Bugatti Galibier Information
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Bugatti should have known better than to let loose a supercar sedan
concept without a concrete plan as to its production. Ever since the Bugatti Galibier Concept
was unveiled in 2010, auto journalists the world over have been
speculating on the vehicle’s production form and quite possibly rushing
the French car manufacturer into releasing details a little ahead than
necessary. Then again, who are we kidding? The more publicity, the
better, right? So let’s give them some more.
Coming out of a rumor that the Galibier is dealing with a little setback in its release date of Fall 2012 because of the vehicle not being "outrageous enough," Bugatti CEO, Wolfgang Durheimer, has now confirmed that the production Galibier is "in its second half of the design phase," but will be significantly altered from the concept car originally displayed.
Bugatti Galibier Front View |
The decision to change up the car’s design
comes from customer clinic held by the company and approved by
Durheimer. “Half of Veyron owners have been in the car already,” he
said. “You will still recognize the design from the concept, but now
this is a design I can be 100% behind.” The new design will combine
elements from the Veyron and the classic Atlantic coupe.
Bugatti Galibier Back View |
The
production Bugatti Galibier - name still not confirmed - will be
unveiled by 2013 and will be priced at 1.5 million Euros, or about $2.3
million at the current rates.
Bugatti Galibier Interior |
When the Galibier was first shown as a concept
to potential owners in fall 2009, many of them requested changes to the
interior to make something more distinctive and luxurious. A year later,
Wolfgang Duerheimer took over from Franz-Josef Paefgen as Bugatti
president (and Bentley CEO), and insisted on major body and engineering
changes.
Duerheimer has since departed to run Audi's
R&D, leaving Bugatti and Bentley with yet another new boss, Wolfgang
Schreiber. He was brought in when transmission issues delayed the
Veyron's launch. Soon after, he was given responsibility for finishing
development of the whole car. He was then moved to run VW's van
division. Insiders predict he might call for further changes to the
Galibier. As a result, the production car that finally emerges could be
very different from the original concept.
Bugatti Galibier Interior |