Each year, police departments all over the world, order new patrol cars for their units. Over time, this has evolved into a friendly competition among various countries, to see who ends up with the fastest ones. Below are some of the contenders for this year.

Italian Police Force - The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4

The Italians have dominated so far, thanks to with their two Lamborghini Gallardo's, which are used to catch speeding drivers on the busy Salerno-Reggio Calabria Highway. Equipped with a 560 horsepower engine, these beauties can hit top speeds of 203 mph.

German Police Force - Brabus 'Rocket' CLS V12 S

This year however, the German Polizei may be serious contenders with their recent order of the Brabus CLS V12. Manufactured by Mercedes, the Brabus has been nicknamed "rocket", because it can go from 0-60mph in 4 seconds and can get to a top speed of up to 225 mph. It will of course, be used only on the fastest stretches of Germany's Autobahns (freeways).

Austrian Police Force - Porsche 911

But don't rule the Austrian's out. They are testing the Porsche 911, which has a 385 horsepower engine, can go from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and reach top speeds of 188mph, which the police say has been making Austrian drivers nervous, even during in the test trials.

United States - Custom-Made Car

While none of the police patrols in the US are serious contenders for the fastest car, the San Diego police did get custom-made cars, which have inbuilt shotgun mounts and can get up to a decent top speed of 155mph.

United Kingdom - The Smart Car

Police in the United Kingdom may not have be able to make a claim for the fastest cars - but they are definitely winners in the 'greenest' police car category.

If the police in your area have any spiffy fast cars, be sure to let us know, by adding your comments below.

source: Telegraph.co.uk