Bugatti Galibier Concept

Bugatti has revealed the Galibier Concept, an exclusive four-door sedan which is currently under consideration for a possible series production. The design is inspired by historic models of the brand such as the Type 57 Atlantique and the Type 35.

During its centenary celebration ceremonies, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. presented customers and opinion-makers with the Bugatti Galibier Concept, intended to be the most exclusive, elegant, and powerful four door automobile in the world last weekend in Molsheim.

Bugatti's current president, Franz-Josef Paefgen emphasised that the Bugatti Galibier 16C is one of several concept studies with which the company is considering for the future of the Bugatti marque.

"Art - Forme - Technique" are the historic brand values to which the design and engineering team of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. oriented themselves in the development of the Bugatti Galibier.

The four-door concept features a body is constructed ofhandmade carbon fibre parts coloured dark blue so that, when illuminated, the woven structure shimmers through strikingly. The wings and doors are out of polished aluminium.

The Bugatti Galibier's design adopts a basic architecture inspired by the torpedo-like character of the Type 35, which was already revived in the Bugatti Veyron, and reinterprets it.

With the typical Bugatti radiator grille, big round LED headlights and the clamshell running the length of the vehicle which became synonymous with the brand identity under Jean Bugatti in the Type 57, this car transports the Bugatti genes into the modern world.

Beneath the hood, which folds back from both sides, resides a 16-cylinder, 8-litre engine with twostage supercharging.

The engine is a flex-fuel unit and can optional be run on ethanol. Technical highlights include four-wheel drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design enable the agile, always-sure handling of a saloon of this size.

The interior reflects the elemental design of the exterior. The dash panel has been reduced to the essential; two centrally located main instruments keep even the rear passengers constantly informed of the actual speed and previous performance.

Parmigiani, the Swiss maker of fine watches, created the removable Reverso Tourbillon clock for the Bugatti Galibier, which may be worn on the wrist thanks to a leather strap.

"Galibier" is not just the name of one of the most difficult alpine passes along the Tour de France but, in its time, was a version of the four door Type 57.

(Car Body Design's news)