Behold
'The Beast':
Barack Obama's all-new Cadillac presidential limousine. Nicknamed
‘The Beast’, the limo is based on a number of GM platforms and shares components with several different vehicles.
“
Cadillac is honored to again provide a new Presidential Limousine,” said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “This is a great American tradition that we’re delighted to renew with an all-new car featuring the best of Cadillac’s dramatic design and technology.”
These extreme modifications, include:
Armour-plated doors that are eight inches thick - each weighing the same as a cabin door on a Boeing 757 airliner.
The boot contains an independent oxygen supply and advanced fire-fighting system.
Defence systems include pump-action shotguns, night-vision cameras and tear-gas cannons. Supplies of the President's blood will also be kept on board in case he needs emergency medical treatment.
The petrol tank is armour-plated, while also being filled with specially designed foam to prevent it from exploding if the armour is penetrated.
Tyres on the limousine are Kevlar-reinforced, puncture- and shred-resistant, with special steel rims that allow the car to continue driving even if the tyre is missing.
The bodywork is made up of a combination of dual-hardness steel, aluminium, titanium and ceramic material to help break up projectiles aimed at the car.
Cadillac has provided cars to America's presidents since Woodrow Wilson, who needed a car to ride in during a World War 1 victory parade in 1919. |