One of the former Presidental State Cars, from 2009 (rrodrickbeiler/Bigstock.com)

Leaked images of Donald Trump's State Car appear to show a vehicle that is more heavily armoured and high-tech than any preceding presidential vehicle.

The car, which has been nicknamed The Beast, is undergoing testing by manufacturer General Motors, who have based the model on a Cadillac. However, while images of the exterior have surfaced, the car's security features remain a heavily-guarded secret.

But to give an idea of the level of protection Mr Trump can expect after he is inaugurated, the previous model was described as a 'Caddy on a tank frame'.

The former version featured eight-inch armour, tear gas canisters – and, perhaps most surprisingly, two pints of the President's blood.

In terms of styling, The Beast will share some similarities with the latest Cadillac models, including the updated range's grille and headlight design.

The leaked images show the car covered in camouflage paint to disguise its new features.

In 2013 White House officials put out contracts for "Presidential State Car", but no car maker has ever said they were handed the contracts. However, documents seen by Fox News show that General Motors has been awarded three contracts.

Documents also reveal that GM has spent $15m on the vehicle design, with about 12 examples of the car kept around the world in order to guarantee the President’s safety.

While the term ‘car’ is commonly used in reference to the President’s vehicle, the armour and safety features on it arguably have more in common with a military armoured personnel carrier.

See images of the new Presidential car here: http://www.foxnews.com/auto/2016/11/09/president-trumps-car-is-almost-ready.html