Popemobile

The tip-off is the high-mounted ballast.

Pope Francis arrives in the US today and plans to use a modified Jeep Wrangler as his popemobile during the trip. Now, the Washington Post is looking back on the fascinating history of the ways that His Holiness gets around.

Korea is not without its domestic automobiles that would be suitable for transporting a visiting head of state: the Hyundai Equus comes to mind. Failing that, a Genesis sedan would do the trick. Maybe even a Kia K900 or a Renault Samsung SM7.

Over the weekend, Pope Francis urged his flock to drive "humble" and avoid ostentatious cars. According to Reuters, the Potentate commented that "It hurts me when I see a priest or a nun with the latest model year car, you can't do this."

Catholics already have a celebration in December in honor of a figure with a nine-month gestation, and that's exactly how long it took the latest Mercedes Benz Popemobile to go from conception to delivery. While The Messiah arrived in a manger, the new Popemobile was delivered by company head Dieter Zetsche, who said "It is an honor for Mercedes-Benz to be accompanying His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on his future journeys with our new Popemob

Popes know how to travel in style, as the long list of iconic Popemobiles can attest to. In recent years, His Holiness Benedict XVI – aka the "Green Pope" – has been trying to clean up those bubbly vehicles with alternative powertrains. He wanted a plug-in hybrid from Mercedes-Benz or a Sebastian Blanco

Popes know how to travel in style, as the long list of iconic Popemobiles can attest to. In recent years, His Holiness Benedict XVI – aka the "Green Pope" – has been trying to clean up those bubbly vehicles with alternative powertrains. He wanted a plug-in hybrid from Mercedes-Benz or a Sebastian Blanco

The Vatican City's about a fifth of a square mile in total, so it's not like range anxiety will be an issue.

The Papal motorcade is packed with new cars, but the most famous of them is the Popemobile. Typically based on a Mercedes-Benz sport-ute, most recent examples have been modified versions of the G-Wagen or M-Class (like the one pictured above).

A pure electric vehicle has been deemed too slow, but some type of the electrified SUV will soon replace the Popemobile used to transport His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. Vatican officials have reportedly confirmed the details of Pope Benedict's ride: a Mercedes-Benz M-Class plug-

Pope Benedict XVI is quickly becoming known as the "Green Pope." During his time at the top of the Catholic Church, His Holiness has made a point to preach sustainable energy, and he's backed up his words with actions. In 2008, photovoltaic cells were installed on the roof of a Vatican auditorium, and in 2009, a solar cooling unit was added to the Vatican cafeteria.

Click above for a high-res image of the Hyundai i10

Photo: Times of India

Holy Dub! These Blessinem 24s are perfect for the WJWD (What Woud Jesus Drive) crowd: chrome, oversized rims with crosses. We think this might have been one of the things Nostradamus predicted would happen before the end of the world. Can I get an amen?