The beast – it's Obama's new Cadillac

Details of President-elect Barak Obama's new official car have been revealed – and why it's been christened 'The Beast'.

Its official title is Cadillac One, but Obama's new custom-built limousine earns its nickname of 'The Beast' with a host of hi-tech security modifications to protect the world's most influential figure.

Obama will first use the car when he travels along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington after his inauguration, but beneath the sleek exterior of the Cadillac, the new President will be protected by some extreme modifications, including:

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 amour-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.

However, the Daily Mail report reveals that all the safety and defence measures do have some serious downsides: the car costs £300,000, can muster a top speed of only 60mph and manages just eight miles to the gallon.