Car of the Day - Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept

Car of the Day - Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept

Bugatti succeeded in delivering on their initial promise of building the worlds best performance car. In fact it would be hard not to say that they over delivered and that the Veyron exceeded what many believed to be possible. So after conquering the SuperCar arena the engineers and designers at Molsheim are turning their attention to the luxury car market. The establishment will never be the same again.

Unveiled recently at Molsheim the 16C Galibier Concept continues all the current Bugatti language cues and references styling details from past greats such as the Atlantic. The central spine is a key design element and its intrusion into the top and bottom of the windscreen is a unique touch that I hope makes it through to the production model. The double side hinged bonnets are also another distinctive nod to the Bugattis of old. Unique details abound though as you would expect from a car that is out to conquer a market that is made up of people out to conquer the world.

While the Galibier is undoubtably an imposing vehicle it is great to see the designers have aired on the side of sportiness in styling with more elements akin to the 57’s than the Royale - thankfully.

The press had been expecting the new luxury model to be called the Bordeaux and the Galibier name is somewhat unexpected, but like the design the name airs more on the sporty side rather than outright luxury. The name Galibier comes from a region of the French Dauphiné Alps that is often the highest point of the Tour de France, certainly evoking a different style to the wine region of Bordeaux . Although the Galibier will undoubtably deliver as the ultimate luxury car, the fact that the 4-dr ‘sedan’ will be capable of 350 kph with styling closer to (but infinitely more successful) the familiar Panamaera, Bugatti appear to have said to the world yes we will build the ultimate luxury car but it will still be one that enthusiasts want to drive.

So to the best guesses and what is known at this point. The Galibier will use a detuned/retuned version of the Bugatti W16 engine - expected to drop 200 hp down to 800. It will probably get a completely different transmission with full auto. It may use the Bentley Mulsanne platform. It is expected to be capable of 350 kph and arrive around 2012 costing 1.5 ish million US. ... It will undoubtably be closer to perfection than any other car that has ever been produced.

Rod Halligan