With its tall roofline,
obviously thick skin and fender-mounted flag stanchions, there's no
mistaking the president's new limousine for any other stretched Cadillac
DeVille. If you're still not sure, read the license plate.
On the final Monday of Bill Clinton's presidency, the White House and the chief executive prepared for a five-day visit with an imposing visitor, one that would soon become a trusted regular in George W. Bush's administration. No, this was not a foreign dignitary or an adviser. This was the new presidential limousine.
While the car's official public debut was the morning of Jan. 20, when both the old and new presidents shared the back seat, Secret Service spokesman Jim Mackin said, "President Clinton got to break the car in because new White House vehicles are put into service as others are taken out. Had this car been ready to use in November, or even August, we would have used it then."
Cadillac echoed this matter-of-fact, government-contract tone when the carmaker announced that it secured the commission of the newest presidential limousine through a standard government bid process.
Though the process of getting the job may have been mundane, the car itself is not. As you might expect of a vehicle that could be thought of as the roadbound equivalent of Air Force One, this is a very special automobile. And, though it may have started life as your uncle's Cadillac DeVille, it's one of a kind.
Of course, given the need for maximum security, no one—from Cadillac or the Secret Service—will tell exactly how this car differs from other Cadillac DeVilles. Even basic technical details like exterior dimensions and curb weight are classified. But, Cadillac does admit that the car is equipped with such enhancements as an integrated 10-disc CD changer, a foldaway desktop and reclining rear seats with massaging, adaptive cushions.
Regardless of the secrecy surrounding the car's specs, even the most casual observer can see that this Cadillac is a rolling fortress. Compared to previous presidential limousines, this DeVille is clearly a protective conveyance and not simply a parade vehicle. The car's small backlite, thick A-pillars and heavily armored appearance announce its purpose.
We do know that this Cadillac is less of a Caddy beneath its bulletproof skin than Air Force One is a basic Boeing 747. Insiders at Cadillac say this limo "is a completely unique vehicle with no shared technology, design or learning passed between it and any production vehicle."
An examination of its exterior suggests that the only stock components are the headlights, taillights and wreath-and-crest emblem atop the grille. Like DeVilles at your Caddy dealership, this one has Night Vision--but the camera has been moved from its spot in the middle of the grille to an undisclosed location. And, the drivetrain behind the presidential grille isn't the Northstar system. Most likely it's an all-wheel-drive setup based on what's underneath a Cadillac Escalade, with some intense modifications.
Note that even the standard DeVille's flush-style door handles have been replaced by a loop-type design apparently borrowed from the 1992-99 generation Buick LeSabre, providing added leverage for opening the extra-thick, heavy doors and doubling as grab-handles for the Secret Service agents running alongside the car.
Every inch of the limo's metal skin is backed by military-grade armor, which offers the highest level of protection with the least weight and bulk penalty. The car's windows—which do not open—are actually transparent armor. All the car's armor is at least 5 in. thick, giving the president maximum protection in the event of any attack. The interior is also environmentally sealed to protect the occupants from chemical and airborne germ-warfare terrorism.
Careful study shows that the wheel openings are larger than stock to accommodate the size of the Goodyear run-flat tires. The front fenders, which carry the flag stanchions, have small spotlights to illuminate the flags. The car's front bumper houses foglights and special flashers--a red one on the driver's side, white or clear on the passenger's side. Connected to the trunklid are five antennas.
Inside, there is room for six people to join the president, all on leather seating. Two sit up front, flanking a console-mounted communications center. In back, behind a glass partition, there are three rear-facing seats with cushions that can be folded up separately against the partition. The president and another passenger sit in the individually reclining rear seats.
A folding desk separates the two rear seats, and storage compartments in the interior panels contain communications equipment. The presidential motorcade includes a special rolling communications center, so the limo need not carry as much communications equipment as Air Force One. Since the glass surrounding him is so thick, blocking out most natural light, the president gets needed light from a fluorescent halo lighting system in the headliner.
And naturally, the president has his own switches for the climate-control and sound systems.
After all, presidential comfort is as important as presidential security.
With 5 in. worth of ballistic armor under its skin, and added height and length, the presidential limo tips the scales at close to 4 tons. It's probably based on a modified Escalade platform, riding on run-flat tires. The dark leather interior is environmentally sealed against chemical attack.
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