More than 80 years after legendary Royale, Bugatti may very well produce a new 4-seater. Named after special Type 57 (and a famous hillclimb of the Tour de France), the 16 C Galibier could start production in 2013. Called "the most exclusive, elegant and powerfull limousine in the world," the Galibier is a serious concept, one that Bugatti will be discussing with its customers all over the world.
Of course, we've seen 4-door Bugatti concepts before, including the EB 112 from 1993, as well as the Giugiaro-designed EB 218 from 1998-neither of wich saw production. Is there more certainly this time around? Buggati president, Dr. Ing. Franz-Josef Paefgen, emphasized that the Galibier-shown during Bugatti's centenary celebration ceremonies in Molsheim, France-is one of several concept studies that the company is considering for the future of the marque.
Although the next Bugatti may ora may not be the Galibier, one thing is for sure: The mighty Veyron 16.4 will cease production in 2012, at which point the French automaker will have built around 450 examples of the mid-engine exotic.
Therefore, a successor to the Veyron is priority nomber one, and there have been several ideas to fulfill even the highest expectations. Because building another top-speed icon could be viewed as trite, Paefgen and his team favor a 4-door model taht would possess performance figures far above anything else in the super luxury class. And with the plan to build only 100 cars priced in the seven-digit range, exclusiveness would be guranteed. "Even in times of financial crisis, we have proven that there is still a place in the market for us," Paefgen said.
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In the Galibier, Bugatti's W-16 engine will sit over and aft of the fronst axle. And instead of four turbo-chargers of the Veyron, it will use two mechanical superchargers to deliver maximum torque at low revs. while it is too early to mentions exact specs, involved technicians hint at 885 lb.-ft. of torque and well over 1000 bhp. These forces will be permanently directed to all four wheels via a new 8-speed twin clutch paddle shift gerabox.
The chassis consists of a carbon front end followed by longitudinal steel rails along the cabin to the rear suspension, while body components are made out of carbon fiber and alloy. But don't be surprised if the Galibier shares some Volkswagen Group corporates parts, such as the new Audy A8's electronics and suspension, and Bentley Mulsanne-like headlights; the Galibier concept's luxurious interior even features a central-mounted touch screen that shares its technology with a Volkswagen city car.
Despite large dimensions-211 in. long, 78 in. wide and 60 in. high-the Galibeier looks more compact in the flesh. As expected, there's the trademark horseshoe grille, in this case framed by LED lights. Bugatti's heritage is proudly stated by a longitudinal edge line that spilts the rear window, where it the incoporates a third vertical LED brake light. Othe gimmicks are special wheel hubs that can be illuminated in the dark. The interior features four seats, although the layout could chance to five depending on customer preference.
The detail work on this concepts is so perfect, it seems hard to believe the Galibier is anything other than the next Bugatti. We were told the final decision will be made next spring. The Galibier will feature a limited Tourbillon made by Swiss watch maker Pamigiani. Positioned in the center of the dash, it can also be removed and worn on the wirst, use a pocket watch or put on a desk. Its estimated price is said to be over $150,000.