"Why don't they just transport the president around in an Abrams tank?" said one wag.
But Cadillac told Inside Line on Wednesday that critics are pouncing on "a prototype spy shot" of the vehicle. "We will have official photos next week," said Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell. "[The Secret Service] is letting us put together a few photos. But there won't be a spec chart."
Caldwell confirmed that the presidential limo is a Cadillac and "a new design." But, he said, "It isn't so different from those done in the last two decades." Cadillac has provided many of the presidential limos since 1919.
Caldwell discounted media reports that the new vehicle is spun off the Cadillac Escalade. "To classify it directly to another thing would be inappropriate," he said. He said a small team of people worked on the design and execution of the car, including people from the federal government.
"It's about the same size footprint as the old one, but this one has better visibility," he said. "The glass areas are broader."
Details include incredible communications capabilities, including phones, a satellite connection and the Internet, as well as thick ballistic glass.
Despite media speculation, Caldwell would not confirm that the new presidential limo burns diesel fuel. In fact, he would not even confirm that it has cupholders. "It does carry forward the best aspects of Cadillac design," he said. "That's about all I can say."
Inside Line says: Yet another good reason to check out that inaugural parade. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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