2011 Artega GT - Top Speed







The Artega SE may be the one getting all the attention, but Artega is determined to keep their offering, the GT version, as fresh as possible.

During the 2011 Geneva Motor Show held last week, the German automaker unveiled their latest project, an all-electric, Tesla-beating sports car that produces as much as 275 horsepower, courtesy of two, independently-operated electric motors mounted on the car’s rear axle. But while the SE figures to be a topic of conversation for the next few weeks, we definitely shouldn’t sleep on the car for which the Artega SE was based on, the Artega GT.

As far as aesthetics and performance figures go, the Artega GT makes no qualms about what it has. Designed by Henrik Fisker, the same man behind the BMW Z8, the Aston Martin Vantage, and the Fisker Karma, the GT was built by Artega with only one vision in mind: create a high-powered sports car and doing it on one of the lightest aerodynamic bodies in its market segment.

Using a combination of an aluminum space frame, high-strength steel and alloys reinforced with carbon fiber, the Artega GT is about as sleek and svelte as they come. The fact that it produces around 300 horsepower is the proverbial cherry on top of the sundae.

One of the most impressive qualities about this German automaker is that they have crafted a reputation as one of the few automakers that produce a high-percentage of the parts they use on their cars in-house. Designed by no less than the man behind Fisker, Henrik Fisker, the Artega GT was built using a combination of materials that have deep-histories of being used in various levels of auto racing. By using all these materials on the body and chassis of the car, the Artega GT tips the scales at just 1,285 kilograms, making it one of the lightest sports cars in its class.

Both the Artega GT and the SE models that were shown at the Geneva Motor Show pretty much featured a similar design language. Among the notable characteristics include a front hood made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and EU5, which is standard on the Artega GT. The German sports car also benefits from the use of a striking rear diffuser, providing the needed downforce to keep the GT closer to the ground.

As for the model that was shown at the Geneva Motor Show, that one came in a Suzuka gray metallic finish with an interior upholstery featuring the same color scheme. Both the instrument panel and the door trim moldings were upholstered in black leather complemented by red leather.



The Artega GT is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers a maximum output of 296 horsepower and a peak of 258 lb/ft of torque mated to a six-gear direct manual transmission. Performance numbers of the GT translate to a 0-60 mph time of just a shade under 5 seconds with a top speed of 167 mph.





According to the Artega website, the GT sports car is priced at around €75,000, or somewhere around $100,000 based on current exchange rates.

LOVE IT
Impressive use of light yet sturdy parts
Exterior is dressed like a sports car
Powerful engine with powerful output
LEAVE IT
Availability is subject to inquiry
Apart from the upholstery, interior doesn’t look all that
Long time coming