Jensen Interceptor reborn with supercharged V8 engine
The Jensen Interceptor has officially been resurrected, with the nameplate now affixed to a wild aero-laden track car powered by a thumping supercharged V8.
Jensen is back, with the British brand brought back to life 50 years after it ended production in its most famous state – but its first car isn’t the grand tourer most people remember.
Well known for the Interceptor, the new Interceptor GTX takes inspiration from its namesake but goes in a completely different direction, aimed at track buyers rather than long-distance motorists.
Featuring a slim grille, vented bonnet, large air intakes, a front splitter, plus a rear wing and diffuser that would make a GT3 car blush, the GTX is clearly an attempt to discard the easy-going gentleman driver image of Jensen’s past.
With an aluminium, bonded-extrusion chassis, Jensen claims the Interceptor GTX is lightweight but strong, while its suspension setup features double wishbones at the front and rear, paired with custom-built Nitron three-way adjustable dampers.
To give it a classic touch, the steering is hydraulically power-assisted, rather than relying on a more modern electric system, giving greater connection between the driver and the Michelin Pilot Sport tyres which wrap around its 20-inch wheels.
The Interceptor GTX’s intentions are clear when you notice its AP Racing brakes, with Jensen electing for steel discs, though drivers can adjust brake balance on the fly, and also make changes to its ABS settings.
All this becomes clear when the engine specs are revealed, as the Interceptor GTX is powered by a General Motors LT-based supercharged 6.8-litre V8.
According to the brand, the GTX develops 716kW and 1356Nm before reaching its 7000rpm redline, however the engine can “safely produce” up to 895kW and 1491Nm, a number classic Jensens could only dream of achieving.
While the Interceptor FF was one of the world’s first all-wheel drive production cars, the GTX continues with a traditional rear-wheel drive layout, delivering its monstrous outputs to the rear axle through a six-speed sequential manual transmission.
Inside the motorsport flavour of the Interceptor GTX is clear, with a simple steering wheel, Motec dash, roll cage, carbon fibre seats and six-point racing harness providing a relatively raw experience.
Though it has only shown off the finished version of the GTX in real life, Jensen plans for the Interceptor brand to grow, saying its “longer-term vision includes the development of a road-going Interceptor GTR with the same analogue philosophy and high-performance character as the GTX, followed by a more luxury-oriented Grand Touring model”.
“The Interceptor GTX is the first physical expression of our vision for the future of Jensen,” said Jensen International managing director, David Duerden.
“It combines everything we believe a modern Jensen should be – individual, engaging, beautifully engineered and rewarding to drive.
“While this is only the first step, the GTX gives a clear indication of where we are heading and marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the marque, laying the foundations for future road-going ultra-high-performance GTR and luxury GT models.”
