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
vehicle's 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," he said.
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".
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