Federal Government Places Large Order for 250 Cadillac Escalades for Secret Service to Ensure Comfortable Transportation

      USSS/X, cropped and repositioned by the author

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      Last March, the US Secret Service released a concept image of an eight-lug, heavy-duty chassis Escalade around the same time GM reportedly secured a $14.8 million contract to produce a new presidential limousine. Today, President Trump announced that this military-Escalade vision has become a reality, as he’s ordered 250 of them.

      “The one and only Escalade,” the President stated during his hour-long speech. “You know we ordered, I think, 250 Escalades, right? We ordered 250 Escalades … We look sharp in those Escalades.” He also made several remarks criticizing the UAW president.

      With an Escalade priced around $90,000, this order would total over $22.5 million. It remains uncertain whether these will be standard Escalades for general use or armored versions like the one shown last year. Most likely, they will undergo some modifications and be priced higher than the Escalades available for lease at local Cadillac dealerships.

      Although specifications have not been released, these vehicles are expected to be built on GM HD pickup truck frames with large axles and armor. Even a “basic” armored Escalade can easily exceed $300,000 in cost.

      However, if these Escalades resemble the model teased by the USSS last year, the “Escalade” branding will largely consist of the bumpers and exterior trims. They will likely share the same fundamental components as the Suburbans currently in use.

      The USSS also operates a large mobile command center bus, various Ford and Chevy SUVs, and at least one Terradyne Gurkha tactical vehicle, which is based on a Ford Super Duty platform.

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