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Artega’s new model future and interview
By
Georg Kacher
Industry news
08 September 2008 12:50
What about personalisation of Artega products and future models?
‘We need to the get the basics right before we can think about customising the car,’ says Kalbfell. ‘That’s why there are no plans yet for a perfectly feasible King of the Ring version.
‘Instead of moving upmarket, the next iteration of the Artega theme would rather concentrate on a lighter and more economical four-cylinder engine. By 2010, we would also like to see the soft-top version enter production. At this point, the capacity is restricted to 500 units per year in single-shift operation, but it is logistically quite easy to double this number since we own enough land to build an extension next to the mother plant.’
What options can Artega customers spec?
For now, the options are limited to six exterior and four interior colours, plus optional Sport Cup tyres which are even wider and allegedly both grippier, as well as less forgiving.
Just about the only available factory options are lightweight rims, metallic paint and partial or full leather trim.
What about sales in North America?
‘Mid-term, US sales are a must,’ admits Kalbfell. ‘But since we need to prepare ourselves well for this important move, late 2010 looks like the earliest possible date. As it happens, that’s when the second bodystyle should get the nod. After all, roadsters have traditionally always done very well in the US...’
Click ‘Next’ to read the rest of our interview with Artega
For our full drive of the new Artega GT, buy the latest October 2008 issue of CAR Magazine. Click here for a digital preview
