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Artega, the all-new German sports car firm aiming to build a “serious” £50,000 alternative
to the Porsche Cayman, has confirmed that it will start building right-hand-drive cars early next year, and it has already begun establishing a UK dealer structure.
The company, spun off car components giant Paragon, has a team including ex-BMW engineering guru Karl-Heinz Kalbfell. It is putting the finishing touches to an all-new factory in the Westphalian city of Delbruck where production will star...Read the full article

This is my absolute most favourite car in the whole wide world ! I simply am so happy to hear that they are beginning sales for the UK! Lucky you guys! Now all I gotta do is wait till they tell me they are coming to Japan! Have fun with it and enjoy the Artega GT guys!

I've just been on the phone to Germany to see when I can get my hands on one...mid 2009 apparently...tried putting a deposit down but no go until they confirm RHD drive deliveries. 

 Been driving Lotus for years but needed something a bit bigger so I bought a Cayman S, love it's performance, handling is great, build quality superb ( compared to a Lotus ) but where is the soul? Character?  Hethel has promised a sportscar one up from the Elise for years ( I have totally ignored the sorry Europa on purpose) and couldn't wait any longer...so Porsche it was.

 I am hoping the Germans can make something with a soul.  Bring on the Artega!

Remember images of this in previous autocar.  My instant impression was: this is the Porsche Cayman Porsche should 've made.

After seeing this new image, and checked Google Images and seen even more pics of the Artega, I'm even more convinced, in terms of design, this is the Porsche Cayman Porsche should have made.   

In case you didn't know Artega have their own site at http://www.artega.de where all pictures, sales brochures and so on are there.

Autocar:

The company, spun off car components giant Paragon,

I think you over-egg this. Paragon AG's turnover last year was €109m and they employ around 600 persons. It's a young(only 20yrs old), ambitious, high-tech outfit, but hardly a Bosch or Siemens(yet).

Lotus Man:

I've just been on the phone to Germany to see when I can get my hands on one...mid 2009 apparently...tried putting a deposit down but no go until they confirm RHD drive deliveries. 

 Been driving Lotus for years but needed something a bit bigger so I bought a Cayman S, love it's performance, handling is great, build quality superb ( compared to a Lotus ) but where is the soul? Character?  Hethel has promised a sportscar one up from the Elise for years ( I have totally ignored the sorry Europa on purpose) and couldn't wait any longer...so Porsche it was.

 I am hoping the Germans can make something with a soul.  Bring on the Artega!

Lotus Man, I'd be interested to hear about you experiences of driving Lotuses (Lotuii?), if you care to share.

The Artega looks real good and well finished. I wonder how it compares to the Cayman.

Had my first 120bhp Series 1 back in 1999 and then swapped that for a Series 2 111s in 2003.  Both cars were a hoot to drive.  Don't believe the much vented "usually loads of trouble" rubbish, both cars mechanically were more reliable than my '03 Mercedes E Class which was sent back for 2 gearboxes and engine management problems!

Lotus need attention, i.e. tyre pressures need checking every week, oil needs topping up, don't thrash them when the engine or tyres are cold.  Give a little TLC and it'll put the biggest smile on your face this side of a 911 GT RS.  If you can't be bothered with that buy an Xbox. ( Read  : Z4, MX5, SLK )

 Had to sell the '03 111s as my back gave way and so I am resigned to driving a Porsche Cayman S.  

Loved every minute I drove the Lotus's ( Lotusii ) and would recommend it be on the NHS for true enthusiasts.  You have to own one before you die! 

 

Lotus Man:

..Had to sell the '03 111s as my back gave way and so I am resigned to driving a Porsche Cayman S.  ..

lol, it can't be that bad driving a Caman S, can it?. :D

It sure sounds like a lot of TLC involved in driving/owning a Lotus, but I guess, as long as you reap the rewards it's worth it. Thanks for the post.