MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Dells Police Department is the first in the state to purchase Dodge Hemi Chargers as their new squad cars.

The Wisconsin State Patrol, following close behind, also has Chargers on order, WISC-TV reported.

The Chargers proved fastest in time tests, getting from zero to 100 mph in 15 seconds. The police version of the muscle car has a top speed of about 150 to 155 mph, WISC-TV reported.

The retail version of the Charger maxes out at around 120 mph, said Jason Syens, general manager at Hill Chrysler in Portage.

"We didn't buy them for speed. We bought them for the economy. You know, the V8 hemi ... when the engine isn't over stressed it automatically drops down to a four-cylinder, and when that happens of course you don't use a lot of gasoline," said Wisconsin Dells Police Chief Bret Anderson.

Fuel economy and price is what sold Anderson on the Chargers. At $25,000, he said they are comparable in price to the more traditional Ford Crown Victoria.

Syens also said the cars feature handy electronic stability systems, which "enable the car to slow up no matter what the driver input is. Slow up. Regain control, and then go again."

Other departments in Wisconsin are taking notice as well. Many are still kicking tires, but the Wisconsin State Patrol has seven Chargers on order, WISC-TV reported.

They're expected to be on the Interstate in time for summer vacations.