Transporting the head of a country has always been a complex security issue. But when that president is the president of the United States, the matter takes on an even greater dimension. It is well known that the Secret Service spares no resources when it comes to preserving the security of the leader, and proof of this is “The beast”as the amazing Cadillac One limousine that transports Joe Biden on his local and international tours.
“The beast”, whose exclusive manufacture is the responsibility of the American automaker Cadillacand which has an approximate value of $1.3 million, is a unique vehicle in many ways. Mainly in the security section, since the limousine integrates multiple systems that basically turn it into a bunker on wheels. And although it seems that we are describing a war tank, at no time do they compromise the comfort of Joe Biden and his companions.
The Cadillac One entered service only in 2018. It maintains an elegant and at the same time modern style, as it inherited some distinctive elements of the most recent design language of the North American automaker. On its front, for example, we can see a grill traced from the Escalade sedan. But don’t let that elegance confuse you, because inside there is a monster capable of supporting almost everything.
Let’s go by parts. It measures 5.6 meters long and weighs between 7 and 9 tons. Obviously, to put this enormous weight in motion, you need an engine that is out of the ordinary – in conventional vehicles. Although the manufacturer and the United States government do not share much technical data for obvious reasons, it is speculated that it is based on a diesel V8 engine used by General Motors (owner of Cadillac) in trucks.
Although “The Beast” can boast all kinds of technological equipment to protect its crew, it has a major drawback: due to its size, but especially its weight, it cannot perform movements in an agile way. That is to say, if at some point the need for risky Hollywood-style maneuvers arose, the Cadillac One would not fare well. With the engine that currently incorporates, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 15 secondsan understandable figure for such a heavy vehicle.
Security worthy of a bunker
There are several factors that influence to substantially increase the weight of the Cadillac One, but none like the armor. “The beast” has a armored structure built in steel, aluminum and ceramic. It is believed that this layer reaches 20 centimeters thickwhile the windows reduce the size to 12 centimeters.
Thanks to this impeccable protection, the limousine can withstand attacks with large caliber projectiles; only windows can stop .44 Magnum rounds. In the lower part, on the other hand, there is a reinforcement plate whose purpose is to protect the vehicle from the explosions of grenades and other types of explosive devices. The fuel tank is also well defended.
And the tires? Joe Biden has nothing to worry about. Unlike the tires on your car, the ones on the Cadillac One they don’t use air. Therefore, in the event of being shot at, they can continue to advance. But Cadillac and the Secret Service did not limit themselves to creating armor against the usual projectiles, since they also can withstand chemical attack because the inside can be hermetically sealed. Additionally, it has own oxygen supply.
If the attackers had the bright idea to approach the Cadillac One to open its doors, they are in for a 120 volt electrical shock on handles. There is also talk that it integrates a night vision system, so the driver and passengers can be attentive to what is happening outside even when darkness prevails.
Although I mentioned earlier that “The Beast” wouldn’t be able to stand out during a chase because his weight prevents him from doing so, he has a “trick” that would make it difficult for his strikers to travel. It’s about a oil leaking system to cause following vehicles to lose control—yes, like bananas in Mario Kart—.
Although the cover letter of “The beast” makes us think that it is free of mishaps, the Secret Service has also thought of a possible situation of tragedy. For this reason, the Cadillac One has a health care team with the necessary utensils to provide first aid. This includes an emergency oxygen system, defibrillator and even President Joe Biden’s blood stock.
Safe, but also comfortable and well connected
With so many security-oriented features for the President of the United States, is there room for comfort? Well yes, and plenty. In this sense, the Cadillac One is not very different from what you might find in a luxury limousine. It has enough space for seven passengers to travel comfortably.
Another point that the Cadillac One covers perfectly is communication. If required, the limousine can communicate directly with any other vehicle that is part of the caravan. The vehicle isolates the sound very wellthen there will be no problem holding a conversation when noise reigns outside.
In many movies you have surely seen that the president of the United States has the power to initiate a nuclear attack with just a simple call or press of a button. Well, “The Beast” offers secure channels of communication so that the president, relying on the famous secret codes, start launching nuclear missiles.
Joe Biden wants the Cadillac One to be electric
Electrification is the future of global mobility and the government of Joe Biden, unlike the previous president, is promoting the adoption of electric cars in the North American country. That vision could also reach the Cadillac One in the near future.
Currently, the mentioned vehicle spends approximately 63 liters for every 100 kilometers traveled. And although gasoline is paid for by US citizens through their taxes, it is not good that a president who promotes care for the environment travels in a vehicle with a combustion engine that also has exorbitant consumption.
It is for this reason that Joe Biden intends to turn the Cadillac One into an electric limo. “It’s something the president has talked about and it’s a goal for him,” mentioned in 2021 Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary. Interestingly, this happened after Biden tested the Ford F-150 Lightning, the new pick up brand electric.
Some Rumors anticipate that the electric version of the Cadillac One is already in development. However, it may take several years to see the finished vehicle, as moving the current proposal to an electric platform entails multiple challenges.