Dodge announced that the 2016 Charger Pursuit for law enforcement will offer Uconnect with a 12.1-inch built-in touchscreen that enables the integration of law enforcement computer systems.
Uconnect 12.1 is ergonomically located and provides a large 1024 by 768 pixel display of Uconnect radio and vehicle controls, as well as the ability to toggle to a law enforcement officer’s computer via a menu bar at the top of the screen.
Charger Pursuit’s new Uconnect 12.1 system can split the touchscreen to display the familiar 8.4-inch (640 by 480 pixels) Uconnect interface.
Dodge Charger Pursuit’s cockpit includes redundant vehicle controls, such as radio and climate, located below the Uconnect system, while the driver can also use the switches on the back of the steering wheel, voice commands, the touchscreen display or the redundant knobs and buttons to control a vehicle options.
Uconnect 12.1 features a plug-and-play solution (Ethernet) to connect an officer’s mobile computer out of sight in the Dodge Charger Pursuit’s trunk. Uconnect 12.1 was also engineered and tested to work with an officer wearing gloves, plus extreme operating conditions as low as -40°C and as hot as 85°C.
The 2016 Dodge Charger Pursuit’s Uconnect 12.1 also provides a fourth auxiliary button, adding to the three steering-wheel mounted auxiliary buttons managed through the Vehicle Systems Interference Module (VSIM). This wiring solution makes installation of upfit equipment easier to provide the appropriate power, ground and fusing for a variety of LED, lighting, siren, computer, modem or camera systems.
The system was designed with feedback from Dodge Law Enforcement’s 19-member Police Advisory Board.
Laptop computers with data protection protocols have replaced two-way radios for the transmission of sensitive information, such as crime scene details and suspect identities. Police vehicles are crowded with additional displays, mounting brackets and keyboards that not only compromise comfort, they pose a risk to officer safety in the event of a collision.
Initial feedback noted that a traditional, center console-mounted laptop or screen positioned between driver and front passenger often added dangerous impact points or could even interfere with airbag deployment during a crash. Also third-party upfit solutions were considered distractive to the officer’s outward vision and line-of-sight. The ergonomics designed into the vehicle’s controls and even touchscreen displays were hindered by the installation of these bulky devices.
In 2012, the team provided Uconnect 12.1 system prototypes in the Los Angeles Police Department’s Dodge Charger Pursuit test vehicles. And now, the all-new Uconnect 12.1 system is ready and available to all 2016 Dodge Charger Pursuit customers.
The all-new Uconnect 12.1 features inlcude Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices, Bluetooth streaming audio, ParkView rear back-up camera, SD Card slot, plus USB and auxiliary ports.
Uconnect 12.1 introduces new features that include the new Drag and Drop menu bar, Siri Eyes Free and Do Not Disturb features, which can be viewed via the 12.1-inch touchscreen.
Siri Eyes Free is activated via the voice button on the steering wheel and compatible with an Apple iPhone 4s or later, with Siri Eyes Free drivers can speak natural language voice commands to send text messages, play music, set reminders, place phone calls and access turn-by-turn directions.
Drivers of the Dodge Charge Pursuit who don’t want to be interrupted with phone calls or text messages while driving can choose to turn on the new “Do Not Disturb” and “Reply with Text Message” feature.
For 2016, the Dodge Charger Pursuit offers 370 horsepower, factory-installed Mopar upfit packages and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for maximum tactical performance, all-weather traction and fuel-efficiency.