- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
There’s been a definite resurgence in small and lightweight roadsters. Tiny road-going racers with punchy engines and the kind of handling owners of bigger and heavier sports cars can only dream of. Some of the cars that spring to mind include the KTM X-bow, MMI Avocet, and pretty much anything with a Lotus badge attached, but there’s one car that has all others licked when it comes to the style department and that’s the Fisker designed Artega GT.

The Artega GT is exactly the type of car we want to see manufacturers build. Its combination of speed, efficiency and low-weight ensures spirited driving, while its premium and relatively spacious interior will make you want to stay behind the wheel. Its €75,000 asking price is very reasonable, also, when you consider you’re getting an exclusive (only 500 will be built per year), coachbuilt GT with a 300hp powerplant.
The car is the creation of former Rolls Royce boss Klaus Dieter Frers and a team of auto-industry experts from Germany. It was first displayed as an empty shell at last year’s Geneva Motor Show and then as a fully working prototype at the following Frankfurt Motor Show. It’s now ready to make its final sales launch and is scheduled to appear at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
Some of the car’s technical specifications include an aluminum spaceframe, a carbon-fiber reinforced body, a kerb weight of just 1,100kg, 300L of storage, a direct-injection 3.6L V6, and a six-speed DSG transmission. Expect to see a 0-100km/h time of less than five seconds and a top speed of 270km/h.
- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

I've have learned to love that car, it is one of those anonymous cars which I would love to own.

New Artega GT at the 2008 Motor Show in Geneva

The Artega project has an unusual background. Launched as a reference object by publicly listed automobile component supplier paragon AG, newly founded Artega Automobil GmbH & Co. KG is pursuing a clear aim. Artega GT, with its innovative lightweight construction concept and accentuated individuality, has been designed as a professional addition to the sports car scene. And as the debut model, the car is also to launch a successful, forward-looking brand.

The Artega range comprises sporty cars with good road qualities and sophisticated components from the large series range. The cars are distinguished by innovative, individual features such as those that only producers of small series can realise. From the initial phase after its foundation (until 2012), with production scheduled at up to 500 vehicles a year, the company has been planning and acting on an industrial level right from the beginning. The highly modern factory, already completed, will soon be commencing operation with the production of the Artega GT. Series production is then to follow and 170 vehicles have been scheduled for this year. Delivery to customers is due to commence in mid 2008.

Artega GT will start the ball rolling. For a list price of just over 75,000 euros incl. VAT, customers will receive a car rich in features, and a number of extras to fulfil personal wishes are also available.With its fantastic quality in detail, this sports car, completely CAD-developed, already caused a stir at its initial presentation in Geneva in 2007. In cooperation with a network of partners (including Michelin, Bosch, Bilstein, Eibach, Brembo and IAV), the company has been conducting intensive function tests and exhaustive test runs since 2007.

While the brand was being established and the car developed, Artega also set about establishing the sale of the cars from the international sales centre in Delbrück,Westphalia. Six or seven dealers are to be authorised in Germany and Artega will be selling through agents in neighbouring countries. First contracts with distributors in Europe have already been concluded. Interest has also been shown by dealers in Asian regions and in the USA, and relevant talks are now under way. Orders for 130 cars have already been placed. The automobile plant covering 6,000 square metres will be consistently upping production of the Artega GT during the first three years. 170 units are to be produced in 2008 and for the next two years 320 (2009) and 480 (2010) cars are scheduled for production.

The long-term worldwide trend towards individualisation provides ample scope for unusual, exclusive cars. Instead of seeing itself as a competitor among current vehicle manufacturers, Artega considers itself to be a benefit to this special market segment. By consistently focusing on the future, Artega, with its innovative, customer-oriented new models, intends to generate enthusiasm among satisfied customers for the future of automobiles.

The Artega GT is very special.


Uniquely distinctive: the new German sports car
Exactly one year after the world premiere, Artega GT will be rolling in at the 2008 Motor-Show in Geneva in its final series-production status. Numerous features and attributes lend the new German sports car its individual character, the key words being lightweight construction throughout, impressive road capabilities, demanding environmental standards, state-of-the-art safety systems, user-friendly cockpit systems and industrial processes in small series production.

