Obama's BEAST!

January 15, 2009

It looks like something out of a James Bond film.

But the presidential seal on the side marks this hulking limo out as something not even the superspy will be able to get his hands on.

These are the first pictures of the new armoured limousine which will be used to ferry Barack Obama around.

Nicknamed "The Beast", the Cadillac will make its debut on 20 January, as part of the inaugural parade.

It is traditional to show presidential cars off for the first time in this way.

'State of the art'

The Secret Service said the 2009 limo would provide it with a "valuable asset" in providing its occupant with the highest level of protection.

As expected, they are not giving too much away about the car, but Nicholas Trotta, their Assistant Director for the Office of Protective Operations is quoted in their news release:

"Although many of the vehicle's security enhancements cannot be discussed, it is safe to say that this car's security and coded communications systems make it the most technologically advanced protection vehicle in the world."

Observers say the car is likely to include bullet proof glass, an armoured body, a separate oxygen supply, and a completely sealed interior to protect against a chemical attack.

One of the specifications is that we don't talk about the specifications

David Caldwell

General Motors

Some joke the car is so tough it could withstand a rocket-propelled grenade. Its tyres are said to work flat, so the vehicle will keep going even if shot at. While the car's interior is a closely guarded secret, there is no doubt "The Beast" has been kitted out with the best and most up-to-date equipment.

David Caldwell, a spokesman for General Motors which makes Cadillac, told the BBC that the car is made to specifications that the company is given by the federal government.

"One of the specifications is that we don't talk about the specifications," he said.

But Mr Caldwell did reveal that the car has been made in keeping with the design of a contemporary Cadillac, and would include a hand-crafted interior.

When asked if it included such extras as an iPod dock, he said he could not comment specifically, but added that the limo would have "state of the art electronics".

Source

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7829475.stm

ShadowGT · January 15, 2009

Those tires are too fat. Haven't they ever heard of low profile tires?

Baltoman · January 15, 2009

sweeeeeeet!!!!!!!

Shy Guy · January 15, 2009

They should have stretched a CTS-V, looks better and more modern, and add all that stuff into it, he used to have a 300C SRT8

CobraDBlade · January 15, 2009

Those tires are too fat. Haven't they ever heard of low profile tires?

the tires are tall to hide the solid rubber ring around the rim, which allows the car to ride around with flat tires. basically, the car only drops about an inch when the tires go flat, then it is riding on solid rubber bands inside the main tire. It's a technology they've used since Eisenhower. It's prefered over the new "run flat" tires because they can be run flat at highway speeds for up to 100 miles (nearly double the speed and distance of "run flat" tires). It figures that they make practically a stylish APC for Obama though. He's had more death threats from the Aryan Nation (white supremacist group) since November than most presidents receive from all hostile groups during their entire time in office. I wouldn't be surprised if the carpeting in that sucker has a Kevlar weave.

KoenigseggBG · January 15, 2009

Eh, a Humvee would be better, this one is ugleh...:p

Gunned_Down666 · January 15, 2009

Eh, a Humvee would be better, this one is ugleh...:p

haha im with you on that one +rep too

Camel · January 15, 2009

I really didn't want to click this link.... Obama's BEAST!...

But yea read about this on the BBC news site this morning, it was much more interesting than doing a spreadsheet. I would also like to add, I want one! It's like a tank.

Mb · January 15, 2009

Lincoln Towncar with Escalade front. :p

YeOldeTDUMan · January 15, 2009

As mellors says ... saw this on the Beeb website this morning

As Cobra says the reason for the high sidewall tyres it because they are 'high speed run flats' ... you've got to remember how defensive this car needs to be

As to the comments about why didn't he get a Hummer ... well a Hummer limo (as it would need to be stretched) would just be too unstable in a high speed J turn amongst other things

As a presidential limo I think this looks good

The best bit in the Beeb article was when they asked if it had an ipod dock ! +rep to the Beeb !

gingervette · January 15, 2009

It's ok. But sadly, the Cadillac DTS has been outdated for some time now. They should start making presidential limousines out of the STS or the Escalade. But I guess it doesn't matter because by the time the new next president (after Obama) comes into office, the DTS will be long-gone.

And3rs · January 15, 2009

I dont like those fat tires... :D

DriftNismo · January 15, 2009

Lolz, but I can't say I didn't see it coming... I expected an Escalade more though :p.

CarMadMike · January 15, 2009

Having the presedential Limo as a hummer or Escalade would probably be as bad as when GM's Ford's and chysler's CEOs went to the senate in private jets, not very "environment friendly" are they, unless they were hybrids

Anyway, I quite like it, though i do think that those side windows are very very random

YeOldeTDUMan · January 15, 2009

What's random about the side windows ?

you have a driver/passenger window then a window in the b-post then a window in the rear door and then a window in the c/d-post

or do you mean they look a bit 'flat' ... that'll be because they are multilayer bulletproof ... normally the giveaway is a big black rim around the edge of the glass, just look at pics of UK Gov Jags and see what I mean

Car Freak · January 15, 2009

Pig-ugly the car is, but cool the huge off-road-looking tires definitely are :)

TimBud · January 15, 2009

I wonder if those flags a flame retardant?!:cheeky:

gingervette · January 15, 2009

Well I guess they did sort of make it an Escalade lol

They put Escalade headlights on a DTS...I like them

adv06 · January 15, 2009

I must say for a president i thought he would have focused more on a Maybach or a top limousine!

Not a CADILLAC! :|

Ive seen a few cadillac in my time but i cant see the point!

gingervette · January 15, 2009

Alot of the people involved with the presidency have deals with General Motors to drive their vehicles.

When there are candidates for president, they ride in Graystone Metallic 2500 series Chevrolet Suburbans. The President always rides in a Cadillac limousine. The Secret Service are always in Tahoes/Yukons or Suburbans/Yukon XLs. The men who are randomly parked along the streets that surrond the White House are always in GMC Yukons...

January 15, 2009

I thought it was an Escalade EXT... o_o

Iced_Bullet · January 15, 2009

Not very green tbh :p

But hey, he's the top guy (or will be)

January 15, 2009

" Dear Obama,

Your car is not green for the environment! IT WILL BE TUHHMENATED!

Love

- Arnold Schwarzenegger, GUHVENAH OF CALIFONIA! "

Shy Guy · January 15, 2009

Alot of the people involved with the presidency have deals with General Motors to drive their vehicles.

When there are candidates for president, they ride in Graystone Metallic 2500 series Chevrolet Suburbans. The President always rides in a Cadillac limousine. The Secret Service are always in Tahoes/Yukons or Suburbans/Yukon XLs. The men who are randomly parked along the streets that surrond the White House are always in GMC Yukons...

In america only, most of the times they ride the G500/G55...

Of course Obama sold his Chrysler 300C SRT8 for a Ford Hybrid(Edge or Explorer) but it was a dumb idea and he could have stayed with the HEMI/Mopar :D