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June 22, 2025 – The Jensen Interceptor name is back, and it has shed its grand-touring refinement for a full-on racing suit. Sixty years after the original Italian-styled British coupe debuted, Jensen International has revealed the Interceptor GTX, a track-only prototype packing a 1,200-horsepower supercharged V8 and a true six-speed sequential manual gearbox. This is no mere heritage tribute; it’s a proof-of-concept for a new generation of road-going Jensens, and a statement loud enough to shake the competition.
From Suave GT to Winged Track Monster
The 1966 Interceptor was a smooth, elegant grand tourer designed for long-distance comfort. The GTX shares almost nothing with that car beyond the badge. Instead, it’s a stripped-out, caged, and aerodynamically aggressive weapon. The aluminum body, handcrafted by Coventry Metalcraft over a bonded aluminum chassis, takes 600 hours of artisan labor. But under that skin lies an FIA-approved safety cage, polycarbonate windows, carbon-fiber seats, and a full carbon aero package generating over 350 kg of downforce. It’s a deliberate trade: manners for muscle, and Jensen makes no apologies.
The Heart: A 6.8-Liter Supercharged V8 Built in Texas
Under the hood sits a 6.8-liter supercharged V8 developed by Texas-based Late Model Engines. A Roots-type 2.65-liter blower forces air into the big V8, delivering 960 hp in standard tune and a maximum of 1,200 hp with torque exceeding 1,491 Nm. Fewer than 20% of its components are stock; the rotating assembly is fully forged. The engine sits up front and drives the rear wheels—a layout purists will appreciate. According to Jensen International, the GTX is the first step in a powertrain development program that will also offer a twin-turbocharged V8 option for the road car.
A Manual That Lets You Choose
The gearbox is the enthusiast’s dream: a Samsonas Motorsport six-speed sequential with straight-cut dog gears. It can be operated via a traditional tunnel-mounted lever or steering-column paddles, giving drivers the choice to row their own gears or go hands-on. A carbon-fiber propshaft sends power to a rear-mounted transaxle. In an era where even hypercars hide behind paddle shifters, Jensen’s commitment to offering a real stick is a genuine treat. The company says the road-going version will keep the manual option, though an automated shift may be available for those who prefer.
Track-Ready Hardware, Road-Car Ambitions
The rest of the spec reads like a race car because it essentially is one. AP Racing brakes with floating steel discs, Nitron three-way adjustable dampers on double aluminum wishbones, a Wavetrac differential with configurable launch control, and Michelin racing slicks complete the package. The GTX is not street-legal, but Jensen International plans to build a limited series of road-legal variants following the prototype’s testing phase. Pricing is expected to start above $400,000, with production slated for late 2026.
A New Chapter for a Historic Name
Jensen International is positioning the GTX as a halo car to re-establish the brand’s engineering credibility. While the original Interceptor was a luxurious cruiser, the GTX aims to compete with track-focused hypercars like the Ferrari FXX K, McLaren Senna GTR, and Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro. The company has already received expressions of interest from collectors and racing teams. “This is not a retro car; it’s a statement of intent,” said a spokesperson. “We wanted to show what Jensen can do when we build the ultimate track tool.”
Why This Matters
The revival of the Interceptor nameplate marks a strategic pivot for the British marque. After years of building restomods and continuation cars, Jensen International is now developing an all-new architecture. The GTX prototype serves as a test bed for active aerodynamics, hybrid-assisted drivetrains, and advanced composite construction—all of which could trickle down to future road cars. Industry analysts note that the brand’s decision to go track-only first is a smart way to build hype and validate technology before committing to a production road car.
Conclusion: An Unapologetic Return
The Jensen Interceptor GTX is a radical departure from the car that inspired it, but it honors the original’s blend of British craftsmanship and American V8 power. With
