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.
LOL :) Go get'um Dubya :D
Maybe a 6 week detour to Boyd Cottington's work shop could make this a truely Presidential American Hot Rod...:o)
I think it could be pimped :) just needs some nice lookin rims and smokin' paint job :D
Find a used Caddy from a state where salt is not extensively used on winter roads. You'll be much happier..
So, I have linked back here.
Thanks,
Jake
Hideous. A Lincoln would be better.
I was a huge Nissan fan for years, until I leased an Infiniti QX4 for three years. Buggiest vehicle I ever had, and I'm STILL butting heads with Infiniti Financial, more than a year after I turned the thing in. Nightmare experience, and my final experience with the company.
MM
Um, the Presidential limo is a Cadillac in name only! Be sure that after all the changes made to it, it is nothing like what you will buy from the dealership.
True but it is probably more stock Caddy than say a NASCAR Chevy or Ford is for their respective showroom models.
You bought an 02 Caddy for $4300 in 02? Man, it sounds like you stole that car. Or maybe you left out a "0" when you typed that price?
Anyway, I really don't need a big car anymore. When I traveled on the road 60,000-80,000 miles a year in my sales job I bought Cadillacs, and later on Mercury Grand Marquis, because I wanted the comfort and safety of a large heavy car. Now I only put 12-15K a year on a car for local driving, and if we take a long trip we usually fly or rent a bigger car.
Ugly and overbuilt, with all the massive armoring and security for a guy who'll actually be riding in it maybe 15 minutes at a time. If they can't bring themselves to let the president ride in a convertible anymore, why not just use a tank?
Okay, but I was addressing the "hummer" euphemism and ex-disgraced-POTUS Clintoon
I have to agree that the style is a little wimpy, but there's a reason to have sloping armor for anti missile attacks. Seems like the people in charge would rather have a survivable vehicle. Personally, I'd have kept the armor hidden under a thin skinned style so that at least the outside would look as tough as what's on the inside...and I would chrome out the wheels big time.
Yuck.
Yep, those suicide doors on that last one are front doors turned around...!
1904
1907
1912 Renault (survivor -- beautiful car!)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.