Bugatti 16 C Galibier Concept hints at Veyron stablemate
September 15, 2009 by George Skentzos
As the climax of its centenary celebrations, Bugatti has unveiled its first concept vehicle which could set the course for the future of the ultra-luxury and ultra-performance marque.
Intended to be the most exclusive, elegant and powerful four door vehicle in the world, the Bugatti 16 C Galibier Concept is one of several concept studies with which the company is considering for the future of the brand.
With this new four-door concept, Bugatti has used a concoction of exotic materials, with the body constructed from handmade carbon fibre parts coloured dark blue so that the mesh shimmers vibrantly in the light.
The wings and doors are formed from polished aluminium with the basic architecture picking up on the torpedo-like character of the Type 35, which has already been revived for the Veyron.
With the trademark Bugatti radiator grille, large LED headlights and clamshell running the length of the vehicle, this car yet again transports classic Bugatti genes into the modern world.
Under the bonnet, which folds back from both sides, is a 16-cylinder 8.0-litre engine using twostage supercharging which has been tuned as a flex-fuel engine to run on ethanol.
To translate the no-doubt sizeable power figures to forward momentum, the 16 C Galibier Concept feature all-wheel-drive, specially developed ceramic brakes and a new suspension design.
Inside, the dash has been reduced to the essential, two centrally located main instruments displaying speed and previous performance – similar to the Veyron.
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.
Print it: 
I like it. It looks like a cross between a Panamera and the Lagonda concept, especially around the back. And for some reason (and I am sure this is just me), I am seeing some hints of Skoda Superb around the back and definitely some Audi in the front.
Over all, I think it looks really good. Yet for some reason, I just don’t want one.
There’s only so much you can do with that grill. But the details are nice, like the twin bonnet openings and centre ridge-line that recall the classic Bugattis. The headlights look like human eyes when they’re illuminated too which is a very eerie effect
Looks great, but do they really need 8 exhaust pipes?
even though i dont want to i some how like this design. The rear is a much better attempt at the Panamera styled design, and the front has a whiff od Audi. Love the centre brake light and the LED’s up front. For some reason the minimalist appeals to me, it seems modern car interiors are to cluttered nowadays.
WOW….looks fantastic….love the interior
Now this is old school Bugatti brought into the twenty first century. Very nice.
Okay the first pictures of the Frankfurt motor show are in, google auto spies, check out the Red Merc Gullwing.
My god, I love his to bits. I was really worried it was going to be hideous. I didn’t want the next ca after the Veyron to be hideous. I would love one, if only it wouldn’t cost north of $2 million.
:S
Did they steal those lights from a Saab? :(
I think its hideous. But that’s just me.
It looks like a crossfire and thats BAD.
The Swiss designed clock on the dashboard in this car cost more than $100 grand! This is like automobile porn – you gotta love it. More the reason why VW is a success today and why they ended up with Porsche and not the other way around. VW probably has the most diverse cars on the planet today. No wonder GM is going down the toilet. The top guys at GM do not even have dreams of such cars as this, the pinnacle of GM is the H2 Hummer – sad really.
This is retro styling succeeding in every way where the PT Cruiser fails so absolutely. My God, this is design on a level I haven’t seen for some time. It’s gorgeous. Though I’m not convinced the polished aluminium is a direction I’d have gone…
I’d love one please. And some money to cover fuel and insurance, if it isn’t too much trouble.
This thing looks hideous. Panarema part-2? And whats with the excess shine?
Funny thing was the TV was playing violin… trying too hard?