Cadillac Reveals Details on Barack Obama

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WASHINGTON — Just days before the presidential inauguration, Cadillac has released images of Barack Obama's new limousine. While bearing minimal design cues reminiscent of the Cadillac CTS and Escalade, the new limo has a formal, "upright" look, according to the automaker, and bears little resemblance to any vehicles found on Cadillac dealer lots.

Speculation about Obama's wheels began spilling out onto automotive blogs a week ago. At that point, Cadillac confirmed that the limo is a "new design." But it also warned that it would not be forthcoming with such details as powertrain and the ability of the vehicle to repel or withstand an attack. Such specifications as 0-60-mph time were not disclosed. Rampant media speculation suggested that the limo would burn diesel fuel.

Cadillac's Tuesday press release offered a few simple details, pointing out the embroidered presidential seal in the center of the rear seatback panel and the U.S. flag on the right front fender. "High-tech LED spotlights illuminate the flags at night," it said.

"The car was designed, developed and tested by specialists who adhered to an extensive set of specifications," said Cadillac. "It was subjected to an extreme testing regimen to ensure performance that achieves precise functional requirements. In doing so, security provisions were undertaken at all times during development to ensure the car's functional capabilities are preserved and confidential."

Cadillac noted that "the car is slightly more upright than its predecessor." It goes on to say, "However, this new Cadillac Presidential Limousine occupies roughly the same overall footprint on the road as the previous model, with a similar size and proportion."

The new limo replaces the previous Cadillac DTS Presidential Limousine that rolled out in 2004.

Inside Line says: No Abrams tank clone, just a stately, domestic ride befitting the new chief executive.