Artega SE Overview
The Artega SE (Sports Electric) represents an ambitious foray into the electric sports car segment by Artega, a German automaker known for the Artega GT. Unveiled in 2011, the Artega SE was designed to offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered sports cars without sacrificing performance or driving enjoyment. It stood as a testament to Artega’s commitment to innovation, blending the company’s sleek design language with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
Design and Engineering
Externally, the Artega SE shares its design with the Artega GT, showcasing the same striking aesthetics created by Henrik Fisker. This includes its aerodynamic silhouette, compact dimensions, and aggressive stance. However, the SE differentiates itself with its powertrain, utilizing electric motors to provide instant torque and a silent, emissions-free driving experience.
Performance and Powertrain
The Artega SE is powered by two electric motors, delivering a combined output of approximately 380 horsepower. This setup allows for rapid acceleration, with the SE capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.3 seconds, slightly quicker than its gasoline-powered counterpart. The vehicle’s top speed is electronically limited to maintain battery efficiency.
The electric motors draw power from a lithium-ion battery pack, strategically placed to maintain the vehicle’s balance and handling characteristics. While the SE’s range on a single charge was a significant consideration, it offered a respectable distance suitable for most daily driving needs and spirited driving sessions.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Artega SE maintains the premium feel of the GT, with a focus on high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The interior is designed to accommodate two passengers comfortably, with leather seats and a modern dashboard that includes an infotainment system and controls for managing the vehicle’s electric drive functions.
Production and Legacy
The Artega SE’s production was extremely limited, and it remains a rare sight on the roads. Financial difficulties led to Artega filing for bankruptcy in 2012, which curtailed the broader ambitions for the SE model. Despite this, the Artega SE is remembered for its pioneering approach to combining sports car performance with electric vehicle technology, paving the way for the future of electric mobility in the sports car segment.
Conclusion
The Artega SE is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when traditional sports car virtues of design and performance are melded with the latest in electric vehicle technology. It serves as a symbol of a transitional period in automotive history, where the shift towards electrification began to take hold in even the most performance-oriented segments of the market.
FAQs about the Artega SE
Q: How many Artega SEs were produced?
A: Production numbers for the Artega SE were very low, making it an exceedingly rare vehicle due to Artega’s financial issues and eventual bankruptcy.
Q: What is the range of the Artega SE on a full charge?
A: The Artega SE was reported to have a range of approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) on a full charge, though actual range could vary based on driving conditions and style.
Q: Can the Artega SE be charged at home?
A: Yes, the Artega SE could be charged at home using standard electric vehicle charging equipment, although charging times would vary based on the power source and charger used.
Q: How does the Artega SE compare to other electric sports cars?
A: While the Artega SE was among the early examples of electric sports cars, it showcased impressive performance that was competitive with other electric vehicles of its time. Its limited production run and the company’s subsequent bankruptcy, however, meant that it didn’t have the impact of some other models that followed.
Q: Is the Artega SE collectible?
A: Given its rarity, innovative technology, and the performance it offered, the Artega SE is likely to be considered a collectible among enthusiasts of electric vehicles and sports cars alike.
