Artega Automobil GmbH & Co. KG is not just another car manufacturer; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of automotive ingenuity and resilience. Based in Delbrück, Germany, the brand was founded in 2006 by Klaus Dieter Frers, a mechanical engineer with a rich history in the automotive industry. Known for his work with AEG-Telefunken and Nixdorf Computer, as well as his own company, paragon AG, Frers’ vision came to life with Artega's first product in 2007—a mid-engined sports coupé.
Artega initially gained recognition when the company presented its engineless prototype of the Artega GT at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. By the following year, a production-ready version was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, capturing attention and promising great potential. However, it's been a bumpy ride for the German automaker. After facing financial struggles and a change in ownership in early 2010, Artega filed for bankruptcy in 2012. A company controlled by Frers reacquired Artega later that same year.
Under new management, the company shifted its focus towards electric vehicles. The introduction of the Artega SE (Sports Electric) was a significant milestone. In contrast to its gasoline counterpart, the Artega GT, the SE utilized two electric motors that produced a combined 280 kW and offered a range between 200 to 300 kilometers.
Artega’s commitment to innovation did not stop there. The Scalo, a fully electric sports coupé, and the Karo, an electric ATV-like vehicle, were revealed at the 2015 International Motor Show in Frankfurt. But the brand didn't rest on its laurels. In 2017, the Scalo Superelletra was brought to the Geneva Auto Show—a three-seat coupé designed by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera that promised an astounding 1,020 horsepower.
Another noteworthy development occurred in December 2018, when Artega acquired the production rights for the Swiss electric car, Microlino. This acquisition marked an extension of the company’s electric vehicle specialization, encompassing both sports cars and more compact, urban-friendly models.
It's crucial to talk about some of the key models in detail. The Artega GT, for instance, was not just a sports car but a masterpiece of design and engineering. The GT featured an aluminum space-frame chassis with a carbon-fiber-reinforced bodywork. Powering this machine was a 3,598 cc direct-injection version of Volkswagen's VR6 engine, providing 300 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque at 2400 rpm. Similarly, the Scalo was a refinement of the SE and considered its successor. It featured two Voltabox electric motors that combined to produce 402.3 horsepower and 779.6 Nm of torque.
