Obama will ride to inauguration in armored 'Beast'

U.S. Secret Service/MCT

On Tuesday, the new armored presidential limousine will make its debut as part of the 56th Presidential Inauguration, following the tradition of integrating new U.S. Secret Service vehicles into the fleet for Inaugural parades.

Barack Obama will enjoy his inaugural parade while riding in a hulking behemoth of a Cadillac that befits its nickname, "the Beast."

By , Associated Press

Last update: January 15, 2009 - 9:07 AM

WASHINGTON--President-elect Barack Obama will enjoy his inaugural parade while riding in a hulking behemoth of a Cadillac that befits its nickname, "the Beast."

The vehicle is thought to have bullet-proof glass, a heavily armored body, run-flat tires and a completely sealed interior to protect against a chemical attack.

Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell would not give much detail on the car, or confirm reports that it could withstand a rogue asteroid or rock-propelled grenade. But he promised that the finished product would combine form with function.

"It's really a new design," he said. "It's fresh, more modern, more expressive, a little bit more vibrant, if you will, but it still is faithful to that tradition of presidential vehicles ... it's long and it's black."

The interior will include some of the plush detailing offered to regular Cadillac customers, and the body has been built to be more "upright" and provide better visibility, Caldwell said.

But technical details are top secret, he said, adding "we're not even allowed to open the doors".

The Secret Service, which is charged with protecting the president and drives the limousine, said the vehicle "offers the highest level of protection", spokesman Darrin Blackford said. "We do not discuss specifics of design, dimensions, features or capability of presidential limousines."

Photos and a few details about the new limo will be released ahead of its debut at the Jan. 20 inauguration.

"Typically new armored presidential limousines are integrated into the fleet for the inaugural parade," Blackford said.

President Bush's limousine will continue to be put to use either as a spare in the presidential fleet, for other people who need protection or for training purposes.

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