Obama's new limo to have heavy armor, blood bank, night vision

[The Straight Story]

President Barack Obama is looking for a new ride.

Not that his current limousine – dubbed “The Beast” or “Cadillac One” – isn’t faring well, but it’s a 2009 model, which he takes wherever he travels, and the Department of Homeland Security says it’s time for an upgrade.

Designed to look like a 2008 Cadillac DTS, The Beast is a hybrid that reportedly blends Caddy components with the guts of a Chevrolet Kodiak commercial truck – but with heavy armor. Such heavy armor that the car reportedly weighs 7.5 tons.

The armor includes 8-inch plates capable of stopping an improvised explosive device, or IED, and 5-inch multi-layer windows that make the doors as heavy as those on a 757 jet. The car is sealed against biochemical attacks.

Although details of the presidential limo are classified for security reasons, various reports say that it features James Bond-style options, including a night vision system. It also carries communications gear and, in the trunk, a blood bank matching the president’s type.

Special loops replace door handles, which allow Secret Service agents to hold on when running alongside the car. Goodyear run-flat tires fit into extra-large wheel wells.

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/obamas-new-limo-have-heavy-armor-blood-bank-night-vision-6C10537698

[undeterred]

1. If the car is shielded that well, why the blood bank?

And would be alive to administer it to the President if the vehicle were demolished?

[HipChick]

2. He has a doctor and ambulance that are always in his motorcade

[Lurks Often]

7. It's always possible he could be injured outside of the limo n/t

[hedgehog]

3. I think the headline should be

"the President's limo"

This is aimed at NBC and not the OP,btw.

Calling it "Obama's" limo suggests it's just Obama spending our money.

[Brother Buzz]

4. I bet Obama's new ride can be defeated by local geography, too

[RC]

5. Maybe if they took a run at it.

All that time and money designing that tank and no one thought of a speed bump? And Obama was in it at the time?
Oh yea. Feeling safer yet?

[galileoreloaded]

8. that breakover angle can be a bitch. lets just get him one of these:

http://image.dieselpowermag.com/f/events/0911dpweb_2009_sema_show/27227344/0911dpweb_32+2009_sema_show+chevy_kodiak_limousine_side.jpg

[Brother Buzz]

9. Canyonero! Canyonero! Endorsed by Hank Williams Jr.

12 yards long, 2 lanes wide, 65 tons of American pride! Canyonero! Canyonero! Top of the line in utility sports, Unexplained fires are a matter for the courts! Canyonero! Canyonero! She blinds everybody with her super high beams, She's a squirrel-squashin', deer-smackin' drivin' machine, Canyonero! Canyonero! Canyonero! Whoa, Canyonero! Whoooooaaaa!

Can you name the truck with four wheel drive, Smells like a steak, and seats thirty five? Canyonero! Canyonero! Well, it goes real slow with the hammer down, It's the country-fried truck endorsed by a clown, Canyonero! Canyonero!

[JackN415]

6. what's the big deal about night vision? mid-range luxury cars have them..

although probably not with the same sensitivity (NE Delta T).