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.

1975 Suzuki RE5

Suzuki had high hopes for its RE5 Wankel-engined bike launched in 1975. It had started looking at the Wankel engine in the mid-60s and bought the licence to the concept in 1970.
Apparently all of the big four Japanese makers experimented with the design, Yamaha even showing a rotary-engined bike at a motor show in 1972. But Suzuki was the only one of the big four to go into production. Like many others at the time, Suzuki believed that the light, compact, free-revving Wankel design would consign piston engines — with their complex, multiple, whirring valves and pistons, which (can you believe it?) had to reverse direction all the time — to history.

Westside story

For the young Dave Blyth, the Sandman was always the coolest car and he finally got one when he was 50. “I have always had a rule. When you turn 50, you buy or can afford to buy the car you lusted after when you were 20. I was 20 in 1979 and the HZ Sandman came out in 1978. It was the coolest of the cool — I just wanted one,” he says. “Back then a Sandman cost $4500 new and a house was worth about $20,000. I made about $30 a week so it was an impossible dream then.”
Dave was heavily influenced by the panel van culture of the time. “I started with an Escort panel van and upgraded to a Holden HD panel van with a 186ci six cylinder. I started a van club, Avon City Vans.