The new car brand Artega® is set to unveil a close-to-production prototype of its debut model. Artega®’s aim is the developmentand production of small-series sports cars thatbreak the mould. Artega®was the brainchild of engineers in the developmentdepartmentatparagon, the globally successful electronics supplier based in Delbrück, in the German state of North Rhine Westphalia. The company’s mission statementcommits itto providing a convincing and sustained demonstration of both all-round automotive expertise and a passion for sporty cars. Artega®and the Artega®GT representa new beginning,with no brief to bring a historical brand back to life and no nostalgia agenda.The challenging, international setting of the Geneva Motor Show makes this a fitting venue for the firstpublic unveiling of both brand and car.

The new Artega® GT combines the emotional appeal of a high-performance sports car with the defining attributes of a sports tourer.The developmentof the car hinged on four priorities:


•A distinctive design language. Renowned designer Henrik Fisker has created proportions with an unprecedented purity: broad, flat and compact. Given its restricted dimensions, an interior brimming with efficiency comes as something of a surprise.There is room inside the car notjust for two adults,butalso their luggage – and even a child seatcan be integrated as an option. •Agility, driving dynamics and safety. The key parameters in the developmentof the Artega®GT were lightweightconstruction and rigidity. A generously sized aluminium space frame teams up with a body made from carbon fibre-reinforced composite materials to ensure an impressive power-to-weight ratio. High-quality components sourced from the Volkswagen Group and a rear-engined arrangementmake for top-class performance.The V6 powerplantwith a direct-shift gearbox and a specially developed inverting stage was builtinto a compactmodule made from high-strength steel tubing. Active driving dynamics aids are an integral elementof the GT,while exceptionally effective crash boxes protectthe occupants in the eventof an accident. •Touring suitability. The developmentengineers attached greatimportance to creating an occupant-oriented package. A wide variety of stowage areas and two luggage compartments exceed the usual boundaries for a car with these dimensions.The key to this extraordinary spaciousness was the decision to mountthe engine horizontally in the rear of the car. •Controls.The expertise of the electronics specialists atparagon opened the door to a wide range of innovative control and driver information systems.With its groundbreaking new sensor switch panels and the unique dual-indicator speedometer/rev counter instrument, paragon’s all-new interior ambience represents a significantstandoutfeature of the new Artega®GT.
By the end of 2007 a state-of-the-artproduction facility will be constructed in Delbrück for the Artega®GT and other potential models.The new location will bring together componentmanufacturing,final assembly and a brand and sales centre,allowing the brand to meetthe broadestpossible range of customer specifications. The new Artega® GT is no show car. It documents the nascent brand’s intention to lay down a range of models which are designed for the long term and can secure ita place alongside the major manufacturers.The targetgroup for these small-volume cars is a selectband of enthusiasts who value ideas which step outside the norm and are therefore unlikely to be satisfied by large-series models. Artega®aims to enrich the sports car world rather than providing extra competition.