Fire departments have their own vehicles.  First Aid Squads have their own vehicles.  Even postal carriers have their own custom vehicles.

For the first time in history, it looks like law enforcement may finally be getting police cars specifically designed for the needs of police work.

Dubbed the Carbon 7, this new police car of the future promises a lot. 

The automaker, Carbon Motors, says they set out to erect the first “purpose built” police car and involved more than 2000 police officers for ideas as to what law enforcement needs from a day-to-day patrol car.

The result was the Carbon 7 which contains an assortment of tools and toys that would be on every rookie’s wish list.  Imagine tooling around your patrol sector with some of the following options:

• Automated License Plate Reader

• Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Sensor

• Purpose-designed seat for use with on-body equipment

• Heated and ventilated seats

• Reverse backup camera

• Driver specific intelligent key

• 360 degree exterior surveillance capability

• Automatic license plate recognition system

• Video and audio surveillance of rear passenger compartment

• 130hz - 350hz bass siren

• Nightvision compliant interior illumination

• Integrated forward looking infrared system (FLIR) 

• Integrated shotgun mounts
  Hoseable rear passenger compartment

• Integrated push bumpers and PIT capability

• Forward/Rear Stationary and Moving Radar

• Spotlights - 300 Degree Horizontal and 90 Degree Vertical Adjustment With Dual Independent Controls

• Rear Passenger Compartment Windows Protected Against Occupant Breakage

• Mobile Data Computer

• Lojack Tracking System

• Ballistic Protection - Dash Panel, Cowlside, Front Door Lowers and Partition

• Audio/Video Surveillance - 120 Degree Rear Facing

• Audio/Video Surveillance - 180 Degree Forward Facing

The Carbon E7 is a 6-speed automatic with 300 horsepower.  It will do 0 – 60 MPH in 6.5 seconds and has a maximum speed in excess of 150 MPH beating the Crown Victoria, Charger, and Impala in both categories.

The engine is described as "forced-induction clean diesel" (biodiesel-capable) , and it will get 28 to 30 mpg.

The car has come under some criticism for being less approachable than current fleet police cars but time will tell.

Atlanta based Carbon Motors is hoping to have the Carbon E7 into production and on the streets by 2012.  Initial estimates put the sticker price between $20,000 and $70,000.