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Traditional
Traditionally, the limousine has been an extension of a large sedan. A longer frame and wheelbase allow the rear passenger compartment to contain the usual forward facing passenger seat but with a substantial amount of footroom — more than is actually needed. Usually then two "jump seats" are mounted, facing rearward behind the driver. These seats fold up when not in use. In this way, up to five persons can be carried in the aft compartment in comfort, and up to two additional persons carried in the driver's compartment, for a total capacity of seven passengers in addition to the driver. This type of seat configuration has however become less popular in recent limousines. Newer limousines such as the Maybach 62 and Lincoln Town Car L Edition do not feature such seats since stretch limousines are usually used to transport more than three passengers, excluding the driver. Vehicles of this type in private use may contain expensive audio players, televisions, video players, and bars, often with refrigerators.
Stretch
As shown in several of these illustrations, most modern limousines are extended in length far beyond that required for personal use. These are typically used to transport partygoers to and from events such as dances and weddings. These vehicles are typically based upon cars with body on frame instead of unibody construction easing the conversion into a stretch limousine. Rather than the typical transverse seating these will have benches along the length of the extension, either on one side or on both sides. This allows the travelers to face one another, unlike the traditional "stage" vehicle, which uses multiple doors to access rows of forward facing seats. In addition to the traditional black (considered appropriate for funerals, as it is a mourning color in western societies) many white limousines are now operated (considered appropriate for weddings in western societies).
Exotic custom limousines
Sometimes a custom coach builder or custom car designer will develop the "ultimate" stretch limo, adding amenities that are in fact somewhat impractical but which make a significant design statement. One such design includes double rear axles at the rear to support the weight of an operational hot tub.
Custom coach builders can perform aftermarket extensions on luxury sedans and SUVs. These extensive limousine conversions have been performed on several luxury marques, including: Audi, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Chrysler, Hummer, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls-Royce. In the United States the most popular vehicles for stretch limousines conversion are the Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac DTS, Hummer H2, and the Lincoln Navigator.
Most custom coach builders are located in the United States and Europe and cater mainly to celebrities, government officials, and financial executives. Few such vehicles are available for public hire. These custom stretch limousines can cost anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition to luxuries, safety features such as armoring and bulletproof glass are often available.
Party bus
A Party bus or Party Ride is a large motor vehicle designed to carry 20 or more passengers. Party buses may offer leather couch seating, surround sound stereo systems, CD/DVD player, plasma televisions, laser, disco or strobe lights, smoke machines and more. They are primarily used for, although not limited to, weddings, proms and bachelor and bachelorette parties as well as round trips to casinos, nights on the town, birthdays and city tours.
Lincoln Town Car (3-4 pass.)
Cadillac DeVille (3-4 pass.)
MBZ 500 (3-4 pass.)
BMW 745 (3-4 pass.)
SUV Suburban (7 pass.)
SUV Excursion (7 pass.)
Lincoln stretch limousines (6 pass.)
Lincoln stretch limousines (8 pass.)
Lincoln stretch limousines (10 pass.)
Luxury Van (10-14 pass.)
Super-Stretch SUV Excursion (up to 20 pass.)
Super-Stretch Hummer (up to 26 pass.) |
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