Bugatti Ponders More Models

Volkswagen AG’s Bugatti unit is looking to add one or more vehicles to its single-vehicle lineup that consists of only the Chiron supercar, which replaces the Veyron later this year.

Four options are being evaluated, including an updated version of the brand’s 2009 Galibier concept luxury sedan, Drive reports. Citing unnamed VW sources, the Australian-based website says the other alternatives include a luxury crossover/SUV, a smaller sports car positioned below the ultra-pricey Chiron and an all-electric model.

Wolfgang Durheimer, who heads Bugatti and VW’s Bentley unit, confirms the Galibier is one of four “strategic ideas” being studied. While declining to comment on the other possibilities, he raves about the Galibier (pictured). He tells Drive that his “heart continues to beat” for the concept and that he has several unspecified new technology plans for a possible production model.

If approved, the Galibier would compete against the Bentley Mulsanne and the next-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom. The production version likely would maintain the concept’s mid-front engine layout, Drive says, and could be built on a modified version of VW’s MSB platform that carries the all-new Porsche Panamera.

Durheimer reportedly gave the go-ahead for the Galibier once before during an early stint as Bugatti’s CEO. But those plans were killed after he moved to Audi in 2013. He returned to Bentley/Bugatti last year.