The New Obamousine

Barack Hussein Obama now possesses a new Obamousine, courtesty of General Motors and the Cadillac Division.

Called "Cadillac One" or "The Beast," this $350,000 + vehicle is based upon a GM truck frame (it is theorized that the Topkick truck is the actual base platform - see bottom) and resembles the Cadillac DTS. On that note, some are thinking the engine may even be a supercharged diesel.

Nicholas Trotta, Secret Service Assistant Director for the Office of Protective Operations is quoted in a news release as saying: "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."

Some points on the vehicle include:

- 8 inches thick armor-plated doors, weighing the same as a cabin door on a Boeing 757 airliner.
- Driver’s window: tough enough to withstand armor-piercing (AP) round. The only window that opens – by just three inches – allows the driver to talk to the secret service agents running alongside.

- Windows are 5-inches thick, with anti-spall shields.
- Driver’s Compartment includes standard steering wheel, but the dashboard is installed with a communication center and GPS tracking system.
- The trunk contains an independent oxygen supply (to thwart gas attacks, the interior can be sealed) and advanced fire-fighting system.
- Defense systems include pump-action shotguns, night-vision cameras and tear-gas cannons.

- Supplies of the President’s blood will also be kept on board in case he needs emergency medical treatment.
- The fuel tank is amour-plated, while also being filled with specially designed foam to prevent it from exploding if the armor is penetrated.
- Tires on the limousine are Kevlar-reinforced, puncture- and shred-resistant, with special steel rims that allow the car to continue driving even if the tire is missing.

The body of the vehicle is a combination of dual-hardness steel, aluminium, titanium and ceramic material (to break up possible projectiles) not unlike the "reactive" armor of military tanks and aircraft.

Inside, Obama’s seat has an executive package which features a desktop, laptop computer with wi-fi, state of the art satellite phone and direct comm line to the vice president and Pentagon.

Weight is estimated at 14,000 to 16,000 pounds (6 to 8 tons). It also possesses tie-down points welded to the frame so the vehicle can be transported aboard military aircraft.

It is expected that the new Obamousine will acquire up to 8 mpg -- not quite what the Sierra Club would particularly recommend.

There may possibly be up to five copies of this vehicle, to be utilized as decoys on various occasions.

BZ

P.S.

Below is the GMC Topkick truck platform on which the Obamousine is likely based.