Wells Motor Cars has updated its debut sports car, the Vertige, now offering a bigger engine as standard along with enhanced comfort for taller occupants.

The new Series 2 Vertige replaces the earlier 2.0-litre version of the well-known Ford Duratec four-cylinder engine with a larger 2.5-litre variant. This upgrade delivers a notable increase in torque, and Wells claims that it significantly improves in-gear performance.

In Autocar’s March road test of the 2.0-litre Vertige R, reviewers had noted an “occasional hiccup below 2000rpm on a wide-open throttle”.

Speaking to Autocar, company founder Robin Wells said that the updated car now offers quicker throttle response, comparing its behaviour to modern turbocharged and electrified engines. He added that it’s now possible to “pootle about in third” in the Vertige, making it more tractable in everyday driving.

With the increase in displacement, the standard Vertige’s power output rises from 205bhp to 225bhp.

The performance-focused Vertige R model will no longer be produced. Wells explained that the R was always intended as a limited-run package aimed at track enthusiasts, particularly those who also owned supercars. However, after initially offering it to specific customers, Wells decided to make it available to all Vertige owners, and the entire production run quickly sold out. He had expected it to remain a special option and was surprised by the strong demand.

Wells added that the Vertige’s chassis has “always been good enough and capable” of handling more power than the standard model originally offered. The adoption of the 2.5-litre Duratec engine also ensures a more stable and sustainable supply moving forward.

He further emphasised that he doesn’t want customers to serve as test subjects for new developments. The company’s development car, which Wells personally drives daily, has used the new powerplant since early 2025. He said he is fully confident in its performance and character compared to the earlier 2.0-litre engine.

The updated Vertige also introduces an optional Quaife ATB limited-slip differential. Wells explained that while the Vertige isn’t primarily designed for track use, the differential enhances traction both on circuits and during spirited road driving. “It will open up a new way of enjoying a Vertige,” he commented.

To improve ergonomics for taller drivers, the car’s structure has been subtly re-engineered to free up an additional 70mm of interior space. While the external dimensions remain unchanged, the front bulkhead has been pushed back to add around 20–30mm of extra legroom, and the rear bulkhead has been “scalloped” to increase headroom by a similar margin.

Inside, a new infotainment touchscreen replaces the older Sony unit used in previous models. The new display is larger and now sits flush within the dashboard for a cleaner look.

Wells mentioned that the firm is “working on the general quality of materials” and expanding the range of personalisation options, including the availability of high-end Connolly leather upholstery.

Despite these updates, the Vertige maintains its lightweight credentials with a dry weight of just 860kg, making it considerably lighter than mainstream alternatives such as the 1103kg Alpine A110, the 1335kg Porsche 718 Cayman, and the 1446kg Lotus Emira V6.

Production of the original Vertige is nearing completion, with Series 2 assembly set to begin next year. Prices now start at £84,995.

According to Wells, the company has the capacity to produce up to 25 cars per year, each built to individual customer specifications. So far, five buyers have already placed deposits for the Series 2 Vertige, leaving 20 build slots available for 2027.

Reflecting on Wells Motor Cars’ position as a small British sports car manufacturer, Robin Wells said, “I’m very conscious that what I’m trying to do has been done, attempted and failed on countless occasions, and there’s no guarantee that we’ll succeed, but there’s no guarantee that we’re doomed to fail either. We’ve delivered on every single benchmark that we wanted to deliver on, and customer cars are on the road.”

He added that the company “knows exactly where we want to be”.

Building a sense of community among Vertige owners is central to Wells’ long-term vision. He hosted the Vertige Owners Club’s third Christmas dinner last December, and the group recently completed its first driving tour with eight owners taking their cars through the Peak District. “Everybody had a great time, and we’re planning between 12 and 15 cars next year,” he said.