Skip advert
Advertisement

US car brands to fight for the right to build new presidential limo

Bids are being invited from US car brands keen to build a new limousine for the next President of the United States of America

Car manufacturers now have a chance to convince the American Secret Service why they should produce the next luxury presidential limousine.  The chosen limo will be heavilt armoured and fitted with state-of-the-art defense and communications equipment.

Bidding is now open and the successful manufacturer will be awarded the contract on August 29, just in time to produce the limo and transport Barack Obama’s successor.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Not all manufacturers can submit proposals, however. The contract is open to American carmakers only, which is unsurprising as all previous limos have been American made cars. 

One confirmed manufacturer working on a proposal is Chrysler, while General Motors – who has built the presidential Cadillac limos for the last three decades – is expected to join the race. A Lincoln-badged proposal could be produced by Ford and smaller brands like AM General or Tesla could also compete.

The new limo will replace the current seven-seat model – nicknamed ‘The Beast’ – that entered service in 2008. There’s no proper name for it, but it’s based on the previous Cadillac DTS limo and uses parts from various vehicles like the Chevrolet Kodiak’s chassis, a Cadillac STS sedan’s taillights and a Cadillac Escalade’s headlights.

Previous presidential limousines in order of service include the Lincoln Continental, Cadillac Fleetwood, Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac Brougham.

Current president Barack Obama previously wanted a limo with a hybrid drive train. The Secret Service denied this because they thought it couldn’t produce enough power to move quickly in emergencies. However, the current Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is fitted with a V8 engine and a 7,700-pound towing capacity so a Hybrid model could be on the cards.  

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New 615bhp Cadillac Lyriq-V electric SUV wants to show the BMW iX who’s boss
2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V - front 3/4 studio

New 615bhp Cadillac Lyriq-V electric SUV wants to show the BMW iX who’s boss

The Lyriq-V can sprint from 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds, making it the quickest Cadillac ever produced
News
23 Jan 2025
New Cadillac Lyriq UK pricing leaked online, and it’ll be more expensive than a BMW iX
Cadillac Lyriq - front tracking

New Cadillac Lyriq UK pricing leaked online, and it’ll be more expensive than a BMW iX

Prices for the luxury electric SUV will apparently start from £75,000, and it’ll offer 329 miles of range
News
11 Dec 2024
Monterey Car Week 2024: full show round-up and all the exclusive, luxury and performance cars
Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance

Monterey Car Week 2024: full show round-up and all the exclusive, luxury and performance cars

Some of the most iconic car brands lined up to unveil new metal in Monterey
News
20 Aug 2024
Cadillac Sollei Concept harks back to glamorous ‘50s land yacht cabriolets
Cadillac Sollei concept - front static

Cadillac Sollei Concept harks back to glamorous ‘50s land yacht cabriolets

Large and luxurious four-seat convertibles were once at the heart of Cadillac’s eccentric image, something this new concept might just recreate
News
22 Jul 2024

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025