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Jensen Motors has officially brought back the Interceptor nameplate — but not as a retro homage. The new Interceptor GTX is a ground-up, track-only supercar that swaps the original’s gentlemanly grand touring character for raw, circuit-bred aggression. As of March 31, 2025, the British manufacturer has confirmed the first variant in a three-model lineup: a 960-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive beast powered by a supercharged 6.8-liter V8.
The original Jensen Interceptor, produced from 1966 to 1976, was a stylish hatchback that earned a cult following but never mass-market fame. Fewer than 6,400 units were built across coupe, convertible, and hatchback bodystyles. Now, nearly five decades later, the revived company is taking a radically different approach. Instead of chasing nostalgia, Jensen is targeting modern performance benchmarks with a fully bespoke chassis, carbon-fiber bodywork, and a six-speed sequential transmission.
The GTX is the first expression of this new strategy. It is not road-legal — it’s designed exclusively for track days, testing, and private circuits. Jensen’s managing director, David Duerden, explained the rationale: “We chose to begin with the track-focused GTX because it is the clearest first expression of the new program. It allows us to prove the engineering and design direction behind the car, while giving prospective customers something tangible and fully functional to experience.”
Under the hood lies a supercharged 6.8-liter pushrod V8 — a unit that bears no relation to the old Chrysler-sourced V8s that powered the original Interceptor. The new engine delivers 960 hp and is mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox driving the rear wheels. No official weight or lap times have been released, but the company claims the GTX uses a lightweight carbon-composite monocoque and pushrod suspension, suggesting a power-to-weight ratio that will rival top-tier hypercars.
Jensen has not yet announced pricing, but industry insiders expect the GTX to command a seven-figure sum. For context, the original Interceptor started at around £3,700 in the UK and $16,900 in the US when new — a far cry from the likely cost of this modern reincarnation. The company is taking private orders, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2025.
Looking ahead, Jensen will expand the lineup with two additional variants. The GTR, slated for a 2026 launch, will be a road-legal, road-focused version of the GTX, likely with slightly detuned power and comfort-oriented features. The GT, expected later, will return to the Interceptor’s grand-touring roots, offering a more refined interior, longer-range fuel tank, and adaptive suspension for long-distance cruising. This three-tier strategy mirrors the approach of brands like Aston Martin and Ferrari, which offer both track and road variants of their halo models.
The revival of the Jensen name is itself a story of resilience. The original company collapsed in the 1970s, and the brand has changed hands several times since. The current owners, a group of British investors led by Duerden, acquired the rights in 2020 and have spent the past five years developing a modern platform. “We’re not trying to relive the past,” Duerden said in a recent interview. “We’re building a car that honors the spirit of the Interceptor — bold, V8-powered, and unmistakably British — but engineered for the 21st century.”
One of the key challenges for Jensen will be establishing credibility in a market dominated by established players. The GTX is a limited-production model, with only 20 units planned for the first year. That exclusivity, combined with its track-only nature, positions it as a collector’s item rather than a volume seller. Analysts note that the car’s success will hinge on its performance credentials and the ability to attract high-net-worth enthusiasts who already own Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and McLarens.
From a design perspective, the new Interceptor GTX is a dramatic departure from the original. The classic fastback silhouette has been replaced by aggressive aerodynamic lines, a large rear wing, and a prominent front splitter. The cabin is stripped back to the essentials: a digital instrument cluster, a roll cage, racing seats, and a fire extinguisher. No infotainment system, no sound deadening, no leather — just raw performance.
For fans of the original, the GTX may seem like a betrayal of the Interceptor’s grand touring DNA. But Jensen argues that the modern interpretation must stand on its own. “The GTX is the purest expression of our engineering capability,” Duerden said. “It’s not a retro car. It’s a statement that Jensen is back — and we’re serious.”
With the GTR and GT models on the horizon, the company is clearly betting on a multi-tier approach to win over both track-day enthusiasts and touring connoisseurs. Whether the new Interceptor can escape the shadow of its predecessor and carve out a new legacy remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the roar of that supercharged V8 will be heard on circuits around the world.
