One of the coolest names in automotive history, the Jensen Interceptor, is finally poised to make a return after 50 years, although the new car it’s attached to is a far cry from the original classic.
That’s because it’s set to make its return on the back of a GT3-style, track-only racing weapon – although don’t worry, a road car is coming down the track as well.
Created as a spin off from Jensen International, a company that produces restomods of the original, the first model due to enter production under the new Jensen Works banner is the Interceptor GTX.
Hand-built in the UK around a lightweight aluminium, bonded extrusion chassis, it might feature some cutting edge technology but there are still some decidedly old-school touches.
Rather than modern electric power steering, Jensen Works has opted for hydraulic power assistance to allow more connection to the front wheels, noting that its 20-inch wheels come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport treads.
It also features AP Racing brakes with steel discs, rather than carbon ceramics, noting that brake balance and ABS settings can be dialled in by the driver.
The reason for the hardcore hardware, however, is because of its ballistic performance. Packing a supercharged 6.8-litre V8 under the bonnet, based on the General Motors LT series engine, it delivers 716kW and 1356Nm en route to a 7000rpm redline. All that power is channelled to the rear wheels alone via a six-speed sequential transmission.
It’s also worth noting that the company claims this engine could “safely” deliver as much as 895kW and 1491Nm. That’s a far cry from the performance of the original Interceptor’s various Chrysler V8s.
Of course, the track-only Interceptor GTX isn’t all the company is planning. Two road-going Interceptors are also due to be spawned from this platform, the luxurious GT and sporty GTR.
Visually, there is some clear inspiration drawn from the design of the original, particularly from the side and rear-quarter views, but the true intention is for this ‘new’ Interceptor to resemble what the original Jensen company would be producing today had it survived.
Keep in mind, however, that a production location and timeline is yet to be confirmed, although indications suggest the Interceptor GTX will cost around £850-950k (A$1.6-1.8 million), although the road-going versions will be closer in price to the likes of other British luxury grand tourers.
