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FAST FACTS Vol. 1, Issue 36 – My Cousin Vinny
Starring a 1964 Buick Skylark Convertible that didn’t do it! Mint green? Positraction? Temptests? Who is this four-wheeled star? My Cousin Vinny is a 1992
AKA The Presidential State Car -or- POTUS Limousine
First named at the Barak Obama inauguration, the presidential state car, affectionately known as The Beast, is possibly the safest vehicle ever built. It is a specially-designed security transport weighing in at over 20,000 pounds, and barely able to top 10 mpg.
Fashioned as a Cadillac XT6 sedan, which it isn’t, this latest iteration of the presidential limousine was created to ensure the survival of the commander-in-chief in the event of an attack or potential disaster while traveling on the open road.
While the specifications of the most recent Beast (2018) are classified ‘top-secret’ by the Secret Service Motor Pool, we can speculate features from previous vehicles and intentionally-leaked details, including that the bones of the limo are heavy-duty rugged-grade GM truck parts, including the diesel engine and transmission.
Starting with a state-of-the-art night-vision driving mode, the POTUS-mobile brings many Hollywood-style superhero vehicle tricks to life. It can billow out a smoke screen, fire tear gas, and even lay down a spray of oil to render chase vehicles difficult to control. Even the door handles are electrified, just in case a villain gets close enough to touch the limo. (Unconfirmed rumors note the existence of grenade launchers, which we don’t doubt.)
The presidential limousine purportedly is sealed against biochemical attacks. It rolls on bus-sized, Kevlar-reinforced “run-flat” tires, which keep the massive vehicle rolling, even if punctured. There is even special fire-retardant foam surrounding the gas tank.
The trunk contents would make any survivalist drool. Packed with gear from firefighting equipment and oxygen tanks, to pump-action shotguns, and the mini-fridge filled with POTUS Rh-negative blood.
As if defense isn’t enough, the limo boasts extensive communications capabilities including the ability to securely transmit the codes necessary to fire nuclear weapons.
Comfortably seating seven for those long parades or trips to KFC, the Beast always includes a compliment of the most highly-trained secret service personnel on board. As well, it is surrounded by a convoy of additional disguised armored vehicles, a decoy limo, and an additional, dedicated communications-relay vehicle, nicknamed the ‘roadrunner’ which sports a SATCOM military satellite dome on its roof. (No dead giveaway there.)
The POTUS state car is helmed by a team of Secret Service drivers that have undergone military police-style evasion training with guidance from GM engineers.
And it’s not one, but a fleet of 12 vehicles totaling over $15 million to produce.
If you want to create a POTUS-mobile of your own, (just forget it.) But, you can always get a world-class FRASER remanufactured engine for your parade and VIP vehicle!
Starring a 1964 Buick Skylark Convertible that didn’t do it! Mint green? Positraction? Temptests? Who is this four-wheeled star? My Cousin Vinny is a 1992
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