“The Beast” is the nickname for the armored presidential limousine of the United States, officially known by the Secret Service call sign “Cadillac One”. The current version entered service in 2018, replacing a similar car introduced in 2009. Although it wears Cadillac styling, it is built on heavy-duty truck underpinnings to carry an enormous weight of armor. Most details are classified, but published reports describe armor several inches thick, sealed cabin protection, run-flat tires and communication systems that let the president govern from the back seat.

At a glance
Nickname The Beast; call sign “Cadillac One”
Current version In service since 2018
Previous version 2009–2018
Builder General Motors, with Secret Service specifications
Base Heavy-duty truck chassis with Cadillac styling
Weight Reported to be many tons — far heavier than any production car

Why a truck chassis?

Armor is extraordinarily heavy. A normal car’s suspension, brakes and structure could not carry the weight of steel, ceramic and ballistic glass needed for protection. The Beast therefore uses components from GM’s heavy-duty truck range, which is why it sits high on large wheels and tires.

What is publicly reported

The Secret Service does not confirm specifications, but widely reported features include:

  • Thick armored doors and multi-layer bulletproof glass.
  • A sealed cabin with its own air supply, protecting against chemical attack.
  • Run-flat tires and reinforced wheels.
  • Secure communications linking the car to the military and the White House.
  • Seating for the president and several passengers, separated from the driver.
  • Specially trained drivers who practice evasive maneuvers.

How it travels

When the president travels abroad or across the country, The Beast and its spare are flown ahead on U.S. Air Force cargo planes. They are accompanied by a motorcade of support vehicles — many of them black Chevrolet Suburbans. Read the Suburban in government service.

A long lineage

The Beast is the latest in a line of presidential limousines stretching back to the Lincoln “Sunshine Special” and the 1961 Continental. Read the history of presidential limousines and armored vehicle protection levels.

In New York

New Yorkers see The Beast most often during the UN General Assembly in September, when presidential motorcades close streets around Midtown’s East Side. Read UN General Assembly week traffic.