This year is an important one for Bugatti. Not only does 2009 represent the centenary of the legendary marque but it also now marks the unveiling of a super sedan that may constitute the future plans of the company. One hundred years to the month since the company was founded by Ettore Bugatti, we now have our first look at Bugatti’s latest concept: the 2009 Bugatti Galibier 16C.
Speaking previously, Bugatti chief Franz-Josef Paefgen revealed that there are in fact three proposed designs for the next-gen Bugatti. This news mates well with what Bugatti officials told TheCarConnection in July, which is that the Galibier 16C is in fact a design model being shown to clients and dealers.
According to a new report, the concept may go into production once the run of Veyron’s have come to an end, expected to be sometime in 2012.
The Galibier 16C is constructed from a mix of aluminum and carbon-fiber, which will ensure that it is the lightest car in its class. The body itself is made of polished aluminum and dark blue carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), and LED lights flank each end.
Styling is borrowed from the Bugatti Type 57 Atlantique, including the historic model’s hatchback and spine design elements. Inside, there’s space for four and a large wooden dash that is dominated by two centrally mounted dials showing available power and speed. A removable clock manufactured by Switzerland’s Parmigiani also features.
Although no technical details have been revealed, the Galibier 16C is thought to feature the Veyron’s 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine and an output of around 800 horsepower, though it does away with the four turbos and replaces them with a two-stage supercharging system. Another key difference is the installation of an 8-speed automatic transmission rather than the Veyron’s advanced dual-clutch unit.
A final decision on possible production plans of the Galibier 16C is expected by the spring of 2010. In the meantime, Bugatti has its hands full filling current order lists. The company only has 50 spots left for the Veyron, of which the total build will be 300 units. The Grand Sport model, which is limited to just 150 models, has already received several dozen orders.
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