Think you can outrun the Florida Highway Patrol? You might want to reconsider. The FHP just added some serious American muscle to its lineup: a 2023 C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. And the best part for Florida taxpayers? This high-performance patrol car did not cost them a penny, as it was seized property obtained through a partnership with the DEA.
This is definitely not your average police cruiser. While SUVs and sedans handle the daily grind of law enforcement, sometimes departments get their hands on something a bit more exotic, often through asset forfeiture from criminal cases. This C8 Corvette, specifically a 70th Anniversary Edition, is the latest example, trading its previous life for one chasing down lead-footed drivers on Florida’s highways. While FHP will also use the car for promotional events and community engagement, it is fully equipped for patrol duty.
Serious Performance On Tap
Forget the usual police package upgrades – this Corvette brings supercar-level performance straight from the factory. Under the hood sits Chevy’s potent 6.2-liter LT2 V8 engine, churning out 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. That is enough grunt to launch the C8 from 0-60 mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds, according to Chevrolet.
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Need to chase down someone on a long stretch of I-95 or Alligator Alley? The Corvette boasts a claimed top speed of 194 mph. Simply put, very few vehicles on the road stand a chance of outrunning this machine in a straight line. While high-speed pursuits are inherently dangerous and often discouraged by policy, having this kind of capability sends a clear message.
Outfitted For Duty (Mostly)
Turning a seized sports car into a functioning patrol vehicle requires some modifications. FHP outfitted the Corvette with its standard black-and-tan livery, adding custom “State Trooper” lettering on the rear fenders for good measure. It also features two-tone powder-coated wheels, carbon badging (likely part of the original trim), and, of course, the necessary emergency lights integrated for patrol work.
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Inside, troopers will find the essential gear needed to do their job, including communications equipment and even a printer for issuing those unwanted speeding citations right on the spot. However, one thing this two-seater sports car definitely cannot do is transport suspects. There is simply no room in the back, so any arrests made will require calling in a standard cruiser with a proper back seat and cage. It highlights the specialized role such a vehicle plays – primarily pursuit, patrol, and public relations, not prisoner transport.
While images of the car surfaced, the Florida Highway Patrol’s initial Facebook post announcing the car reportedly vanished, leaving the exact details of its deployment slightly unclear but its existence confirmed. A video they did with the YouTube channel Nick OFF Duty is still up, however.
Sources: Motor1, Autopian, Mackinac Center for Public Policy
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