Production Ready Artega GT in Geneva

Deliveries shortly afterwards

Artega / Artega GT
by Gustavo Henrique Ruffo
February 5, 2008 4:36 PM
Filed Under: German, Specialty Marques
Almost exactly one year ago, a small sports car drew all attentions at the Geneva Motor Show. Artega GT had a little stand, compared to other automakers, but it was one of the main attractions at the Swiss event, even when presented only as a possibility. Designed by Henrik Fisker, the creator of the Fisker Karma and other interesting machines, the Artega GT was soon afterwards confirmed for mass production and the start was scheduled for mid-2008. It was more than natural to expect that the final version of the car would also be presented in Geneva. And it will.

The production version of the Artega GT kept most of its main characteristics, such as the rear-mounted engine, a position that has recently only been used by the Porsche 911 and that seems to be returning, as the Volkswagen up! and the Tata Nano already have demonstrated. In fact, the 3.6 V6 VW engine the Artega GT uses is positioned right over the rear axel, allowing the dynamics to be more predictable than if the engine was put after it.

The Artega GT will have a run of 500 units, but, according to the demand, we would bet its production may be extended. The base price of the car is € 74,983 and includes, besides the nice looks and an aluminum spaceframe covered by a carbon-fiber reinforced body, ABS, air bags both for driver and passenger (the Artega GT is a two-seater), ASP and bi-xenon headlights.

The new German wonder is 3.95 m long, 1.88 m wide and 1.18 m tall. As in all real sports cars, it is a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The 3.6 V6 engine with direct fuel injection can deliver 300 bhp at 6,600 rpm and is controlled by VW’s DSG gearbox. Curiously, it is a creation of engineers from paragon, a supplier of electronic parts for vehicles. The supplier’s inheritance can be seen in the central gauge that includes both the speedometer and the tachometer. It must be incredible to see both working together at the speeds the Artega GT can reach (up to 270 km/h). At least 500 lucky fellows will have this chance.
Source: Artega via Autoblog
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Comments

radmeister
February 5, 2008 5:35 PM
Is it just me or is this exactly a 360 Modena with Carrera GT headlights?

Bristol411S3
February 5, 2008 6:00 PM
This is a beautifu car, but the rear mounted engine I find a concern; as is the downward tilter information system. Who thought either were a good idea...?

MB.65
February 5, 2008 9:05 PM
What a terrible dashboard layout. The navigation screen's pointing downwards in addition to the fact that its under everything else and hence, will be blocked by the driver's right arm. I see so many design cues from other cars; the Porsche-like bonnet, Mercedes AMG rims, F430 rear air intakes and the back looks like that of the McLaren P1 Concept. And the front's kinda ugly too.

radmeister
February 5, 2008 10:31 PM
I have to disagree nothing about those cheap rims are AMG. They resemble the G35 Coupe rims in my opinion.

tootall
February 6, 2008 5:56 AM
Nice car. I wonder if it's possible to stuff a 4.2L in the back. Or is that asking a little too much?

Penner
February 6, 2008 6:07 AM
Perfect everyday 'Brötchen-Holen'-car

Alfafox5
February 6, 2008 7:08 AM
The design is well resolved, some surfaces seem either too plain, such as the full frontal view, and yet the complexity of the b and c pillar as they relate to the cooling inlet seems a bit messy. What I find appealing is that this small package is tightly pulled together with good surface tension. While the rim design is derivative and not my favorite, it does seem in line with many other brands. The interior is almost classic with its overall simplicity. I agree with the comment that the navi is poorly located, assuming it is a navi. If it is only a digi-display for the HVAC then it should prove to be o.k. I think for a Navi the best position is one that pops up from the top of the dash, ala Volvo, Caddilac, Mazda, etc. As far as it being a Modena, I do not see that. I do see the Porsche GT headlights, and it also seems to share the Caymen's roof line... not a bad thing. Not bad for an all new GT, some borrowing, some innovation, and a design that is simple and clean for the most part.

~Peace

sensei
February 7, 2008 5:18 AM
Looks like the love child of a Ferrari 360 and a Porsche Boxter.

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