Artega Automobil GmbH & Co. KG has mastered an intensive development and test program over the past year. The spectrum covers prototypes (Motor-Show Geneva, March 2007), a ready-to-drive vehicle (IAA Frankfurt, September 2007) and comprehensive testing involving test drives and several climatic wind tunnel and crash tests. This extensive level of development, not often found among producers of small series, is reflected in the quality of the series vehicle.


Minimum traffic space needed and spectacular look
Since the project was initiated, the positioning of the new German sports car has proved to be just right. The Artega GT naturally enriches the German sports car scene and has intentionally been designed to distinguish itself from exotic models on offer. The proportions of this touring two-seater sports car are remarkable: as short as a compact car (4010 mm), as wide as a luxury limousine (1880 mm) and as low as a super sports car (1180 mm).

Full road capabilities and lots of storage space
The Artega combines modern traffic space requirements and a surprisingly large interior (“larger inside than out“).The 300-litre storage volume (225 litres behind the seats and 75 litres under the front bonnet) make sure that the new German sports car stands for comfortable travelling. The back seat offers space for two suitcases or two golf bags and a child car seat can even be integrated. The car’s mileage also sets an example.With a tank volume of 68 litres (80 litres on request), the Artega GT does not have the serious shortcoming that numerous current vehicles do.

Low weight and innovative materials
In addition to its breathtaking design, the Artega GT also boasts fascinating technology. A technical model with a standard chassis frame will be presented at the trade show in Geneva to enable visitors to inform themselves. The innovative combination of racing material (aluminum, high-strength steels and carbon fibre-reinforced composite materials) allow for an impressively low weight of approx. 1,100 kg and a high level of rigidity.

Fascinating agility and economical on fuel
The very latest 300 PS Volkswagen-sourced V6 engine with excellent consumption and emission levels and a unique six-speed direct-shift gearbox result in a groundbreaking power-to-weight ratio. This combination provides exceptional handling qualities, with super sports car agility standards and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds.

High safety level and state-of-the-art driver assistance system
Extremely effective crash modules at the front and back and steel side impact protection ensure that occupants are protected in the event of an accident. Two full-size front airbags and two thorax airbags round off the package of passive safety devices. The latest driver assistance systems such as ABS also contribute actively towards the well-being of occupants. The electronic stability program ASP (Artega Stability Program) and the TC traction control system have also been integrated as a standard and can be activated in spring 2009. There will then be a choice of four drive programs: normal (ASP with early gearing,TC on), sport (ASP with later gearing,TC on), race (ASP off,TC on) and off (ASP off,TC off).


Modern cockpit and innovative paragon control systems
Safety and a feeling of comfort are two significant factors to which the interior design of the Artega GT was devoted. User-friendly instruments, switches and buttons which occupants could intuitively operate were of great importance to paragon as an exclusive supplier of cockpit systems. Designers quite intentionally avoided any association with science fiction in the interior of the Artega GT – the future lies in a user-friendly, almost purist design in the style of an exclusive hi-fi system, blending harmoniously with the first-class materials in the interior (including leather and microvelours).

The originality of the Artega GT is also shown in numerous details. The chassis, rims, seats, steering wheel, lamps, outside mirrors, instruments, display and control elements and several other features were designed especially for the new German sports car.

Exceptional offer for the market launch.
Strictly limited:“Intro 2008“ introductory series of 99 cars Artega is launching the new Artega GT model on the market with an exceptional offer. The new German sports car is available in a strictly limited “Intro 2008“ introductory series comprising 99 cars. The range of features is unique, extending far beyond that of the extremely all-inclusive range of Artega GT standard fittings. The “Intro 2008“ is available in two special colors, a distinctive-looking interior with ultra-lightweight forged rims and specifically supplemented extras.

Numerous details of the “Intro 2008“ will be reserved especially for this model. This includes the two special colours Vanillegelb and Tiefseeblau which spectacularly highlight the special style of the Artega GT (short, wide and low). The Artega “Intro“ forged lightweight wheels weighing less than 10 kg are designed in a five double-spoke look, diamond-turned and coated in a clear varnish.They roll with Pilot Sport PS2 N1 Michelin tyres (8“ x 19“ at the front with 235/35 ZR 19 tyres and 10.5“ x 19“ at the back with 305/30 ZR 19 tyres).

