Jensen Interceptor GTX debuts with 960 bhp V8 track car
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The all-new Interceptor GTX, a 960bhp (973 PS) rear-wheel-drive track-only car, previews future road-going GTR and luxury GT models
Jensen International has unveiled the Interceptor GTX, an all-new track-focused prototype that previews the engineering and design direction of future road-going Jensen models. Designed, engineered and handcrafted in the UK, the GTX combines a bonded aluminium chassis with a hand-formed aluminium body and a supercharged 6.8-litre V8 producing 960bhp (973 PS). Jensen says the front-engined, rear-wheel-drive performance car is neither a restomod nor a continuation model. The GTX arrives 60 years after the 1966 Jensen Interceptor and serves as an engineering template for two planned road cars: an Interceptor GTR, effectively a street-legal version of the GTX, and a more luxury-focused Interceptor GT.
Modern Interceptor design
The GTX takes inspiration from the original Interceptor’s long bonnet, compact cabin and muscular rear proportions, while adopting a more contemporary performance car design.
Its floating rear roof section and wraparound glasshouse reference the original car, while the front gets slim LED lights and large functional air intakes. At the rear are a full-width LED light signature, large diffuser and exposed aerodynamic elements.
A front splitter, flat underfloor, rear diffuser and two-plane rear wing form part of the aero package, with the adjustable rear wing capable of generating more than 350kg of downforce. Jensen says around 80 per cent of the GTX’s exterior form is intended to carry over to future road-going models.
Hand-built aluminium construction
The GTX’s aluminium body is handcrafted by Coventry Metalcraft using a combination of traditional coachbuilding techniques and modern digital development. Jensen says up to 600 hours are spent preparing the body for paint.
Inside are an FIA-approved safety cage, Tillett carbon-fibre competition seats, six-point harnesses and a MoTeC digital display, while Alcantara trim and orange detailing add some GT character.
960bhp supercharged V8
The bespoke 6.8-litre V8 was developed by Late Model Engines in Texas and uses a 2.65-litre Roots-type supercharger.
Jensen says fewer than 20 per cent of the engine’s components are sourced from GM, with the rest comprising a forged rotating assembly and motorsport-grade hardware.
In the GTX, output is 960bhp (973 PS). Jensen says the engine specification is capable of producing up to 1,200bhp (1,217 PS) and more than 1,100 lb-ft (around 1,490 Nm) of torque, depending on application and power map. It revs to 7,000rpm.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Samsonas Motorsport six-speed sequential transmission, with shifts operated by either a lever or steering-column paddles. A Wavetrac differential, adjustable traction control and launch control are also fitted.
Track-focused chassis
The GTX uses an all-aluminium bonded chassis, double-wishbone suspension front and rear, three-way adjustable Nitron dampers and hydraulic power-assisted steering. It rides on 20-inch forged Vossen wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.
Braking comes from an AP Racing motorsport system with floating steel discs, competition-derived pads, configurable ABS and adjustable brake balance.
The Interceptor GTX will now undergo further dynamic testing and development. Jensen plans to follow it with the road-going Interceptor GTR and, later, a more luxury-oriented GT model.
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