Is This Obama's New Presidential Limo?

Does this spy photo show the new limousine that will be used by president-elect Obama's once he moves into the White House?  And though it looks like a Cadillac, is there really a medium-duty truck hidden beneath all that armored skin? The automotive spy photographers at Brenda Priddy & Company write: 

After President Obama takes the oath of office in January, he may have a new black limousine to go along with his not-so-new White House.

Photographed testing on public roads and highways, we think this behemoth might actually be more of a truck than a limo. With so much armor being added, it appears GM may have needed a medium-duty truck chassis like the Topkick platform. We observed the limo testing along with two regular Topkick trucks and the wheels and tires on the limo appeared to be the same size as the Topkick. The tires on the limo are Goodyear Regional RHS tires on 19.5-inch wheels.

As far as powertain, all we can say for sure is that it sounded like a very large diesel was under the hood. Possibly a V8 Duramax.

Style-wise, we can see bits and pieces from a few different Cadillac models. Xenon headlights from the Escalade adorn the front while the rear seems to have some parts. We can also see holders on the top of the front fenders where two small American flags would traditionally go. The doors on this limo are absolutely astounding. We'd guess they are at least 20 centimeters (8 inches) thick!

The New York Times also dug into the story, and here's what they learned (which is to say, not so much):

Although the raised roof and wide windshield pillars are inherited from the ultra-armored limousines that entered presidential service in 2001, only educated guesses can be made about the technical details. Because neither the Secret Service nor General Motors will discuss the car, or even confirm that a new one has been under development, it is impossible to provide basic specifications or dimensions. Calls to Cadillac's media relations department were not returned, and the Secret Service declined to comment.

(IMAGE: Spy photos by Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company)

Comments

[Suzanne]

For the aviator who thinks he has everything cool, I bet you don't have this... Check it out,

have a link to http://stores.ebay.com/FAA-CD in the sig and a cool graaphic of a plane

[A. Peon]

If you compare this to the current Bushmobile, as was easy to do in the New York Times writeup, the styling is identical to the point of boredom. From what's been released, it seems like the only really noticeable difference might be the grille.

Maybe it's more interesting under the hood.

[Dallas Limo]

Well, apparently he didn't choose this odd looking limo. He now rides a modified Cadillac DTS and with amazingly, cool features that goes along with it.

[DaytonPaul]

Could be Bushes limo reworked for Obamas taste(like the subwoofers in the trunk j/k)Those tires mostlikely are bullet proof but the rims/hubcaps arent to great.I think nice rims with Lower profile tires would look and function better.My friend had loe profile drag tires on the back of his transam and someone stabed them and they drove so well flat he drove a few miles on them untill they slid partly off the rim so bullet proof ones would be perfect on it.They say it most likely has a V8 Duramax so I hope it has a bully dog kit or something of that nature on it so it can get the heck away if needed.Any body who has seen the JFK killing video can see how slow the car was.On another note you know how people get used copcars and such from actions..it would be sweet to own a ex bulletproof presidental limo:)

[limo hire]

Time tested fact: Obama didn't select any limo like this one. Pretty odd looking limo i guess.

[Moody]

it lack some style

[wireless]

It looks more like a morgue limo than a presidential limo.

[Electric Bicycles]

Well, why is it so dirty, I don't know if it's is color and if it is it certainly do not match the presidential stature.

[Sue]

This is the worst presidential car that I have ever seen, how could they really use that for their new president???

[Limo hire]

I do like the limousine, but not keen on the stripes, but if that is what he requested.

[Susan Trade In's]

They have to be joking this really can't be the car for him, that is just not cool. What were they thinking with that 2 tone color??

[Andrew Young]

To think outside the box (or boarders), maybe they use this one [limo] *overseas* where the additional security is desired?

[New York Limousines]

well, it looks heavily armored..could be a prototype

[Ian]

For the people that actually believed that the grey was going to be used, you must realize that any prototype car is put different colors, even zebra stripes to disguise what the car will really look like. IT WAS OBVIOUSLY a prototype. Jesus

[LA Town Car]

It this picture real? Looks awesome

[Car Rental LAX]

Well, if it's real, it's really amazing!

[Residential Tanning Beds]

Thats gangstar!

[limousine Seattle]

This limo is terrible