Obama's Limo Revealed

Neither the Secret Service nor General Motors is saying much about the new Presidential limousine, set to make its debut at President-elect Obama's inauguration. But the *Detroit News *does have some details on the vehicle, code-named "Stagecoach."

"The new limousine has larger windows and better visibility for the president, the paper reports. "But it is roughly the same size and 'footprint' of the previous model."

When spy shots of the ride first emerged, some suggested it might be more truck than car, with a diesel engine. Not so, says GM spokesman David Caldwell.* *"The president is not riding in a medium-duty truck, nor he is riding in a sedan," he tells the News, adding that it is a "unique" vehicle.

*Another company provides heavy armor that is reportedly at least 5 inches thick for the vehicle.
The limousine also has run-flat tires, bulletproof glass and a completely sealed interior to ward off a chemical attack, among many other high-tech security features. It also has electronic communications equipment. *

*Secret Service agents are training with the new limousine at a facility near Washington. *

[Spotter: Ambinder; photo: Brend Priddy & Co. via Detnews.com]