Iconic Jensen back on the road with limited edition GT

Posted on 25 Feb 2015 by Jonny Williamson

Almost 80 years since the Jensen name first appeared on cars, it's been announced that the famous brand will return with the opportunity to order the first officially sanctioned model in more than a decade.

Tim Hearley, executive chairman, the Jensen Group
Tim Hearley, executive chairman, the Jensen Group

Described as the “rebirth of the brand”, the formation of the Jensen Group is the start of the next chapter in the Jensen story, following the collapse of the car manufacturer in 2002.

Spearheaded by industry stalwart Tim Hearley, the return allows enthusiasts to purchase an officially sanctioned car, the Jensen GT.

As the man responsible for the return of Jensen, and the force behind defending the Jensen trademark for almost four years, Tim Hearley, executive chairman of The Jensen Group, commented: “This represents the next chapter of Jensen and, as we look to the future, we want Jensen enthusiasts to help us celebrate as we unveil a completely new car and outline our plans for the future.”

Jensen GT – technical specifications:

  • Format – Front mid engine, 2 door with separate boot
  • Body shell – Machined aluminium ribs profiled to body contour to which lightweight exterior panels in composites and aluminium are bonded; doors are steel
  • Suspension, Brakes & Steering – SV8 derived front & rear; fully independent double wishbone with anti roll bars incorporating aluminium members & uprights.
  • Brakes AP – Road Fr 350mm Rr 300mm discs & multi piston calipers
  • Powertrain – GM-based aluminium 6.4 litre supercharged V8, direct injection, VVTi with DoD capability and dry sump lubrication; six speed semi-automatic transmission to rear wheel drive or optional; six speed manual gearbox to rear wheel drive; adjustable electronic traction control on all options
  • Interior trim – leather & alcantara with range of bespoke options. Interceptor R inspired dashboard & controls, +2 rear seating or optional upholstered area Brightwork – all in metal
  • Wheels – Forged aluminium single piece Front 19” x 8” Rear 19” x 10”
  • Overall weight estimation – 1530 Kg
  • Power output – 665 bhp Torque – 630 lb/ft

The Jensen Group is currently engaged on a project to launch Interceptor 2 in 2016, which may involve collaboration with an established automotive group. The Jensen GT will fill the gap between the last true Jensen, the Interceptor of 1976, and an all-new, modern car thought to be revealed sometime in 2016.

According to the company, this new model, classed as Interceptor 2, will take “design cues from the classic Interceptor” and will advance the concept of the original grand tourer, to provide “a thoroughly modern and exciting vehicle.”

Despite several companies claiming to be the spiritual home of Jensen, the Jensen GT is the first new car to legitimately bear a Jensen badge in the more than 13 years, since the demise of the S-V8 in 2001.

This extremely limited edition will be built under an agreement between the Jensen Group and Banbury-based Jensen International Automotive (JIA), well known for their modified Interceptor R models. Expected to be extremely limited edition, the Jensen GT will be available exclusively through JIA at a reported cost of £350,000.

A statement on the Jensen Group website notes: “It’s a lot of time and resources to get this far, and we’re under no illusion that reviving this great marque is not a straight-forward exercise.

“The team behind this project is highly experienced and provides the skills required to see this through to conclusion.”