The VW Group will decide whether to push ahead development of the Bugatti Galibier before the end of 2011 – but if it does make production it will be significantly altered from the concept car originally displayed.
Bugatti boss Wolfgang Durheimer revealed that the Galibier was now “in its second half of the design phase” and added that he expected to present it to the VW Group board before Christmas.
“I will suggest we continue development, but there will be some remarkable changes from the original concept,” said Durheimer. “The design will be different, especially from the B-pillar back, the ingress and regress to the rear seats will be improved, as will the legroom and ergonomics, the car will be a little longer, and the power of the engine will be at least four figures.”
The changes were instigated following customer clinics with the Galibier, and have been pushed through by Durheimer himself. “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 Galibier, which draws styling influence from the Veyron but also alludes to the classic Atlantic coupé with a spine running longitudinally over its roof and rear deck, was proposed with a 900bhp, twin-supercharged version of the Veyron’s 987bhp, quad-turbo W16 engine.
If it gets the go-ahead it could be on sale as soon as 2013, with a price tag of around £1.5m.
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