Bugatti finally seems to have breathed new life into its Galibier project that has been gathering dust since its unveiling seven years ago at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Galibier was to be a four door ultra-luxurious saloon that would go head to head with the likes of the Rolls Royce Phantom.
Originally a brainchild of the Bugatti boss Wolfgang Dürheimer, the project suffered once he shifted base to Audi in 2013. His replacement, Wolfgang Schreiber instead focussed on developing the successor to the Veyron. However, with Dürheimer back at the helm of affairs at Bugatti, prospects of the Galibier reaching production lines seems brighter than ever before.
"My heart continues to beat for this car, because we had some revolutionary approaches that no one to date has yet dared to place into production," Dürheimer said while speaking to AutoCar about the company's future plans.
However, as AutoCar pointed out, there might be some changes introduced to the model before it enters series production. For instance, the Galibier might be made to sit on the new MSB platform developed by Porsche. The same also underpins the 2017 Panamera and might well be the platform of choice for a number of forthcoming Bentley models.
The change of platform, if attempted, also means the Galibier will remain a front engine vehicle and continue to differ from the Chiron that follows a mid-engined layout.
Meanwhile, Dürheimer also pointed out he has at least three other models on his mind apart from the Galibier for launch in the not too distant future. However, while the Bugatti boss refused to divulge further details, VW officials privy to the matter believe a super luxurious SUV challenging the likes of Bentley Bentayga or the RR Cullinan can't be ruled out.
An electric driven Bugatti Royale successor or a model that sits below the Chiron could be the other two plans that Dürheimer hinted of. With VW losing billions as it continues to deal with the aftermath of the dieselgate crisis, Bentley sure is depending on the four new models including Galibier to ensure its own financial security.
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