GM will take the opportunity to preview its 2006 Cadillac DTS model when George W Bush is inaugurated for a second time as US president on Thursday. The DTS's official unveiling is only scheduled for February.

GM will take the opportunity to preview its 2006 Cadillac DTS model when George W Bush is inaugurated for a second time as US president on Thursday. The DTS's official unveiling is only scheduled for February.

The US president will be the first to travel in the new DTS limousine during his inaugural parade along Pennsylvania Avenue this week.

Cadillac has been building limousines and other special vehicles for the US president since the early 1900s and GM chairman and chief executive Rick Wagoner said "General Motors and Cadillac are proud to write this latest chapter in American automotive history with the introduction of the DTS presidential limousine. We are pleased that our historic relationship with the U.S. government and chief executive office has continued through the years."

This brilliant-black limousine uses Cadillac's current bold styling cues at the front and rear, in conjunction with the marque's signature grille, vertical xenon headlights and LED tail-lights. Flush High Intensity Discharged (HID) spotlights illuminate two flags – the US flag on the right front fender, and presidential standard on the left – at night.

The hand-crafted limousine is longer, higher and wider than the production model, and is fitted with state-of-the-art protection and communication systems for the US president's safety.

The wood and blue leather interior has seating for up to six passengers. Rear seats have an adjustable, reclining feature – which forms part of an adaptive system that senses the occupant's position in the seat and automatically adjusts the cushion. The vehicle is also fitted with a concealed desktop.

The production model is set to make its first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show in early February and will go on sale in the US in the third quarter of 2005. The DTS will reportedly be available as a single model with various optional packages.

Original article from Car