Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Looking for the next president's new limo

President's limo
The Marine One helicopter carrying President Obama prepared to land next to the presidential limousine, known as "The Beast," at the Wall Street landing zone in New York City, March 11, 2014.
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The blast-proof limo that carries President Obama on official business is nearing retirement. The custom Cadillac has thick armor plating, a sealed interior and bulletproof windows. It is fitted with run-flat tires.

The government has put out a request seeking proposals for a new design, and hopes to launch the replacement limousine in time to carry the next president in 2017. Writes David Shepardson of the Detroit News:

The newest presidential limousine, nicknamed "The Beast," made its debut just before President Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration. It has shiny 16-spoke wheels and a distinctive Cadillac grille complete with the GM brand's crest. The president on weekends for personal business typically travels around in an armored Chevrolet Suburban.

GM said last year it was proud to work on the car.

"There's more security around the development of a presidential limo than any of our products," GM vice president for design Ed Welburn said in a Detroit News interview in September. "It takes a number of years to develop the car. It's a great project to work on. This particular one, more so than any of them in the past. In the past, they were retrofitting existing vehicles — with this, this is really from the ground up a new vehicle, and we really do it right."

Only American automakers are eligible to bid on the project.

Shepardson joins The Daily Circuit to talk about the president's car.