Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept 2009

On September 14th 2009, Bugatti's current president Dr. Ing. Franz-Josef Paefgen unveiled the Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept four door automobile to customers and opinion-makers at the historic site of Molsheim where Ettore Bugatti once laid the cornerstone of his company. Dr. Ing. Franz-Josef Paefgen emphasized that the Galibier is one of several concept studies with which the company is considering for the future of the Bugatti brand.

With this new four door concept car, Bugatti assumes a new leading role in the use of new material combinations. Thus the body is constructed of handmade carbon fibre parts coloured dark blue so that, when illuminated, the woven structure shimmers through strikingly. Carbon fibre not only possesses unusually great rigidity but is also extremely light. The wings and doors are made out of polished aluminium.

The Bugatti Galibier's design masters the challenge of uniting sportiness with the comfort and elegance of a modern four door saloon. With the typical Bugatti radiator grille, big round LED (Light Emitting Diode) 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 bonnet, which folds back from both sides, there resides a 16 cylinder, 8 litre engine with two-stage supercharging. What makes this engine special is that it was developed as a flex-fuel engine and can be run on either ethanol or gasoline. Four wheel drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and the 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 Galibier, which may be worn on the wrist thanks to a cleverly designed 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. No performance figures or further specification were available.

text Paul Damiens - Photos Bugatti

wallpapers of the Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept 2009 click to enlarge