The presidential state car – also called The Beast and Cadillac One – is the President’s go-to vehicle for safe traveling.
Armor & Glass
It has five-inch-thick, multi-layer bullet-resistant glass and polycarbonate windows that don’t roll down, except the driver’s window which can crack open a few inches. If you’re going to install windows that can stop armor-piercing rounds, you don’t undermine that protection by rolling them down. The doors are several inches thick with bullet-resistant materials, and the body is lined with roughly five inches of armor composed of steel, aluminum, ceramic, and titanium. A seam of steel reinforces gaps at body panel joints and where the door meets the car, helping keep the cabin secure from bullets and other projectiles.
Underbody & Fuel Protection
The chassis uses reinforced steel with additional plating to protect against roadside bombs. The fuel tank is armored and packed with a special foam designed to prevent explosion if it’s hit. The tires are run-flats (so the car can keep moving even after punctures) and are reinforced with Kevlar to resist damage.
Defensive & Emergency Systems
The Beast carries a range of defensive measures intended to create space and buy time in a crisis. Reports over the years describe systems like smoke screens, tear-gas deployment, night-vision capability, and electrified door handles to deter forced entry. The front compartment stores emergency gear, including a pump-action shotgun, medical supplies, and reportedly blood of the President’s type for transfusions.
Sealed Cabin & Life Support
The passenger compartment can be sealed at the push of a button to create an airtight environment against chemical or biological threats. The rear seating area has its own dedicated oxygen supply. A secure satellite phone provides direct links to senior national security officials.
Motorcade & Decoys
The Beast never travels alone. A typical presidential motorcade includes identical decoy limousines, heavily armed Counter-Assault Team SUVs, an ambulance, route scouts, and specialized communications vehicles. Electronic countermeasures may be used to disrupt remotely triggered devices while maintaining the President’s secure communications.
Powertrain & Weight
Exact specifications are classified. Public reporting across model generations has described The Beast as a custom Cadillac built on heavy-duty GM truck underpinnings, weighing an estimated 15,000–20,000 pounds. Various outlets have suggested a robust truck-grade powertrain (often rumored to be a diesel) chosen for durability and torque rather than speed. The current design lineage debuted in its latest form in September 2018 and continues to be updated.
A Brief History
Presidential cars evolved from mostly stock vehicles in the early 20th century to purpose-built armored limousines after high-profile security incidents. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1939 Lincoln “Sunshine Special” was the first built to Secret Service specifications; after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, protection dramatically increased, leading to today’s sealed, fully armored designs.
Ongoing Upgrades
The platform continues to evolve. In 2025, the Secret Service confirmed work with General Motors on next-generation armored vehicles and the future presidential limousine to keep pace with emerging threats and technology.