Key facts
- The presidential limousine is nicknamed 'The Beast.'
- The latest model debuted in 2018 during the Trump administration.
- It reportedly cost $1.5 million to build.
- The vehicle is heavily armored, bulletproof, and blast-resistant.
- It features advanced security systems, including night vision and tear-gas capabilities.
- The car is equipped with medical supplies and a refrigerator for the president's blood type.
The US presidential limousine, known as 'The Beast,' is a heavily armored vehicle designed for security and advanced communication. The latest model, commissioned in 2014 and first used in 2018 during the Trump administration, reportedly cost approximately $1.5 million to build. It weighs 20,000 pounds and is designed to look like a Cadillac CT6, but its chassis is based on a General Motors heavy-duty Chevrolet Kodiak truck.
While specific security features remain classified, reports indicate 'The Beast' is equipped with a night-vision system, tear-gas firing capabilities, and electrified door handles. The windows are estimated to be 3 inches thick, with armor plating around 8 inches thick. The vehicle is also sealed to withstand biochemical attacks and carries essential medical supplies, including a refrigerator stocked with the president's blood type.
Presidents have traveled in limousines since the 20th century, with a shift from Lincoln to Cadillac models occurring in the 1980s under the Reagan administration. 'The Beast' has been used by both President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.