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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