The interior look is demonstratively classical. In addition to a paragon cockpit system designed in the style of a sophisticated hi-fi set, the colours of the roof lining (Graphitgrau) and the microvelours carpeting and rear shelf (both in Carbonschwarz) also enhance this appearance. Depending on the colour of the paintwork, the leather seat covers in Carbonschwarz come with the centre panel of the seats in “Ambiente“ velours in Graphitgrau, with the option of a Vanillegelb or Tiefseeblau raster pattern.The instrument panel, the centre tunnel and the door armrests are in leather and the door inlay is also in “Ambiente“ velours. The diverse range of features also includes the paragon mobile-phone loading function used specifically for charging any of the standard models of business mobile phones.

The “Intro 2008“ introductory series bears several markings. The side flanks and the gear cover have an “Intro 2008“ badge with a serial number.“Intro 2008“ lettering has also been applied to the entrance rail.

State-of-the-art electronic driver assistance systems promote safety. Like all the Artega GT models, the “Intro 2008“ is also equipped with ABS. The Artega stability program ASP and the TC traction control system have also been integrated and can be enabled in spring 2009. The “Intro 2008“, with its wide range of extras, is available at an all-inclusive price of 79,790 euros, including VAT.


A lot of competence and industrial production.
Professional all the way through: the new automobile brand Artega The origins of the Artega brand were based on an idea that was unique in the world. Tier 1 supplier paragon AG from Delbrück in Westphalia, Germany, initiated the new German sports car in order to back up its superior position among system partners in the automobile industry. At the end of 2006 paragon handed the project over to independent company Artega Automobil GmbH & Co.KG, which has since been committed to developing the vehicle to become a series model.

The Artega GT is a rolling ambassador for paragon, since, for the first time ever, all the cockpit systems are being supplied from a single source. Yet the Artega GT is a lot more: the reference object is the beginning of a new automobile brand which is giving rise to something completely new, free of past restraints. Artega does not intend to remain a single-product company; instead the company is setting its sights on a long-term vehicle range. However, for the time being, the focus is completely on the market launch of the new Artega GT.

The initiator of the Artega project, paragon founder and CEO Klaus Dieter Frers, stipulated the key parameters as soon as the company was launched and these parameters are more valid than ever today. In addition to the capabilities of the direct supplier of virtually all European automobile manufacturers itself, he also took internationally accredited authorities on board: Prof.Willi Diez for market analyses, Henrik Fisker for design and Karl-Heinz Kalbfell for establishing the brand and a sales network. Renowned partner companies such as Volkswagen, Bosch, Hella, Michelin, Bilstein and Recaro were also involved.

Artega is consistently focussing on tried-and-tested processes from the major series in all areas. In addition to the unusual amount of time and money spent on, proof of this aspiration is also shown in the construction of the new automobile plant in Westphalian Delbrück. A production plant covering 6,000 square metres in which industrial processes in the small series are to be realized by way of example is being erected close to the No. 64 national road. Artega is quite consciously not a manufacturer operating using a workshop principle; instead the company operates an assembly line similar to large series production.

The capacity of the automobile plant has been designed to enable production of up to 500 units a year during the initial build-up stage.The international brand and sales centre is directly linked to the body shell construction and final assembly sections. Since the roof-wetting ceremony in November 2007, installation of the production plants, which are to see the first Artega GTs rolling off the assembly lines in mid 2008, has been underway.


World premieres for controls and driver information.

Innovative design: paragon cockpit systems in Artega GT
The cockpit of the Artega GT comprises several world premieres, developed and produced exclusively by electronics specialist paragon AG. These all-inclusive systems for controls and driver information reinforce and supplement the distinguished profile of the new German sports car. The features include freely configurable displays in the dashboard, the projection of navigation data and reversing camera images in the rear-view mirror as well as innovative sensor buttons. The novel G-force display is a fascinating example of the innovative approach.

paragon dashboard, with configurable displays as an option
The paragon dashboard comprises a high-resolution, illuminated 10.2“ colour screen with 800 x 480 pixels as well as a digitally controlled dual-indicator analogue instrument with a first-class metal dial from the luxury watch segment. The dual-display rev counter and speedometer is a first on the world market. Just like the paragon on-board clocks, it has a decorative milled ring made of anodised metal. The illumination intensity is infinitely adjustable.

