When you think of Bugatti, what immediately comes to mind? Probably most will conjure up images of one of the most desirable sports coupes available today, the beautiful Veyron EB 16.4 or its targa-topped cousin the Grand Sport, but history shows that the legendary French marque built a four-door passenger car that dates back nearly as far as its sports cars.
Not much of lineage, only one Bugatti four-door was ever built, the 1927 through 1933 Type 41, best known as the Royale, although the luxury brands new owner, VW AG, will probably want to put together a sales model that sees higher numbers of this four-door model move through its Molsheim, France assembly facility than the six examples Ettore saw leave the factory in his day.
If you were thinking that Bugatti would pull the Royale name from the past, think again. While there has been some speculation on blogs on the new sedans name, Bordeaux being one that frequently pops up, Galibier appears to be the handle of choice. Galibier is an especially challenging Alpine pass in the Tour de France, fitting for a French-built sedan that will likely outpace any four-door that dares get in its way.
The new model, which was shown at a private invitation-only event for Bugatti owners and qualified wannabes prior to the upcoming Frankfurt auto show, wont give anything up to its two-door sibling. The same 8.0-litre W16 engine motivates all four-wheels, although the powerplant sits up front in the concept instead of over the rear axle like the current mid-engine Veyron. Whats more, in an effort to appease environmental concerns, it can guzzle an ethanol blend as well as gasoline.
Environmental issues wont be on the mind at its 350 km/h (217 mph) terminal velocity, mind you, a top speed that would make the Galibier the fastest four-door in the world, if produced.
Visually its two-tone polished aluminum and dark blue carbon fibre weave exterior panels can only be Bugatti, while the centre spine pulls heritage from classic Bugattis like the Type 35 and 57.
If built, the new four-door will expand Bugattis lineup to three models, and open up an entirely new market segment far above the parent automakers Bentley brand, or the British marques rivals, Rolls-Royce and Maybach.
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source: montrealgazette
