Barack Obama’a Cadillac One
As Barack Obama was to be sworn in as the new President of United States of America, a new presidential Limousine was called for and once again General Motors was assigned the task. GM decided to base it on various GM platforms. The various components of the car were sought from several other vehicles. The car was named as ‘The Beast’ by General Motors.
The exteriors of the car are styled around the Cadillac STS and DTS. A five inch steel plate runs under the car for extra protection. Underneath this metal sheet the car is built on a medium duty truck chassis. With headlights from Cadillac Escalade and grille and taillights of STS the exteriors look stunning. The panels are comprised of dual-hardness steel, aluminum, titanium and ceramic material.
Cut-and-sewn handmade leather upholstery found in the CTS has been maintained. The rear passenger area includes an extensive executive compartment with ample seating space, outward visibility and useful mobile office features. The rear seat is equipped with a foldaway desktop and laptop with wi-fi connectivity. The car also has a Satellite phone and direct lines to the Vice – President and the Pentagon.
Other safety and high-tech features include 8 inch thick armor-plated doors (each weighing the same as a cabin door on a Boeing 757). The boot has an independent oxygen supply and a firefighting system. The fuel tank is also Armour-plated. It has specially designed foam, which prevents the tank from exploding even if it suffers a direct hit. The vehicle is equipped with night vision cameras and pump-action shotguns. Kevlar-reinforced tires that are puncture and shred-resistant and special steel wheels that can drive without the tire attached. The chauffer is trained specially by CIA to cope with any unforeseen circumstances. The car also has Obama’s own personal storage of blood in case of emergency. All this features and safety comes at a relatively heavy weight penalty, with top rated speed at 60mph and fuel-economy expected to be about 8mpg.
Obama first used the limo when he traveled along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington after his inauguration.
“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.”
