Yrys
Army.ca Veteran
- Reaction score
- 11
- Points
- 430
Obama's 'Beast' of a car revealed
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 vehicles' 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.
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"
David Caldwell
General Motors
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".
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 vehicles' 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.
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"
David Caldwell
General Motors
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".