Fifty years after the original production run ended, the legendary nameplate is making a high-performance comeback. Jensen International Automotive (JIA), based in Banbury, has officially confirmed that its upcoming flagship model will be named the Interceptor GTX.
This marks a significant pivot for the company. While JIA has built a reputation for high-end “restomods”—taking classic Interceptors and modernizing them—the GTX will be their first “clean-sheet” design. This means it is not a modification of an old car, but an entirely new vehicle built from the ground up.
A Modern Take on Analogue Driving
In an era where many supercars are becoming increasingly digital and automated, the Interceptor GTX is aiming for the opposite direction. JIA is positioning the GTX as an “ultra-high-performance” luxury GT that prioritizes a purely analogue driving experience.
For enthusiasts, this implies several key features:
* Manual Transmission: A focus on driver engagement rather than computer-aided shifting.
* Tactile Controls: A cabin likely filled with physical switches and knobs, echoing the mechanical feel of the 1960s originals.
* Lightweight Engineering: The car will sit on a lightweight aluminium chassis, a move designed to maximize the power-to-weight ratio.
The Heart of the Beast: A Bespoke V8
While specific technical details remain under wraps, industry insights suggest the GTX will draw its muscle from American engineering. The car is expected to utilize a powertrain derived from the latest Chevrolet Corvette.
The standard Corvette 6.2-litre V8 produces 495bhp and 452lb ft of torque, but JIA has noted that the GTX will feature a “bespoke” powertrain. This suggests the engine will be tuned or modified specifically to suit the unique characteristics of the new British GT.
To put this in perspective, the original Interceptor used a 6.3-litre Chrysler V8 that delivered just over 250bhp. The new GTX is poised to offer nearly double that power, signaling a massive leap in performance capability.
Design and Exclusivity
Early imagery confirms that the GTX will honor its heritage through its silhouette. Expect the classic hallmarks of a grand tourer: a long bonnet, a raked roofline, and a low-slung, aggressive stance.
Because the vehicle will be hand-built in “ultra-low” production numbers, it will occupy a highly exclusive niche in the automotive market. This scarcity, combined with its bespoke nature, suggests the Interceptor GTX will carry a premium price tag aimed at serious collectors and driving purists.
What’s Next?
While an official launch date has not been set, the timing points toward a summer debut. Given JIA’s emphasis on the car’s British heritage, a reveal at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July is a strong possibility.
“JIA is taking the theme of the luxury British GT to fresh, thoroughly modern heights,” says Managing Director David Duerden.
The Interceptor GTX represents a bold attempt to marry classic grand touring aesthetics with modern supercar performance, targeting a market hungry for mechanical purity in a digital world.
