Bugatti Unveils Galibier Concept Sedan at Exclusive Owners Event

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed)
Sep 15th 2009 at 8:02AM

Bugatti Galibier concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

After months of speculation, Bugatti has finally pulled the wraps off its new four-door supercar concept just ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show at an event for past customers and Bugatti-intenders. Up to this point, we've been referring to the French über-sedan as the Bordeaux, but it seems the actual car's moniker will be Galibier – the name of a difficult Alpine pass along the Tour de France.

Powering the Galibier concept will be a version of Bugatti's ridiculously powerful eight-liter W16 powerplant. Unlike the mill propelling the Veyron to ludicrous speed, this version is mounted up front and is capable of running on ethanol fuel, which may or may not allow the automaker to squeeze a few more ponies out of the engine... not that it needs it, of course. Plus, when swilling as much alcohol as the Galibier would be likely to ingest, it's hard to think of a car like this as eco-friendly.

One of the Galibier's most striking features is undoubtedly its two-tone outer shell, which is comprised of both polished aluminum for the doors and front fenders and a unique dark blue carbon fiber weave that shines through when illuminated. We also note a prominent center spine that recalls past Bugattis like the Type 35 and the classically beautiful Type 57.

Current reports peg the Galibier's top speed at 217 miles per hour (350 kilometers per hour), which, while slower than the Veyron's epic terminal velocity, is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Check out our gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: Bugatti Galibier Concept