The original Jensen Interceptor, and its unusual all-wheel-drive variant, the FF, were beautiful, powerful coupes. Notably, though, they weren’t pure sports cars. They were really GT cars, combining some sportiness, but not compromising comfort or practicality. The company went under decades ago, but lives on today through Jensen International Automotive. It has made its name restoring and upgrading old models, but is now moving onto making a true, new Interceptor. However, it’s going in a totally new direction.
Close-up of the Jensen Interceptor GTX from the rear three-quarter angleJensen
It’s Only For The Track
In addition to the single new teaser shown at the top of this post, the other big news from Jensen about its Interceptor GTX is that it will be a track special. So you can forget about taking the GTX on a trip to the Riviera or up the California coast. At the very least, Jensen says that the early GTX track car will spawn other versions including road cars and, apparently, even more serious track machines.
What Else We Know About The Interceptor GTX
Even though the track focus of the GTX is odd considering the Interceptor’s legacy, the rest of the car sounds much closer to the original idea of the car. The silhouette shows that it will still be a long, fast-back coupe with traditional rear-drive proportions. An close-up shot of the car from the rear three-quarter angle shows a sail panel that’s a clear reference to the thick, trapezoidal C-pillars found on the original cars. The newest image does show some of the modern influences, such as the heavy use of carbon fiber in the rear diffuser.
Silhouette of the Jensen Interceptor GTX in profileJensen
Jensen has also revealed that the chassis and body will be made from aluminum, and powering it will once again be a V8, just like the originals. Jensen says it will be supercharged, and we suspect it will be sourced from GM. Currently, you can get a supercharged LT4 V8 in the company’s restomod vehicles. Assuming it’s used in stock configuration from GM, that LT4 makes 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Jensen also pairs this engine with an 8-speed automatic. It’s entirely possible, though, that Jensen may make some tweaks to the configuration for the GTX.
The GTX will also be built at Jensen’s UK facility, and we should be seeing it revealed fairly soon. The company still says it will launch this year to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the original Interceptor’s launch. We are halfway through the year, though, so time is running out for the reveal.
Jensen International Automotive (JIA). Jensen InterceptoR Supercharged. Motion. RestomodJensen Sales
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
What’s interesting about Jensen’s plans is that they’re not totally unique. Just like how Jensen has revived the long-dead British car company by building freshened versions of the brand’s most iconic vehicles, Bizzarrini is doing nearly the same. The company started building reproductions of the 5300 GT Corsa race car, and it’s taking steps toward building completely new models. It has plans for a fully modern machine, and in-between, it’s building a more custom variant of the 5300 GT.
It’s possible that this path offers an easier way to starting a car company. It can get its footing and build experience with construction by working on existing designs and cars. It’s also a way to get some customers and some steady revenue, rather than hoping to get enough investment capital to reach production. We’ll be watching the development of both of these companies with great curiosity.
