ArtegaSE unveiled in Geneva, could hit market by April 2012 [w/VIDEO]

2012 ArtegaSE – Click above to watch video after the jump

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the ArtegaSE is a good example of how to convert an existing vehicle to electric drive done right. In this case, the Henrik Fisker-designed Artega GT provided the carbon fiber-reinforced polyurethane body with aluminum space-frame platform in which to install the battery-powered drivetrain. The result is a hot all-electric that keeps the 57/43 weight balance of the original despite adding 115 kg (253.5 lbs). Even with the extra heft, it is still quicker to arrive at the 100 km/h (62 miles per hour) benchmark, clocking in at just 4.3 seconds.

The Sports Electric gets its locomotion from twin 140 kW (187.7 horsepower) motors separately driving each rear wheel. If you glanced down at the custom instrument cluster whilst going flat out you'd discover top speed to be 250 km/h (155 mph). Packing 37 kWh in its lithium ion polymer batteries, range is said to be as good as 300 km (186 miles), though 200 km (124 miles) is a more likely distance. A welcome added touch is the variable regenerative braking with controls that are integrated into the steering wheel for adjustments on the fly.

With capacity to handcraft 500 units a year at its German facilities, Artega Automobil GmbH & Co. KG hopes to start production as early as next April. Provided, of course, it can drum up enough potential clients with €150,000 ($208,500 U.S. at today's exchange rates). Check out the gallery below before hitting the jump to watch the concealing cloth get stripped away in Geneva.