A Quick Look at the Technology Behind the President's Armored Limo Nicknamed 'The Beast

How is the first family making their way safely around the nation's capital on this Inauguration Day with temps in the brisk mid-30s? Enter "The Beast."

US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha(2nd-R) and Malia arrive at St. John's Church in The Beast on January 21. (Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)

The Obama's limo is a gadget-filled Cadillac covered in 8-inch thick armor that adds up to a hefty eight tons. In a feature about the car in 2010, Discovery TV pointed out that it has a gas tank that won't explode even upon a direct hit; it has night vision gear; and is so controlled an environment it can keep out a biochemical attack. There are even bottles containing blood matching that of the president's type in the trunk.

A couple years ago the Daily Mail created this handy infographic showing "The Beast's" features. (Image: Daily Mail)

Watch the slightly more than two minute animation detailing the Caddy's features:

The Car Connection reported The Beast only getting eight miles per gallon. It also noted that among the unverified features of the vehicle (for safety reasons not all the specs of the car have been divulged) is its ability to shoot infrared smoke grenades and a system that would allow the driver to get around in blackout or whiteout conditions.

Obama walking to his limo in t Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport April 18, 2012. (Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

What's new about the limo through this inauguration are its plates. Last week the limo was outfitted with the District's protest plates that state "Taxation Without Representation."

One of Obama's fleet with new DC "Taxation Without Representation" license plates. (Photo: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

The district plate design, created in 2000, calls attention to the fact the city has no voting member In Congress. President Bill Clinton also put the tags on his limousine, but his successors had declined to do so.

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Related:

• President Obama Will Make a Political Statement With New License Plate on His Limo
• Obama's Limo 'The Beast' Slapped With Congestion Fine in Britain
• Obama's Limo 'The Beast' Bottoms Out and Gets Stuck in Ireland

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

(H/T: Business Insider)