New Bugatti exposed

The world’s fastest car company has finally added a new model. Bugatti, the Volkswagen-owned reborn French brand, has revealed its new model, the 16C Galibier. If you already own the world fastest sportscar – Bugatti’s ballistic Veyron – but need space for the family then this is the car for you.

Although the company has released a teaser video showing much of the car already, these new photos have surfaced after a preview of the new sedan was held at Bugatti headquarters in Molsheim, France. The event was hosted by company boss Franz-Josef Paefgen. Interestingly, the car didn’t appear at the Frankfurt Motor Show leaving the company's latest Veyron variant to take all the limelight.

The Galibier is based on the same platform as the Veyron and powered by a re-tuned version of the quad-turbo W16 engine. But there's one big difference --the engine is now mounted in the front of the chassis to allow for accommodation of four adults in comfort and style.

Originally rumoured to be called the Bordeaux , Bugatti has instead chosen Galibier. The name of a famous French mountain pass made famous by the Tour de France, Galiber was also used by the brand to define a version of its classic Type 57.

The styling of the Galibier blends the modern Veyron with the classic Type 57. The body itself is made from carbon fibre for light weight and strength while the doors and front fenders are crafted from polished aluminium.

The trademark horseshoe grille is unmistakable but is paired with modern LED headlights. The long bonnet has two openings that are hinged in the middle to allow access to the W16, as well as evoke Bugatti’s of the past.

At the rear there are more throwbacks to the classic Type 57 with a sloping roofline that tapers to the back of the car and a split rear window. At the bottom of bumper are four exhaust pipes on both sides.

Inside there is all the opulence you expect from Bugatti. Leather and wood are used extensively on the seats, dashboard and trim and the signature of company founder Ettore Bugatti is prominent on the upper console. The dash itself  is a simple affair with two large dials taking pride of place so everyone onboard can take note of the speed. Underneath the dials is a removable wrist watch from famed Swiss watchmakers Parmigiani. That sits above a small LCD monitor and dials for the climate control.

One important image missing from the leaked photos is a look at the rear seats. External shots of the car though indicate that the Galibier will be a strict four-seater in keeping with the current trend of super sedans like the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.

Although there have been no official figures, it is tipped that the Galibier will be able to hit a top speed of 350km/h. It could also be tuned to run on ethanol fuel.

Even if that is the case, at circa 200mph it’s likely ethanol and petrol will be drunk at such rapid rate by the W16 any enviromental benefits will be moot!

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