Cadillac DTS Presidential Limousine Reveals The Design Direction During Inaugural Parade

By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor

WASHINGTON - Presidential transportation fascinates us. Each piece of livery stirs the imagination, represents our nation here and abroad, and projects the power and prestige of the American President. Private jets and limousines are not as uncommon today as even a decade ago - but those used by the President stand out as something truly special.

The Presidential limousine's primary mission is to safely transport the Chief Executive on the ground, and offer a wide array of security and protection. But we see the car as more of the symbol that it is - the ultimate power-trip automobile.

Making its world premier during the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade, this jet-black, state-of-the-art Cadillac DTS limousine reveals the new design direction for the 2006 Cadillac DTS production model.

Similar to the new DTS, the limousine makes a bold styling statement by incorporating Cadillac's contemporary design cues to the front and rear portions of the vehicle. Redesigned front and rear fascias integrate Cadillac's signature egg-crate grille with center-mounted wreath and crest badge, jewel-like vertically oriented high-intensity xenon headlamps and state-of-the-art LED tail lamps.

George W. Bush, the President of the United States of America will be the first to travel in the new Cadillac DTS limousine during the parade route along Pennsylvania Avenue. The sight of the president waving from a Cadillac has become an American tradition.

"General Motors and Cadillac are proud to write this latest chapter in American automotive history with the introduction of the DTS presidential limousine," said General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner. "We are pleased that our historic relationship with the U.S. government and chief executive office has continued through the years."

With a new design and unique construction under the skin, the new Cadillac DTS limousine is handcrafted and dressed in a jet-black clearcoat finish. The vehicle is a considerably longer, wider and taller version of the production model that becomes available later this year. To maintain national security, the limousines are equipped with state-of-the-art protection and communication systems.

The vehicle interior boasts six-passenger seating with comfort and visibility for all occupants. A rear seat executive package features a concealed, foldaway desktop that can be deployed when conducting affairs of state. The rear seats have an adjustable reclining feature along with the adaptive seat system, which senses the position of the occupant in the seat and automatically adjusts the cushion for added comfort. Moreover, rear seat passengers can enjoy their own premium sound system complete with a 10-disc CD changer. Wood accents, rich blue leather and cloth complete the executive interior

An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the center of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are also affixed to the exterior rear doors. The U.S. flag is placed on the right front fender, and the presidential standard is located on the left front fender when the president travels in the vehicle. Flush-mounted High Intensity Discharged (HID) spotlights illuminate the flags at night.

The 2006 Cadillac DTS production model is set to make its first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show in early February.

The DTS marks the ninth new vehicle introduced into the Cadillac portfolio since 2001 and aligns with Cadillac's alpha naming strategy established by the CTS, SRX, XLR and STS vehicles. Evolving from three models - DeVille, DHS and DTS - with exterior and interior differentiation, the DTS will incorporate a single-model strategy with one exterior and various option packages.

From its Cadillac-signature styling to its power and refined ride characteristics, the DTS is a product of unwavering attention to detail which builds on the strengths and appeal of the Cadillac brand.

The DTS will be built at the award winning Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center in Detroit, Michigan and is expected to go on sale in the third quarter of 2005.

History "It is a great honor for Cadillac and General Motors to be associated with the highest office of the United States," says Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. "In fact, Cadillac has been building limousines and special vehicles for U.S. presidents, diplomats, ambassadors and foreign dignitaries since the early 1900s."

One of the first chief executives to ride in a Cadillac was President Woodrow Wilson, who rode through the streets of Boston during a World War I victory parade. A lavish 1928 Cadillac town car was used extensively throughout the Coolidge Administration.

In 1938, two Cadillac convertibles dubbed the "Queen Mary" and "Queen Elizabeth" were delivered to the U.S. Government. Named after the great ocean liners of the time, the 211/2 feet, 7,660-pound vehicles were equipped with a full ammunition arsenal, two-way radios, and heavy-duty generators. Durable and reliable, the two "Queens" served Presidents Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower.

President Eisenhower, who was known as a "car buff," had ridden in one of the first Eldorado's during the 1953 Inauguration Day Parade. The vehicle was unique as it had the first wrap around windshield, which quickly became a standard in domestic and foreign automobiles.

In 1956, the Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II convertibles replaced the original series. The vehicles were 21 feet long and weighed 7,000 pounds. Like their predecessors, these vehicles were fully armored with state-of-the art communications at that time. Moreover, the vehicles were fitted with narrow rims inside the tire in case the tires were shot out. The Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II served not only President Eisenhower, but also Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. Both vehicles were retired in 1968.

The Reagan administration was delivered a 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine while a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham - Presidential Series was delivered to the Clinton Administration in 1993. Unlike previous models, the Presidential Brougham was designed, developed and manufactured totally within General Motors. Moreover, the vehicle was designed to provide unquestionable protection. Minimizing exposure to external threats, no sunroof or running boards were installed on the vehicle.

Currently, the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine resides at the Ronald W. Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley, Calif. while the 1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is located at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark.

The predecessor to the current limousine was the 2001 Cadillac DeVille limousine. It was the first Cadillac to be adorned with the division's current wreath and crest emblem. The vehicle is still in service today.

LIFE'S A TRIP - Enjoy the Drive. Contents Copyright ©2005 The Weekend Drive®, All Rights Reserved.

IMPORTANT EDITORS NOTE: Information here concerning the presidential vehicle were obtained from the Cadillac division of General Motors, and released with the prior approval of the United States Secret Service, and no sensitive or classified information regarding the presidential vehicle is used. All photographs of the presidential limousine were provided courtesy of the Cadillac division of General Motors, used by permission.