Automotive
Features and history of 'The Beast,' the US presidential limousine
An overview of the heavily armored custom Cadillac used to transport US presidents, its reported security systems, and recent public appearances.
The short version
- "The Beast" is a heavily armored 20,000-pound custom limousine built on a General Motors heavy-duty truck chassis.
- The vehicle reportedly cost about $1.5 million to manufacture and features advanced defense measures, secure communications, and medical supplies.
- The model debuted in 2018 under the Secret Service and continues to serve as the chief ground transport for the president.
Key facts
- The current model of the presidential limousine was commissioned by the US Secret Service in 2014, debuted in 2018, and reportedly cost around $1.5 million to build.[Business Insider]
- Weighing 20,000 pounds, the vehicle is built on a Chevrolet Kodiak heavy-duty truck chassis and styled to resemble a Cadillac CT6.[Business Insider]
- The limousine is reported to feature 8-inch armor plating, 3-inch bulletproof windows, biochemical seals, night vision, and tear-gas capabilities.[Business Insider]
- The car travels with medical supplies tailored to the president, including a refrigerator stocked with the president's blood type.[Business Insider]
What remains uncertain
- Exact security features and technical specifications remain classified by the US Secret Service.[Business Insider]
Sources
- See inside 'The Beast,' Trump's $1.5 million bulletproof presidential limousineBusiness Insider metered