2016 Dodge Charger Pursuit Adds 12.1-inch Touchscreen Computer

Dodge revealed a new 12.1-inch touchscreen interface for the 2016 Dodge Charger Pursuit, aiming at freeing up some of the space that’s usually occupied by a laptop in most police cars.

The new touchscreen system integrates the necessary law enforcement systems while still maintaining Uconnect compatibility. A trunk-mounted laptop feeds information to the screen, which allows for the elimination of the bulky and inefficient laptop mounting station up front in the car.

2016 Dodge Charger Pursuit Touchscreen 2

“Space is critical” in a police car, says Detroit Police Chief James Craig. “Two six-foot officers with full gear on in the front seat is already a tight fit as it is.”

With the standard mounted laptop setup, the officer is required to take his or her eyes off the road, hindering the officer’s level of alertness. Typical laptop mounting systems can also block airbag deployment, further increasing the risk to officers.

2016 Dodge Charger Pursuit Front Three Quarter In Motion

“More officers are injured or killed by automotive accidents than from attacks by assailants,” said Chief Craig.

Dodge said it has thoroughly tested the new touchscreen so that it can be used while wearing gloves and in extreme temperatures, ranging from -40 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. All law enforcement systems, including license-plate lookup and ptjer databases, are accessible through the new screen, in addition to the basic Uconnect infotainment system functionality found in a standard Dodge Charger’s touchscreen.

Chief Craig said he hopes freeing up space with this computer will help encourage departments to switch away from much more costly and heavier law-enforcement SUVs. The Charger Pursuit is lighter, faster, and handles better, ideal for city patrols.

The 2016 Dodge Charger Pursuit will be available with this new system from January 2016, with production of the new models starting in March.

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