The Artega GT is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive 2-seat sports car produced by German automobile manufacturer Artega between 2009 and 2012. The GT was Artega's first model. A total of 153 units were produced. [2]
Overview
The two seater had an aluminum space frame and carbon fibre reinforced body for a light curb weight of 1,116 kg (2,460 lb). The engine was a Volkswagen-sourced[3] direct injection 3.6 L VR6 rated at 296 bhp (221 kW; 300 PS) and 350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is tested to be at 4.6 seconds, with top speed estimated to be over 270 km/h (168 mph).[4]
In early 2011 GTspirit tested the Artega GT in Belgium and finished by saying that, Overall a superb handling sports car with not a single failure and that it had excellent performance not easily found elsewhere''.[5] The Artega GT was priced at approximately €75,000.
The GT was built at a new factory in Delbrück, Germany with production starting in October 2008 and sales commencing in spring 2009.[6] Production was claimed to be limited to roughly 500 units per year.
History
First shown as a mock up at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show; the Artega GT debuted a year later at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show. Klaus Dieter Frers announced at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show that Artega was investing in a possible solar-powered concept vehicle to compete with the Tesla Roadster (2008) and Fisker Karma. Henrik Fisker, who also designed the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, contributed to the design of the Artega GT. The first produced Artega GT was reportedly sold to Steven Gregory Balboa, an Italian now residing in Rochester, New York.[citation needed]
Bankruptcy
After the Artega company filed for bankruptcy in July 2012, production has ceased and the company has been bought by German automotive supplier firm Paragon AG,[7] which has offered all employees new jobs.[8] Paragon AG will continue to supply owners with service, according to the Artega-website.[9]
Discontinuation
On 30 September 2012 the production of the Artega GT was halted.[10] There are currently no plans to resume production.[11]
Technical specification
Frame: Aluminum spaceframe. Rear module tubular space frame of high-tensile stainless steel
Bodywork: Carbon fiber reinforced polyurethane compound material
Dimensions (L X B X H): 3950 x 1880 x 1,180 mm (46.5 in)
Kg/PS: About 3.6 kg/PS
Engine: VR6 direct-injection engine in the rear mid
Displacement: 3,597 cc (3.6 L; 219.5 cu in)
Performance: 221 kW (300 PS; 296 hp) at 6,600 rpm
Torque: 350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm
Layout: Rear-wheel-drive
Transmission: Six-speed direct-shift with Artega inverting stage (pat. appl.)
^Barker, John (November 2009). "Artega GT". Evo. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
^Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (5 March 2008). "Artega GT now on sale". Motor Authority. Archived from the original on 2 December 2008. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
