President Trump’s new limousine has officially
entered service as the commander-in-chief was spotted using the vehicle in New
York over the weekend. Looking far more modern than its predecessor, the new presidential
limo sort of resembles a stretched version of the Cadillac CT6. However, there
are a number of differences as the ‘Beast’ has a unique grille and more
traditional headlights. The car is also based on an entirely different platform
and is heavily armored.
Little is known about the limo, but Fox News reports
the government’s contract with General Motors calls for a dozen limos to be
built for US$ 15.8 (£ 12 / € 13.4) million. At least two of them were spotted in New
York on Sunday.
The Secret Service has been tight-lipped about the
model, but reports have suggested the car is based on a truck platform and
weighs between 6,803 and 9,071 kg. The model is also
rumored to accommodate up to seven people as the rear passenger compartment has
room for the president and four advisers. The new limo replaces the
previous Beast which has been in service since 2009. Given the age of its
predecessor, it’s likely the new limo has a more modern technology.
Trump isn’t the only world leader to receive a new
limo this year as Russian President Vladimir Putin showed off the Aurus Senat
at his inauguration in May. The model was recently detailed at the Moscow Motor
Show and it features a Rolls-Royce inspired design and two engine options.
The entry-level Senat has a 4.4-liter V8 engine and
electric motor that work together to produce 590 hp. The car
can also be equipped with a 6.6-liter V12 that reportedly produces 848 hp.
