the buzz log

Barack Obama has a big job ahead of him with a lot of responsibility and stress. Fortunately, there are perks, like a custom-built car that oozes machismo. Prototype photos of the president-elect's new limousine have hit the Web, and it makes Ah-nold's old Hummer look like a Miata.

An article from CNN explains that the car is technically a Cadillac. However, it has a lot more in common with a bomb shelter on wheels. The custom-built Caddy will transport Mr. Obama on Inauguration Day and, we presume, will also serve as his main set of wheels while cruising around town.

The Detroit News writes that General Motors, which owns the Cadillac brand, has been making presidential limos since 1983, when they "wrestled the job away from Ford." Assuming the finished product looks like the leaked photos, their newest limo has to be the most impressive one yet.

What sort of features does the car boast? Hand-stitched leather, run-flat tires, kick-butt communication features, bulletproof glass, and absolutely horrible gas mileage. According to CNN, many car enthusiasts "believe the overweight vehicle burns diesel" and will be far from the most efficient car on the road. Perhaps that's due to the car's weight. A piece from NBC adds that the car's armor is "reportedly at least 5 inches thick."

Hmm, maybe he'll score a hybrid if he wins a second term.