Warwickshire-based Wells Motor Vehicles is because of ramp up manufacturing of the Vertige – its 850kg mid-engined coupé – to round 12 automobiles this yr, earlier than doubling that determine in 2027.
The Vertige made its debut on the 2021 Goodwood Pageant of Velocity, having been conceived as founder Robin Wells’ dream sports activities automotive. Manufacturing of a restricted run of Founders Version automobiles started in 2023.
The Vertige’s design was finalised earlier than any engineering work passed off, after which level engineer Robin Corridor – whose CV consists of the Mika Meon electrical buggy, FBS Census sports activities automotive and a number of other stints at Mini, JLR and others – then developed a chassis to accommodate its compact proportions.
In addition to being good to take a look at and enjoyable to drive, Wells supposed for the Vertige to be simple to stay with. That manifested in a comparatively easy powerplant: the confirmed Ford Duratec four-cylinder, right here displacing 2.5 litres and placing out 208bhp in commonplace configuration.
An R specification with 250bhp – giving a power-to-weight ratio of 212.5bhp per tonne – has since been added to the vary.
Inside, you get conventional clocks, a small touchscreen with Apple CarPlay connectivity and a variety of customized finishes or upholstery choices.
Robin Wells advised Autocar: “Consider your numerous [Caterham] Sevens and scaffold-type automobiles. I need the entire sensation of one thing which is alive and peppy, however it’s super-solid, it is obtained correct construction.
“If it rains, it does not hassle you: you’ve obtained a heated entrance windscreen. It is obtained Apple CarPlay, Android Auto. It is obtained Bluetooth, double glazing within the rear glass. It’s that candy spot between one thing that’s guide and back-to-basics in a way of enjoying a piano, however it’s a lovely piano.”
He added that “I’m intentionally making a easy car”, due to “how irritating it’s to drive fashionable automobiles”.
“You possibly can’t go anyplace with out going via 100 menus and turning a great deal of stuff off, which then comes again on once more for those who’ve gone to get a espresso or one thing,” he defined.
“Peace of thoughts and calmness of thoughts is the brand new luxurious, and that is the philosophy that I am following right here.”
