The Galibier is dead. Long live the Galibier.

Plans are reportedly moving ahead at Bugatti headquarters in Mulsheim, France, to succeed the Veyron with a version of the Galibier concept super-sedan unveiled back in 2009. But before the company’s CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer makes the final pitch by the end of the year to the board of the Volkswagen Group for final approval, some significant changes are being made.

For one, the car is being made longer. The whole rear end is being thoroughly redone. And the engine, originally proposed as a detuned version of the Veyron’s 1000+horsepower W-16 with twin superchargers in place of the quad turbos, will now be reboosted up past the four-digit mark.

The changes reportedly come out of feedback from current Veyron owners, half of whom have reportedly seen and sat in the Galibier concept car already. As a result, Dürheimer has been quoted as saying that the project has now entered the “second half of the design phase”, but that the finished product will still bear more than a passing resemblance to the show car pictured above.

Bugatti substantially reworking Galibier before seeking final approval originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bugatti builds truly outrageous automobiles that stretch our perceptions of performance and personal wealth. The Veyron currently serves as the automaker’s only ambassador into the world of high-speed and exotic engineering. Bugatti executives are looking to add a second steed to the stable, and we believe the Galibier sedan would make a good fit. It seems, however, that Bugatti CEO Wolfgang Durheimer doesn’t think it’s ready. Why not? It’s not wild enough.

The 800-horsepower four-door concept car needs more power, rear space and an extra dose of luxurious comfort. Durheimer believes the Galibier should be the car that serves as an “argument stopper,” meaning there is no further discussion with regards to its position as best car on the planet.

Bugatti executives will make a decision on the fate of the Galibier later this year. Though we may never be able to afford one, we hope that Durheimer gives it the green light. There’s not enough cars in the world that run on pure insanity, and the Galibier would certainly help liven up that segment.

Bugatti Galibier sedan put on hold because it’s not outrageous enough originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bugatti models have never lacked ambition, from the company’s original incarnation under founder Ettore Bugatti to its present-day operations under the Volkswagen Group. That unbridled moxie looks poised to gather pace with the brand’s forthcoming Galibier super sedan.

Not only will the Galibier be very exclusive and very costly, British magazine CAR is reporting that the W16 engine from the Veyron will be ported over with its dual-clutch gearbox, albeit with a twist – it will also be available with optional hybrid power. The dual-power system is being developed because an increasing number of metropolitan city centers are taking steps to curb or ban internal combustion cars firing up in downtown areas, and Bugatti owners aren’t exactly the type to take mass transit.

In an interview with the marque’s new president and CEO, Wolfgang Durheimer, CAR confirms the project is still in its early stages, with the final dimensions of the car and its chassis construction not yet settled upon. The design is expected to be finalized this fall, and the leading architectures in contention are a carbon monocoque like the Veyron or possibly an aluminum spaceframe.

While the Veyron’s production run has been earmarked at 300 units, the Galibier is to increase that tenfold to 3,000 units, but the price will still be steep – CAR estimates the privilege of ownership will cost upwards of £1 million (.62M dollars).

[Source: CAR]

Report: Bugatti Galibier to be available with hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #224 is here. It’s staffed this week by stalwarts Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman and Dan Roth. We talk about Top Gear and its ongoing fight with Tesla Motors, Volkswagen’s decision to unveil the latest Beetle with MTV as a partner, the new BMW M5 Concept headed for Shanghai, Bugatti saying “go” to the Galibier and the possibility of a Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler. Your feedback in our Q&A module winds us up, and we’ve embedded that in the post below, as well. Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #224: Tesla and Top Gear fight, new Beetle, M5, Galibier and Hemi Wrangler

• Top Gear’s feud with Tesla
• New Volkswagen Beetle coming
• BMW M5 Concept headed to Shanghai
• Bugatti green-lights the Galibier
• Hemi Jeep Wrangler?

In the Autoblog Garage:

• 2011 Dodge Journey
• 2011 Chrysler 300
• 2011 Suzuki SX4

• Runtime: 01:15:17

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #224: Tesla and Top Gear fight, new Beetle, M5, Galibier and Hemi Wrangler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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