They call it "The Beast." President-elect Barack Obama's otherworldly looking Cadillac limo will make its debut on January 20th along with the newly sworn in Commander-in-Chief. And this baby rocks. "Cadillac One," as others refer to it, is built on a truck chassis and armored and reinforced in a way that it can withstand both chemical and rocket attacks.

Wow. Is it weird that I think this ride is...well...kinda hot?

It looks like something out of a James Bond film. But the presidential seal on the side marks this hulking limo out as something not even the superspy will be able to get his hands on.

These are the first pictures of the new armoured limousine which will be used to ferry Barack Obama around.

Nicknamed "The Beast", the Cadillac will make its debut on 20 January, as part of the inaugural parade. It is traditional to show presidential cars off for the first time in this way.

The Secret Service said the 2009 limo would provide it with a "valuable asset" in providing its occupant with the highest level of protection. As expected, they are not giving too much away about the car, but Nicholas Trotta, their Assistant Director for the Office of Protective Operations is quoted in their news release:

"Although many of the vehicle's security enhancements cannot be discussed, it is safe to say that this car's security and coded communications systems make it the most technologically advanced protection vehicle in the world." Source

The leader of the free world deserves nothing less! It's all so 'spy vs spy':

Some joke the car is so tough it could withstand a rocket-propelled grenade. Its tires are said to work flat, so the vehicle will keep going even if shot at. While the car's interior is a closely guarded secret, there is no doubt "The Beast" has been kitted out with the best and most up-to-date equipment.

David Caldwell, a spokesman for General Motors which makes Cadillac, told the BBC that the car is made to specifications that the company is given by the federal government.

"One of the specifications is that we don't talk about the specifications," he said. Source

Cool, huh?