We like the idea of niche automakers releasing limited-run models in the automotive market; it gives the whole entrée of choices some diversity. And it seems that in the past few months, more and more of these small-scale manufacturers have started to step forward to offer consumers an alternative to what we’re most often used to.

Melkus Sportwagen GmbH may not be the most popular carmaker in the world today, but nevertheless, the German brand still knows a thing or two about building a lightweight sports car. At the Top Marques in Monaco, Melkus will be introducing two new versions of the RS2000 sports car: the GT and GTS.

The two models are the latest iterations of the R2000 line, giving its customer base more powerful options to choose from. Both the RS2000 GT and RS2000 GTS will each come with state-of-the-art materials to go with more powerful engines.

Like we said, it’s hard to gauge the interest level on a car like this given its ‘niche’ status in the industry, but considering the way these cars are being presented, both the RS2000 GT and the RS2000 GTS could make strong impressions when they break cover in Monaco in a few days.

Details on the Melkus RS2000 GT and GTS after the jump.

Exterior and Interior

Full spec details on the exterior and interior of the GT and GTS models of the RS2000 will be revealed at the Top Marques in Monaco, but Melkus has nevertheless released some information on what to expect for the two models, specifically the more powerful GTS version.

According to the German brand, both the GT and the GTS will come with an adjustable suspension system, a lightweight bodykit and a high-performance braking system. Meanwhile, the GTS model will come with a number of high-end materials, including a carbon-fiber front spoiler and rear wing, a carbon-fiber diffuser, side guides, and an interior that also features a carbon fiber trim.

Performance

The RS2000 GT is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower, while the GTS model comes with a 2.0-liter turbo four engine that comes with 350 horsepower. These numbers translate to a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds for the RS2000 GT model and 3.9 seconds for the RS2000 GTS model.

Pricing

According to Melkus, the RS2000 GT will come with a base price of €122,000, or about $176,300 based on current exchange rates. Meanwhile, the GTS version will have a base price of €148,000, or about $214,000.

Melkus has long maintained its belief in producing limited run - 25 models a year - vehicles and it figures to be no different with the GT and GTS versions of the RS2000. On the other hand, there's still no official announcement on how they're going to divide the number of cars produced for the GT and GTS models.

Competition

Here's the one problem we have with the GT and GTS models of the RS2000: for everything they offer, they are ridiculously overpriced.

Sure, the cars' performance specs are mighty impressive, but for that price, you can actually score the top-of-the-line Audi R8 GT, which has a 5.2-liter V10 engine and an output of 560 horsepower, almost twice as much as the GT version of the RS2000.

While Melkus might try to harp on the car's lightness - the models only weigh 975 kg - the Artega GT could jump in and take the R8 GT's place. Sure, it's over 300 kg heavier than the RS2000, but with that 3.6-liter V6 engine, it has enough power - 296 horsepower - to keep up with the RS2000. And the best part about the Artega GT when you compare it to the new Melkus models? It's priced at just around $100,000, which is about half of what the RS2000 models cost.