Fábio Martins is a young Portuguese designer who conceived, as part of his Masters in Product Design at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Lisbon, a proposal for an urban patrol vehicle for the PSP, which he called the Volkswagen Interceptor.
The project started precisely by interviewing several police officers to understand the problems of the current units – derived from production cars – and whether it would be necessary to add other elements to the vehicles. Among the most reported problems are those related to ergonomics in the interior and the absence of elements that would contribute to making them the ideal specialized vehicles for urban and rural patrols.
The solution found resulted in a compact vehicle, ideal for the narrow streets of our cities and practical. If the chosen name, Volkswagen Interceptor, brings images of a machine with a huge V8 on a deserted road with a guy called “Mad” Max at the wheel, this proposal could not be further from this scenario.
Instead of an apocalyptic cinematic look or militarized inspiration, the Fábio Martins Interceptor is much friendlier. It dispenses with aggressiveness and visual intimidation for a much more peaceful relationship and closer to the citizens. The overall contours reveal a minivan, but with a more robust appearance similar to what we can find in today's SUVs.
The ground clearance is generous and the tires (run flat) reveal a high profile, perfectly adapted to our urban fabric which, as we know, is not the friendliest for our wheels and suspensions.
The care taken in the integration of all the elements can be seen, for example, in the emergency lights, which, despite being visible, are placed more discreetly on the ceiling than the “fireflies” and bars that currently exist. The rear window and the lower part of the windscreen also serve to transmit the most diverse information. Guaranteed would be excellent visibility and more comfortable seats for long periods of use – despite their sporty and slim appearance.
In terms of motorisation, the 'Production' Interceptor would be equipped with electric motors integrated into Elaphe's wheels. The battery located at the bottom of the Interceptor would be removable and exchanged for one charged at the squad every 300 km, or three turns. It would be the solution so that the Interceptors never stopped, given the reduced number of vehicles per squadron. The removed battery pack would be charged at the police station itself.Thank you, Fábio, for the clarification.
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