The Bugatti 16C Galibier Super Sedan is Back in Black

The Bugatti 16C Galibier is being teased like no car ever before, as the company's first modern-day sedan inches towards production. In September 2009, it made an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show but only to a choice audience. And then again at the Geneva Motor Show, the car was in attendance but only visible to a select few. So, it has never really been officially unveiled for the public, just presented quietly in exclusive viewings like the one setup in Beverly Hills. 

Nobody knows for sure whether the 16C Galibier will ever actually get stamped out but Bugatti is continuing to whet everyone's appetite nevereless. This time they have unleashed a new round of photos showcasing the uber-tourer in black, as opposed to the blue and silver two-tone model that's been seen in the past. Insiders are still betting that the Galibier goes up for sale in 2013 at a price around $1.5 million, but with no green light, we all must wait with baited breath. 

The Bugatti 16C Galibier benefits from a tweaked version of the powerplant found in the 1000+ horsepower Veyron, with the 8.0-liter W-16 engine reduced to a mere two superchargers (as opposed to four turbos). Expectations are that in "detuned" form, 800 hp with be delivered to the all-wheel drive system. But with an estimated 220 mph top speed, this car will still be a rocket. After all, it does sport eight individual polished exhaust pipes! The tranny is rumored to be an 8-speed automatic taking over for the 7-speed DSG found in the Veyron. 

For now, we'll just sit back at let Bugatti continue to delight us with more and more images and teaser events... Normally, we just wouldn't settle for these tantalizing treats without knowing that the big meal was in sight, but in this case, we'll grin and bear it. 

Source: Bugatti