Posted on 01/19/2005 5:57:14 AM PST by xp38
The Cadillac DTS limousine that George W. Bush will be riding in during the Presidential Inaugural Parade on Thursday will generate lots of publicity for the brand, but only a suggestion of what the production vehicle will be like.
Cadillac fans will have to wait a couple more weeks to see the production DTS and several months to buy one, but the inaugural limousine has similar design cues in the front and rear ends, grille, head and tail lamps.
The security and communications systems equipped in the car make it considerably longer, wider and taller than the production model. For security reasons, however, the U.S. Secret Service won't allow Cadillac to give any specifics.
Nevertheless, GM chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner says "General Motors and Cadillac are proud to write this latest chapter in American automotive history with the introduction of the DTS presidential limousine. We are pleased that our historic relationship with the U.S. government and chief executive office has continued through the years."
DTS will be the replacement for the Deville later this year, and it's been the subject of much speculation in automotive circles as the adventurous new look and attitude of Cadillac isn't seen to be an obvious fit with the classic Deville buyer.
Roughly speaking, the new Cadillac as exemplified by the STS sports sedan and the XLR roadster are international cars and the Deville appeals to traditional North American Cadillac buyers. Though the DTS will have the major styling cues of the brand, it's not clear yet how much more alike it will be CTS, STS and the rest.
The president's limousine is handcrafted, has a jet-black clearcoat finish and sits six comfortably. There is an executive package in the rear that features a concealed, foldaway desktop and all the seats have adjustable reclining features and adaptive seat system that adjusts cushions. The rear seat passengers also have their own sound system with 10-disc changer.
An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the center of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are also affixed to the exterior rear doors. The U.S. flag is placed on the right front fender, and the presidential standard is located on the left front fender when the president travels in the vehicle. Flush-mounted High Intensity Discharged (HID) spotlights illuminate the flags at night.
Teddy Roosevelt was the first president to ride in car, a Columbia Electric Victoria in 1902 and was the first president to own a car as well.
GM is keeping quiet about the 2006 DTS until the vehicle premiers at the Chicago auto show on February 9, at which time we'll provide full coverage.
All vehicles are off road vehicles in Alabama. We aint got no dang roads.
And they say that prvate industry couldnt make good roads for us.
Makes sense. After all clinton did...
BAD, Bubba, BAD!
Looks like it weighs about 4 tons...
You are too funny, CG...I'm in my office LOL'ing here in Noo Yawk City.
Roads! Who needs em.
The ugliest car since the Pacer. In fact, that new caddy looks like a K Car Limo.
I have a position in GM for many clients. This car makes me think it's time to bail, and fast. No wonder the stock has been tanking lately.
The only GM car I'd buy these days, is the Impala, and I already own one. It's the only car they make that is decent looking, and it runs good and efficient too.
GM, you got a serious problem.
Noo York City! Yall need to git outta that neck of the woods.
Until we TOTALLY give up on the place, we still need a few Freepers behind enemy lines.
The isolation must be tough. It is getting near time to bring yall in from the cold. We are gonna need help to save the Red States from the liberal invasion.
Funny you mention it, but I moved to the hills of NJ from Manhattan about 3 years ago (my county voted 57% for dubya, so it's MOSTLY a red state) and I will likely change my job soon also and leave Manhattan completely. These people just can't be spoken to.
Manhattan is a moral blight.
Oh.. you BAD! ;)
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