Barack Obama's Cadillac 'Beast'

Behold 'The Beast': Barack Obama's all-new Cadillac presidential limousine.

Although the car is officially called Cadillac One, it takes its 'Beast' nickname from the numerous safety modifications required to protect Obama – and its 8mpg fuel consumption.

These extreme modifications, include:

Armour-plated doors that are eight inches thick - each weighing the same as a cabin door on a Boeing 757 airliner.

The boot contains an independent oxygen supply and advanced fire-fighting system.

Defence systems include pump-action shotguns, night-vision cameras and tear-gas cannons. Supplies of the President's blood will also be kept on board in case he needs emergency medical treatment.

The petrol tank is armour-plated, while also being filled with specially designed foam to prevent it from exploding if the armour is penetrated.

Tyres on the limousine are Kevlar-reinforced, puncture- and shred-resistant, with special steel rims that allow the car to continue driving even if the tyre is missing.

The bodywork is made up of a combination of dual-hardness steel, aluminium, titanium and ceramic material to help break up projectiles aimed at the car.

Cadillac has provided cars to America's presidents since Woodrow Wilson, who needed a car to ride in during a World War 1 victory parade in 1919.