Friday, January 23, 2009

Barack Obama's Cadillac 'Beast' presidential limo revealed [Obamamobile]







































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.