Standard fittings
paragon dashboard with displays for speed, number of revolutions, water and engine oil temperature, fuel level, gear, outside temperature, trip and total mileage indicator as well as warning lights

Extras
paragon professional dashboard with additional displays to be individually configured for oil pressure, ampere metre, voltmeter and even G-force (longitudinal and lateral acceleration, like in Formula 1 racing cars and hitherto unique in a series vehicle)

paragon Headunit integra with sensor switches
The paragon Headunit integra comprises a high-resolution colour display with a VGA resolution, a rotating/pressure actuator and 21 sensor-controlled buttons. The unit comes in an elegant piano varnish look in the style of a hi-fi system, with first-class illumination and an ideal ergonomic layout. The illumination intensity is infinitely adjustable.

Controllable functions
Audio system (radio and external data sources), telephone use (hands-free set, telephone directory, etc.), adjusting the air conditioner, seat heating and defrost function

Interfaces to external data sources - USB, AUX, SD, iPod (iPod holder in the centre console), Bluetooth for mobile telephones
The paragon Headunit integra also provides a clearly visible flashing red LED display showing that the anti-theft alarm system / engine immobiliser are activated when the car is locked.

paragon MirrorPilot navigation system
The paragon MirrorPilot navigation system with map displays in the rear-view mirror optimizes driver information and likewise road safety. With this new solution, the driver can follow the navigation system without losing the line of vision to the road. Integrated reading and surrounding lighting is another attractive system feature. As an option, the paragon MirrorPilot navigation system can be combined with the paragon reversing camera system. The camera image is then shown in the integrated display when the car has been put into reverse gear.

paragon on-board clocks for time of day and stop function
The paragon on-board clock combination comprises the paragon on-board clock and the paragon stopwatch in the design of the classical models. Both clock and stopwatch have a decorative milled ring made of anodised metal; as an option the faces come in a chronographic look comparable to those of the luxury watch segment.

• paragon on-board clock: for a GPS-controlled, time-zone accurate, analogue display of the time of day. Requires no adjusting.
• paragon stopwatch: for analogue stopwatch functions (start – stop – interim time – reset and count-down mode); regulated with switches on the steering wheel.

paragon automatic air conditioner with a paragon AQS (Air Quality Sensor)
The paragon AQS air quality sensor detects gases which are harmful to health (e. g. diesel and fuel exhaust gases) and actively prevents corrosive gases and fine dust from getting into the interior of the car. The air quality sensor operates in direct combination with the paragon automatic air conditioner.


paragon shift-by-wire technology
With the paragon position sensor, the selected position of the gear lever is precisely determined without any contact and in real time and is transmitted electronically to the gear controls for changing gears.

paragon multi-function steering wheel
With the paragon multi-function steering wheel, drivers can not only regulate the audio system with buttons and the direct-shift gearbox with shift paddles – this innovative solution can also be used to operate the analogue stopwatch functions (start – stop – interim time – reset and count-down).

paragon mobile-phone-specific loading function and paragon mobile phone cradle
This function enables all the standard models of business mobile phones to be loaded when the corresponding paragon mobile phone cradle is installed into the vehicle in combination with the paragon console.

paragon reversing camera system
The camera is automatically activated as soon as the car is put into reverse gear. The entire area located directly behind the vehicle is shown in the paragon MirrorPilot navigation system display.

TECHNICAL DATA:Frame: Aluminium space frame
Rear module: Tubular frame-type rear module in high-strength steel
Body: Carbon fibre-reinforced composite materials
Dimensions (L x W x H): 4010 mm x 1880 mm x 1180 mm
Trunk capacity: 300 litres (225 behind the seats and 75 under the front bonnet)
Wheelbase: 2,460 mm
Kerb weight: Approx. 1,100 kg
Engine: Rear-mounted V6 with direct injection
Displacement: 3,597 ccm
Output: 300 hp (220 kW)
Transmission: Six-speed direct-shift gearbox
Tank volume: 68 litres standard (80 litres on request)
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h: Under 5 seconds
Top speed: Over 270 km/h



- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

It's a neat looking car. Not a very interesting design, but it serves it's purpose.