This is the all-new custom-made limousine built especially for the 44th President of the United States of America, Barak Obama. Aptly named the Presidential Limousine, it continues the strong bond with US carmaker Cadillac in producing a state-of-the-art luxury car for the US President.

We can tell you that the cabin area Obama will occupy includes an "extensive executive compartment". This features seating for important meetings on the go, a good view of the outside world (through several inches of bulletproof glass, no doubt), and "useful mobile office features".

The presidential seal is embroidered on the rear seatback and door panels, and also displayed on the outside of the rear doors. Two flags are flown on the front fenders whenever the President is in residence - so to speak - the US national flag on the right, the presidential standard on the left.

Secret Service call it 'the beast'.

LED spotlights illuminate these flags at night - demonstrating the Cadillac is more high-tech than its appearance might suggest. Flashing strobe and emergency lighting will almost certainly built in, along with run flat tyres, and immense armored plating. Don't expect the windows to open. It is also likely to be four-wheel drive.

Changes compared to the previous presidential car, the 2004 Cadillac DTS Presidential Limousine used by President George W. Bush, include a more upright stance for better visibility. But otherwise Obama's new ride is of similar size and proportion. The US Secret Service reputedly refers to these heavyweight machines as 'the beast'.

While earlier presidential Cadillacs were modified and adapted by specialist independent limousine companies, since 1993 Cadillac and parent company General Motors have carried out all of the work in-house. "Cadillac is again honored to provide a new Presidential Limousine," said Mark McNabb, North American vice president of Cadillac.