Artega GT: The Coolest Sports Car You've Never Heard Of

It takes a bit of a car geek to have heard of the Artega GT, while to actually recognise one results in an immediate diagnosis of Obsessive Carpulsive Disorder.

The GT was produced by Artega to directly challenge Porsche’s Cayman, which is no mean feat. To achieve this they called on some big names. The GT was designed by Henrik Fisker, who at the time was most famous for his work on Astons and who would go on to form Fisker Automotive. The man bringing it to market was Karl-Heinz Kalbfell, well known for exploits with BMW’s M division.

So with Fisker at the pencil and paper, the GT was always going to be a looker. Being generous it’s not too different from an Alfa 4C, perhaps the distant cousin of a Lotus Evora and McLaren MP4 love child. Whatever the comparisons it can hold its own, thanks to its teeny dimensions, juxtaposed bubbly features and muscular stance. And with wheels pushed far into its extremities it was always going to handle well.

Fortunately it isn’t all show and no go. Powering the rear wheels is a mid-mounted, 297bhp, 3.6-litre V6 engine that was nicked from the range topping Volkswagen Passat CC. But don’t let that put you off. Remember how the old Focus ST was basically a 5-pot Volvo engine with a tune up? In the GT the VW engine is mated to an excellent DSG twin-clutch gearbox that gives the lightweight frame Porsche-whipping shove. And just listen to that noise...

Unfortunately Artega went out of business in July last year, with the last GT rolling off the production line in late September. But, again, don’t let that be a bad omen. Bought out by Paragon, they will still service your GT. So there. You have no excuse. Go forth and delve into those classifieds. You won’t be disappointed.