Jensen Revives Iconic Name with 960-HP Track Prototype

Key points

• Jensen International acquired the trademark for the Interceptor name to launch a new vehicle lineup.
• The first model, the GTX, is a track-only car with a 6.8-liter supercharged V8 producing 960 hp.
• The car features an aluminum chassis, hand-finished body panels, and a six-speed sequential manual transmission.
• Future road-legal models, the GTR and GT, are planned to follow the prototype's success.
• The project is a partnership with Jeff Quale, whose father previously owned the Jensen brand.

Background

The Jensen Interceptor was a famous British grand tourer produced from 1966 to 1976, known for its elegant design and American V8 engines. Jensen International Automotive has spent the last 16 years restoring and modifying classic Jensens and Range Rovers, including an electric Range Rover called the Chieftain. This new project marks the company's first attempt at building a new car from scratch rather than restoring old ones.

How outlets are covering it

Autocar emphasizes the car's role as a development tool for future road cars, noting the partnership with Jeff Quale and the potential for a four-door GT. Car and Driver highlights the 960-hp output and the car's status as a 'field of dreams' supercar, questioning if buyers will follow. MotorTrend focuses on the engineering details, such as the aluminum chassis choice over carbon fiber for cost and modularity, and the involvement of Avant Design. Robb Report provides visual confirmation of the car's design, noting the massive rear wing and the blend of modern tech with traditional craftsmanship. All sources agree on the 960-hp figure and the track-only nature of the GTX, though Autocar notes the potential for 1,200 hp in later tuning.

Why it matters

The revival of the Jensen brand signals a potential new player in the ultra-luxury, low-volume market. If the GTX prototype proves successful, it could lead to a new generation of high-performance grand tourers that compete with established brands like Aston Martin and Bentley, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern engineering.

What to watch

Jensen plans to spend six months testing the GTX prototype on track to gauge customer reaction and refine the design. If successful, the company will proceed to develop the road-legal GTR and GT models. Pricing for the GTX is estimated at £850,000-£950,000, with road cars expected to cost more. Production volumes and locations are still undecided.