The new US presidential limousine nicknamed “The Beast” was taken on its first road trip to the opening of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York over the weekend.
Since its maiden public appearance, The Beast has attracted public attention, with many seeking information about this new road behemoth.
The Herald brings you five things you need to know:
1. The new Beast, which is used to ferry President Donald Trump around, is a custom-built 2018 Cadillac produced by General Motors and has a replica in the US presidential motorcade. It joined the presidential motorcade on September 17.
2. Its predecessor was launched in January 2009, days before President Barack Obama came into office.
3. The new Beast was produced as part of a $15.8 million deal between the Secret Service, which guides the president, and General Motors between 2014 and 2017.
The new presidential limousine by Cadillac on Sept. 23, 2018 in New York. A Secret Service agent cleans the limousine before the arrival of Marine One carrying President Donald Trump at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in New York. Evan Vucci, AP
4. According to experts, the new Beast has run-flat tires, bulletproof glass and a completely sealed interior to ward off a chemical attack, among many other high-tech security features. It also has extensive electronic communications equipment.
5. Experts also revealed that the new Beast shares a common headlight with the Cadillac Escalade SUV, and the new grille takes after the 2016 Escala concept. The new Beast is believed to possess generally more attractive features and “proportions” than its predecessor. Among this is exterior armor plating that is reportedly 8 inches thick, making its doors weigh the same as those on a Boeing 757 aircraft. Also, its bulletproof windows are 5 inches thick and its nearly bus-size tires can run-flat to keep The Beast in motion for some distance if needed.
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