Obama's wheels: Secret Service to unveil new presidential limo

[New_England_Patriot]

Source: CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/06/driving.obama/index.html

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As a candidate, Barack Obama promoted hybrid cars.
As president, he'll be handed the keys to one. Sort of.

Shortly after taking the oath of office, Obama will climb into the Mother of All Hybrids -- part car, part truck and, from the looks of it, part tank.

In keeping with recent tradition, the Secret Service will place a brand-new presidential limousine into service January 20 to drive the new president on the 2-mile jaunt down Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade.

Already, spy photos of the limo -- with patches of gray primer -- have leaked out. And already, the reviews:

"Ugly as sin," says one car enthusiast on an auto Web site. "Can't we make a hotter ride for our pres?"

"Sheesh," says another, "why don't they just transport the president around in an Abrams tank."

One news agency, noting its 8-inch-thick doors, says the limo can withstand a "direct hit from an asteroid." But GM spokeswoman Joanne K. Krell laughed off the comments.

"And it will fix you a latte if you ask," she jokes.

In truth, the new presidential limo is a Cadillac, Krell said, although it is "not a direct extension of any single model."

:eyes: Obama in a 'tank'... times have definitely changed.

[charlie and algernon]

1. yeah, it's pretty damn ugly

glad though they're at least painting it all black

[That Is Quite Enough]

2. Looks to be quite the protection for Obama.

[AZBlue]

11. Actually, once the ugly grey is no longer visible, I think it will be ok.

Primer is never pretty.

[Wapsie B]

3. For what that thing undoubtedly costs

couldn't they have some customizing done to the thing to snazz it up a bit?

[Political Heretic]

4. Like some of those spinny hub cap thingys

Yes, I am not hip. :)

[Wapsie B]

5. Some kind of Pimp My Ride stuff anyway.

[ChazII]

6. Looking forward to seeing the final paint job. n/t

[Jennicut]

7. I like the fact that it will be part tank, Obama needs all the protection

he can get. If its ugly so be it.

[rasputin1952]

9. I got to thinking about the current presidential limo...the ugliest thing about it

is bush and Pickles looking out of the windows...anything is an improvemnet...:D

[Thrill]

8. Its obviously not going to look like that spy photo

It will be painted one color

[TTUBatfan2008]

10. Whatever gets the job done...

Bless the Secret Service.

[thewiseguy]

12. The windows are at least 5 inches thick!

[TTUBatfan2008]

13. Air Force One picture...

It's got a frickin' full size office. LOL.