to our traffic units we decided to purchase it."

"The reports on the car were very favourable, particularly because of its power and the space inside. Some of the vehicles we use have to be modified – the suspension, for example – but with the Lexus the quality is so good, no changes will have to be made."

Despite the fat-man exec proportions, the GS430 is quite spritely. The 4.3 litre V8 is good for 282bhp and can whisk plod to 62mph in 6.3 seconds. Radical speeders might take comfort in the fact that it is limited to 155mph however.

Suggestions that police drivers will have to acquire shirt stretching bellies and smoke cigars have been dismissed.

Police Links