GT
The Artega GT stands as one of automotive history's most intriguing what-might-have-beens—a beautifully executed mid-engined sports car that demonstrated genuine engineering excellence yet failed to achieve commercial viability. Produced between 2009 and 2012 in Delbrück, Germany, this rare two-seater represents the ambitious vision of Klaus Dieter Frers, who founded Artega Automobil in 2006 with the goal of creating a distinctly German alternative to established sports car manufacturers. With just 153 units produced before bankruptcy ended production in September 2012, the Artega GT has become one of the most collectible and obscure modern sports cars.
The GT's design credentials are impeccable. Styled by Henrik Fisker—the talent behind the Aston Martin DB9, BMW Z8, and later the Fisker Karma—the Artega features elegant proportions and clean surfacing that remain visually striking today. First previewed as an engineless prototype at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the production version debuted in 2009 showcasing sophisticated engineering wrapped in carbon fiber bodywork. The mid-engine layout, emphasized by dramatic side air intakes and a compact greenhouse, communicates purpose without resorting to overwrought styling gimmicks. Fisker's design philosophy emphasized timeless elegance over trendy aggression, creating a sports car that looks equally at home on mountain roads or parked outside upscale restaurants.
Beneath the carbon fiber skin lies an aluminum space frame housing Volkswagen's venerable 3.6-liter VR6 engine, tuned to produce 296 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. While the VR6 may seem an unconventional choice for a boutique sports car, it proved ideal for Artega's purposes: compact dimensions suitable for mid-engine packaging, proven reliability, and a characterful exhaust note that enthusiasts appreciate. Paired with Volkswagen's six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, the powertrain delivers respectable performance with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in just 4.6 seconds and a top speed exceeding 270 km/h (168 mph). These figures place the GT squarely in Porsche Cayman territory, though at a significantly higher price point.
What truly distinguished the Artega GT was its remarkably low curb weight of just 1,116 kg (2,460 lbs), achieved through extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastic construction. This lightweight philosophy created a power-to-weight ratio that allowed the relatively modest VR6 to deliver genuinely exhilarating performance. Contemporary reviews praised the GT's handling dynamics, with GTspirit's 2011 Belgian test declaring it "a superb handling sports car with not a single failure" featuring "excellent performance not easily found elsewhere." The combination of mid-engine balance, low weight, and sophisticated suspension tuning created a car that rewarded skilled driving while remaining accessible to enthusiasts without extensive track experience.
Despite its considerable merits, the Artega GT faced insurmountable commercial challenges. Priced at €74,948 in Germany (approximately $104,000 USD with taxes), the GT positioned itself against established competitors like the Porsche Cayman and Audi R8, brands with decades of sports car heritage and extensive dealer networks. Artega's ambitious initial production target of 500 units annually proved wildly optimistic; the company struggled to achieve even a fraction of that volume. The global financial crisis of 2008-2009 decimated demand for luxury sports cars, particularly from unknown manufacturers. When a proposed sale to an Asian investor collapsed in 2012, Artega filed for bankruptcy protection, ultimately selling to German automotive supplier Paragon AG, which ceased GT production immediately.
Today, the Artega GT occupies a unique position in automotive culture. Its extreme rarity—only 153 examples worldwide—has transformed it from failed business venture into coveted collector's item. Enthusiasts appreciate the GT for what it represented: a genuine attempt to build a world-class sports car outside the established manufacturer hierarchy, prioritizing engineering excellence and driving dynamics over badge prestige. The car's combination of Fisker styling, lightweight construction, and driver-focused dynamics creates an ownership experience distinct from mass-market alternatives. For those fortunate enough to locate and acquire one of these rare German sports cars, the Artega GT offers exclusivity that even six-figure exotics struggle to match, along with a compelling story of automotive ambition reaching for greatness despite ultimately falling short of commercial success.
The Artega GT serves as a reminder that automotive excellence alone cannot guarantee marketplace success. Superior engineering, beautiful design, and enthusiastic reviews proved insufficient to overcome timing, pricing, and brand recognition challenges. Yet this failure has paradoxically enhanced the GT's appeal among collectors who value the road less traveled, making these 153 examples increasingly sought after as automotive curiosities that deliver genuine driving pleasure wrapped in one of the automotive industry's most fascinating what-if stories. Production 2009–2012.