Secret Service Seeking New Armored Limo
The U.S. government has released a request for a proposal on a new armored limousine, possibly replacing the Cadillac One.
The request for proposal didn’t state specifically if the Secret Service is looking to replace The Beast, but it does ask for a newly-designed limo built “in accordance with government-provided specifications.”
According to the report, automakers will have to develop a concept, design the limo’s armor, research and develop a powertrain and chassis capable of taking the required abuse, and prove that the limo can withstand live fire exercises.
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Cadillac, which currently manufactures The Beast that has served President Obama since 2008, is likely to compete for the contract. The American automaker has been building the limousine for the President since Bill Clinton’s term in 1993 with the Fleetwood Brougham. Unfortunately, and as expected, Cadillac wouldn’t speak directly about the Presidential Limousine, but did say that it is “a great honor and responsibility to carry on the tradition of presidential cars,” according to spokesman David Caldwell in an interview with Motor Trend.
Other automakers that could possibly compete for the contract include Lincoln and Chrysler, both of which have supplied presidential limos in the past.
The Department of Homeland Security is expected to award the contract by September 29, 2013.
[Source: Motor Trend]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Does this mean President Obama is taking the Cadillac with him when he leaves office?