We’ve all seen the new local police Chargers out patrolling the streets. What you may not have been aware of, however, was that the ’12 Chargers that are now taking to the streets are even better equipped to catch heavy-footed drivers than the 2011 models. According to Allpar.com, the new Charger police cruisers have seen some vast improvements in the past year and that means trouble for anyone who may try to outrun these all-American police cars.

Every year, new police cars are challenged at the Police Vehicle Evaluations tests at the Grattan Raceway in Belding, Michigan. Last year, the newly recruited 2011 Dodge Chargers saw embarrassing results as the 2011 Chevrolet Caprice squad cars beat the Chargers’ lap times in the naturally aspirated category.

This year, the 2012 Charger models came back for retaliation and one set the new track record at 1 minute and 33.7 seconds in the police pursuit. In the naturally aspirated V6 category, the Chargers averaged a 1 minute and 37.71-second lap time while the E-85 capable V6s set a lap time of 1 minute and 37.57 seconds.

For 2012, the Charger Pursuit cars are equipped with either a 370hp V8 with a recalibrated engine controller and 151mph top speed or a 292hp V6. The new faster times come from performance upgrades like the optional 3.07 rear end gears on the V6s and 3.06 rear end gears on the V8s. The 2012 models also received new brake pads and silicone caliper boots to reduce brake fade and improve performance, as well as new wheel hubs to help with deflection and vibration when braking.

The new Chargers are also equipped with some new creature comforts, such as a full color vehicle information center, complete with engine-hour and idle-hour information, and police-specific front seats that are formed to accommodate equipment that is worn on officers’ belts.

With better performance and driver accommodations, you can bet that police squads that have the new 2012 Chargers on the force are going to be in tip top shape. Something to think about if you have a tendency to bend the rules on the roadways.