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.
Let's Dance. < Bonham "Rock and Roll" drum solo >
It's hard to imagine any motorcade procession where this would be needed.
I dunno. The front end looks kinda goony.
Maybe I just need to turn up the Led Zeppelin....
I wish Cadillac would get some styling sense and get rid of those damn ugly headlights.
The front end is horrible. It is completely out of proportion with the rest of the car.
THIS is a limo styling cue.
Where George and Laura can crank up Kid Rock and kick back and laugh.
It's hard to imagine any motorcade procession where this would be needed.
That was a request from the previous president along with a holder for Marde Gras Beads, a lava lamp, and incense holder. Some of these options were later deleated
I'd have gone with a Hummer...
You've never been stuck in DC-area traffic.
Kinda goony? How bout afterthought goony. Underwhelmingly goony. Seriously, the out line of the Classic Caddy is bold, hard edges up front, smooth tail out in back. This is sheepish coming in, and hightailing out.
That Caddy is as ugly as unconfessed sin. They should get a REAL Caddy Limo, like this: http://www.avonhill.com/thumbnails/classic/1956_Cadillac_limo.jpeg
That's a beauty. I want one.
You left out the built-in Courvoisier dispenser.
To: xp38
I'd have gone with a Hummer...
11 posted on 01/19/2005 9:09:19 AM EST by Kerfuffle
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No armor available :)
Plus a photo essay the other day showed W with an ipod.
I WANT ONE!!!
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