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.