The Next Presidential Limo Could Be a Cadillac Escalade

The Secret Service recently shared images hinting at what might be the future of the presidential limousine, often called “The Beast.”

A New Era for the Presidential Fleet

For decades, General Motors has been the go-to automaker for producing heavily armored vehicles used to transport U.S. presidents. That partnership seems poised to continue, as GM and Secret Service officials recently met to discuss the next generation of presidential vehicles.

“As threats evolve, we continue to explore emerging technologies to ensure our armored vehicles provide the highest level of safety for our protectees,” the Secret Service stated in a social media post. They also confirmed that Secret Service Director Sean Curran met with GM executives to discuss advancements that could shape the next generation of presidential SUVs.

Cadillac Escalade: The Future of The Beast?

The development of these high-security vehicles has been underway since at least September, when GM secured a contract worth up to $40.8 million. The latest clues suggest that a Cadillac Escalade might be the foundation for the new Beast. A recently released image appears to show an armored Escalade, though the current presidential fleet also includes custom Chevrolet Suburbans.

A History of Presidential Rides

The presidential limo has evolved significantly over the years. Before GM took the reins, presidents traveled in various Lincoln models, including the Continental and Town Car. That changed in 1984 when a Cadillac Fleetwood became the official presidential vehicle. Since then, Cadillac has remained the brand of choice, with every president from Ronald Reagan onward riding in a heavily modified version of its luxury sedans or SUVs.

The current Beast is an engineering marvel, reportedly weighing around 10 tons, with doors that are a foot thick. It’s built to withstand extreme threats, and while the complete list of security features is classified, past models have included advanced defensive measures straight out of a spy movie.

With work already in motion on the next generation, it may not be long before a new armored Cadillac takes its place in history.

Source: Robb Report

Image Source: Chris Graythen