Drunk on the power output? Bugatti Galibier concept runs on ethanol
Bugatti Galibier concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
After months of speculation, Bugatti has finally pulled the wraps off its new four-door supercar concept just ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show at an event for past customers and Bugatti-intenders. Up to this point, we've been referring to the French über-sedan as the Bordeaux, but it seems the actual car's moniker will be Galibier – the name of a difficult Alpine pass along the Tour de France.
Powering the Galibier concept will be a version of Bugatti's ridiculously powerful eight-liter W16 powerplant. Unlike the mill propelling the Veyron to ludicrous speed, this version is mounted up front and is capable of running on ethanol fuel, which may or may not allow the automaker to squeeze a few more ponies out of the engine... not that it needs it, of course. Plus, when swilling as much alcohol as the Galibier would be likely to ingest, it's hard to think of a car like this as eco-friendly.
One of the Galibier's most striking features is undoubtedly its two-tone outer shell, which is comprised of both polished aluminum for the doors and front fenders and a unique dark blue carbon fiber weave that shines through when illuminated. We also note a prominent center spine that recalls past Bugattis like the Type 35 and the classically beautiful Type 57.
Current reports peg the Galibier's top speed at 217 miles per hour (350 kilometers per hour), which, while slower than the Veyron's epic terminal velocity, is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Check out our gallery of high-res images below.
The manual sport seats were quite comfortable. My co-driver was a gent named Butch Leitzinger, whose job it is to escort folks like me, and he told me that the sport seats are actually more comfortable than the electric seats. If you don't plan on doing a lot of moving around or driver swapping, choose those. They offer a great seating position, fantastic support, and even after an hour driving the car I felt just as good when I got out as I did when I got in.
So this is what happens from a 2-MPH start in a Bugatti Veyron when you floor it (in fact, it would have already happened by now. It's that fast, and you haven't even started reading about it):
There's a horsepower gauge in the lower left corner of the dashboard, which, sadly, you have no time to watch. If you're moving quickly, you're much more interested in making sure you don't hit anything. If you're moving slowly, you're much more interested in making sure none of the hangers on hit you.
And here are some fun facts: incredibly, the Bugatti has a bigger glove box than a few sedans I've known, including some from its parent company; the trunk was originally larger, but the engine demanded so much cooling that the holding area has shrunk to about the size of a duffle bag; the navigation system is on the rear-view mirror, semi-opaque directions appearing on the right side of the glass like a miniature 
Bugatti likes to stress how fast the car is, and how quickly the car brakes. Yet the story for me was that the Veyron is actually a usable supercar. And I don't mean usable like an SLR or Carrera GT or Enzo – the first two I've driven, the last one I've ridden in, all of which I could drive every day, but I wouldn't. I kid you not, if you can drive a Porsche Turbo every day, you can drive a Veyron every day, the only caveat being it might take a day to get used to having your legs aimed slightly right. The ride is firm but plenty compliant. The mechanical whine is everpresent, but I hear vintage Tercels, Novas, and Civics every day that make more noise. The steering is utterly precise, but not twitchy. The controls respond rapidly to inputs, but you won't kill yourself as long as you pay attention. Perhaps that's why only one Veyron has been destroyed (that we know of), as opposed to how many other supercars?
1972 Cutlass and had both a Philips-head screwdriver to get the cover off and jumper cables to give the Bug the jump it needed. Sadly, no one took any pictures. Or at least, no would give me any of them.
The technological leadership of the powerful AMG sedan also illustrates the use of new, innovative AMG high-performance composite brake system with a double fist on the front seat. New Mercedes S 65 AMG offers a new standard AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the striking AMG styling, multi-AMG 19 - inch alloy wheels.
The new Mercedes S 65 AMG celebrates on 8 January 2006 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit its world premiere. Its 6.0-liter V12-turbo engine makes driving performance, of which some sports car pilot can only dream: the acceleration from zero to 100 km / h takes 4.4 seconds, speed is 200 after 13.3 seconds (provisional figures). The maximum speed is 250 km / h (electronically limited).
Third, this exclusive driving dynamics of the Mercedes-AMG-developed V12 engine with 5980 cm3 displacement, the extraordinary details of which are: The maximum power of 450 kW / 612 hp is steadily between 4750 and 5100 revolutions are available, while the maximum torque of 1000 Nm 4000/min between 2000 to be retrieved. Already at 1000 revolutions provides the AMG V12-turbo engine torque of 570 Newton metres to the crankshaft, at 1500/min are 750 Newton metres. In the design and construction of the V12 engine, the AMG engineers on the extensive know-how of its longtime motor sports tradition back.
For the characteristic AMG typical twelve-cylinder sound in the new Mercedes S 65 AMG, the AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome Doppelendrohren in the new V12 design. The new tri-metallic coating of the catalyst allows for a faster response to the cold start, improved efficiency of exhaust after-treatment, and a greater long-term stability. Of course meets the Mercedes S 65 AMG all current emission limits, such as EU4.
The exceptional position of the AMG V12-engine was at the "International Engine of the Year Awards 2004" rewards: In the category of "Best Performance Engine" the jury chose the 612 hp AMG engine before 70 competitors from Europe, USA and Japan to the winner. In the AMG engine factory each engine is traditionally under the philosophy "One man, one engine" by hand. This means that each technician a complete AMG V12 engine mounted - documented by his signature on the AMG engine plate.
New standards regarding delay, modulation and stability, the newly developed AMG high-performance braking system based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system. On the front axle comes as a typical AMG innovation is a new double fist to the saddle. This new, unique technology combines the advantages of a disk brake gear with a floating buckle - lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and clear comfort advantages by the leadership of the brake pads - with the performance of a lush dimensioned brake hard saddle. In composite brake discs construction at the front and rear axle with 390 and 365 millimetres in diameter ensure shortest braking, high stability and perfect modulation.
The Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron is a two-seater with carbon fiber frame covered with panels of aluminum and composite material of carbon fiber and Kevlar. It measures 4466 mm long, 1998 wide and 1206 high, is rather high, because of the air intakes above and draw attention to their route front of the biggest that there are currently.
The Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron has a 16-cylinder engine in 'W' (two banks of eight-cylinder V-close) in central rear longitudinal position. Its engine capacity is 7993 cc, took four turbochargers, two intercooler, 64 valves and direct injection. It has four-wheel-drive and a seven-speed semi-automatic with sequential control by means of cams located behind the steering wheel.
The Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron has only provided the data from 0 to 300 km / h: less than 14 s. The maximum speed is 406 km / h. Until now, and not counting the competition, there has been no model for building more or less regular who has reached such benefits.
