Jensen is one of Britain’s best-loved classic nameplates but its output since the original Interceptor and FF has been patchy at best.
The last officially-sanctioned model produced by the company was the S-V8, launched in 2001 but now there’s a new car on the way – the Jensen GT.
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‘This represents the next chapter of Jensen,’ says executive chairman of The Jensen Group, Tim Hearley, ‘and we want Jensen enthusiasts to help us celebrate as we unveil a completely new car and outline our plans for the future’.
Should the car make it through to production unscathed, there should be plenty to celebrate.
The GT takes the format of a front-mid engine two-door coupe, constructed from machined aluminium ribs to which composite and aluminium panels are bonded – something Jensen calls a ‘modern version of Superleggera construction’. Jensen is aiming for a weight target of 1530kg.
The doors are steel, while the passenger compartment uses a carbonfibre and foam sandwich-style construction bonded to a steel spaceframe. From the chassis hangs independent double wishbones at each corner, a design derived from the S-V8.
Just as with The Jensen Group’s resto-modded Interceptors, power comes from a GM-sourced V8. In this instance the unit is supercharged for 665bhp, while buyers will be able to choose between a six-speed semi-automatic or six-speed manual. All GTs are rear-wheel drive and adjustable traction control will be standard.
The company intends to produce just a limited number of GTs, as the car is intended as a stop-gap before an all-new ‘Interceptor 2’ arrives in 2016.
Jensen will not reveal further details of the Interceptor 2 at this stage, only that it ‘may involve collaboration with an established automotive group’.
