Follow U.S. immigration and listen to American stories: The exclusive vehicle used by Obama during his presidency was a stretched Cadillac. This professionally modified model can withstand attacks that typical bulletproof vehicles cannot, making it a true 'super fortress.' Below, you will see the unique and extraordinary features of Obama's official vehicle.
Ultra-strong fuel tank: It contains a special foam that prevents explosions even if the vehicle is attacked.
Private rear cabin: The four-seat rear cabin is separated from the driver's compartment by a glass partition. To ensure the privacy of conversations between Obama and his staff, only Obama can adjust the height of the partition; the rear windows are also larger than those on George W. Bush's 'Cadillac One,' and it is equipped with an emergency call device.
Security doors: These are bulletproof, 8 inches thick, and weigh as much as a Boeing 757 cabin door. Large steel plates are also installed at the door frames of the armored vehicle to prevent any malicious attempts to attack through the door gaps.
CIA agent driver: Specially trained by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, they are capable of driving under the most extreme conditions to help the President escape danger.
Bulletproof windows: These are bulletproof, with the only opening being a 3-inch window in the corner, allowing the driver to communicate with accompanying security agents.
Superior body craftsmanship: Constructed using dual-thickness high-density steel, titanium alloy, and high-strength ceramic—considered U.S. national secrets—to create the safest vehicle on Earth.
Ultra-strong chassis: The 5-inch thick reinforced steel plate on the underside of the vehicle can withstand potential explosions.
High-tech cockpit: Features a standard shield-shaped steering wheel, but the dashboard includes a call system, GPS navigation, and more, making it arguably the most complex cockpit on the planet.
Run-flat tires: Equipped with 19.5-inch reinforced fiber run-flat tires with steel rims inside, allowing the vehicle to continue driving at high speeds to a safe zone even if a tire is blown out.
Emergency protective equipment: The vehicle is equipped with night-vision cameras and shotguns, as well as tear gas and several bottles of blood matching the President's blood type for emergency transfusions if necessary.
Presidential seat: Obama's seat features a high-end configuration, including a folding table, a laptop, and a national satellite phone used to contact the Vice President and the Pentagon directly. The vehicle is essentially a mobile 'Oval Office' for Obama.
Special trunk: The President travels with a dedicated luggage vehicle, so to maximize space for various equipment, the oversized trunk is equipped with an oxygen system and fire suppression devices.
The incredibly sturdy 'Ground Force One'
Obama's dedicated vehicle, known as 'Ground Force One,' is a modified Cadillac luxury limousine. The vehicle not only features a unique bulletproof system, advanced communication devices, and life-support systems, but also boasts a dynamic and stylish design that highlights Obama's efficient working style.
By tradition, when the U.S. President travels abroad, the Secret Service always brings a presidential vehicle on 'Air Force One,' regardless of whether it is needed, just in case. Obama's trip was no exception; according to U.S. media, the Secret Service brought along the 2009 stretched Cadillac luxury bulletproof limousine used by Obama.
The vehicle was personally selected by Obama at the beginning of his term and is jokingly referred to as 'The Beast' by his bodyguards. Obama's new car does not look bulky despite the bulletproof armor; designers cleverly lowered the roof height and ground clearance while raising the overall waistline, giving it a steady yet aesthetically pleasing appearance that reflects Obama's efficient style.
The most important aspect of the presidential vehicle is, of course, safety. It is reported that the protection capabilities of 'The Beast' exceed those of an infantry fighting vehicle. Its bulletproof glass windows are 55mm thick, and the total weight of the bulletproof glass in the entire vehicle is 2.7 tons. Only the windows on the driver's side can be opened to facilitate communication with security agents; all other windows are sealed. The body, undercarriage, and roof of 'The Beast' are equipped with titanium alloy, high-strength ceramic, and composite armor. The cabin is pressurized and sealed to withstand biochemical weapon attacks. Additionally, 'The Beast' is equipped with an electromagnetic jammer that can emit powerful electromagnetic pulses to temporarily disable explosive devices or timing systems within a range of hundreds of meters. The vehicle also carries several light weapons for emergencies.
Once a U.S. presidential vehicle is retired, it is usually destroyed by being dumped into the ocean, blown up, shredded, or buried deep underground; it is never allowed to enter the private market. After the 42nd U.S. President, Bill Clinton, left office, he requested his former vehicle—a Cadillac Fleetwood—from the Diplomatic Security Service, but he was not given the keys. Security officials told Clinton that while he could polish the windows of the Cadillac Fleetwood, he would not be allowed to enter the steel beast again.