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Jensen’s new GT packs a supercharged 6.4-litre V8

21 March, 2015

Jensen Motors were perhaps best known for their Interceptor and FF models, British GT coupes powered by big Chrysler V8s, before the Jensen marque was relegated to the dusty ranks of history in 1976. Though a revival was made near the close of the 20th century, it was short-lived, and the company collapsed in 2002.

The company began automotive manufacture in 1934, and now, nearly 80 years later, their name is making a reappearance, attached to the new Jensen GT. The revival of the Jensen name is the doing of industry stalwart Tim Hearley, saying, “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.”

The Jensen Group is currently working to launch the Interceptor 2 in 2016, but until the all-new car is revealed, the Jensen GT will fill that gap quite nicely. Clay-model images for the Jensen GT reveal a modern take on the Interceptor’s lines, though the engine is no longer a Chrysler offering — instead, a GM (presumably LS-based) 6.4-litre supercharged, alloy V8, featuring fuel injection, VVT (variable valve timing), and dry-sump lubrication, through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The substantial powerplant’s output is stated to be 665hp, and 630lb·ft.

The suspension and brakes are said to be derived from the short-lived Jensen SV-8, comprising double wishbone suspension and multi-piston brakes. A spaceframe chassis with composite and aluminium body panels bring Jensen’s structural touches into the modern era, and promise a truly refreshing, modern GT. We look forward to seeing further progress on this modern British icon.

Motorman: Blame it on Rio!

22 May, 2025

Following the third polite advisory, I figured there had to be a fair degree of substance to the warning. “If this is your first visit to Rio de Janeiro, please be careful,” came the personal hushed dialogue from the pleasant hostesses on a far from crowded Varig flight from Los Angeles to the famous Brazilian seaside city.
The previous evening I had flown into LA from Auckland en route to the 1985 international launch of the Fiat Uno Turbo. I was prepared for another long haul of just under 12 hours across Mexico, central America, Colombia, and central Brazil to that nation’s third largest city. Surprisingly the 10,500km run from Los Angeles to Rio is actually longer than the 8800km LA-London air route.
With the journey including a brief stopover in Honolulu I expected to travel just under 44,000km for the return journey to sample what was to be a low-volume version of a popular Italian car that would sell in even lower numbers in New Zealand. I like to think this shows nothing more than my deep commitment to my craft. In fact, even though I became lost on the homeward journey my total air miles would be little different.

Pinnacle Porsche

15 May, 2025

We were stopped at the side of the road, setting up the next photograph, when a faded Toyota slowed alongside and stopped. The window was already down to give the driver a good look.
“That’s my dream car,” he said, speaking for more than a few of us.
He drank in the gleaming red paint, shining in the sun, and the car’s purposeful swoops and curves. He exhaled half a lungful of cigarette smoke, gave a hang 10–style thumbs up and drove off.
On the side of the road, against a clear blue background, the Porsche stood out in all its stark red glory. It’s the classic 911 shape on steroids. It has the fat, even pouty, front lip of the G series 911s, added to comply with 5mph bumper restrictions in the US. It also has the oversized haunches to accommodate the wider rear wheels and tyres – a first for Porsche, which also confirmed its supercar credentials – and, most noticeably of all, that enormous whale-tail spoiler. They made it look as if Porsche had abandoned its restraint.