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Jensen To Be Revived With New Interceptor GT

Diversity in the automotive industry is a good thing. We always welcome new entrants that aim to bring something new or different to the marketplace. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, we saw two new automotive efforts make appearances – Croatia’s Rimac Automobili and coach builder Eterniti Motors from England.

Eterniti was a bit of a disappointment thanks to its very clear resemblance to the Porsche Cayenne SUV. Rimac, however, was an impressive launch that we very much hope will make it to production.

Many times, independent efforts fold, such as the revival of Jensen in 1998. Yes, Jensen of Interceptor fame. That effort, which took form as the S-V8, launched in 1998, but it collapsed and didn’t see full-scale production like Jensen had intended. The S-V8 didn’t draw on the company’s heritage all that much; it was an all-new model.

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Healey Sports Cars Switzerland, which owns the rights to the Jensen name, is trying again over 10 years later to bring back the brand. Healey and Jensen were two different companies in the past, but they worked together on the sportscar that was known as the Jensen-Healey.

Unlike the previous attempt, HSCS wants to build on Jensen’s history. That mean producing a new model that evokes the Interceptor. The original Interceptor was perhaps Jensen’s defining vehicle. The new car will be constructed from aluminum, like the original, and update the new Interceptor’s unique styling cues for a modern era.

We like the sounds of that – and the looks of the computer renderings released by the company. A New Interceptor GT seems like a perfect competitor to Ferrari’s just-introduced FF. . HSCS founder Brendan O’Toole says: “The Jensen design team has respected and honoured the great heritage and attributes of the original Interceptor, while injecting a contemporary edge and advanced technologies that will ensure it appeals to the passionate, discerning motoring enthusiast of today.”

Jensen says the work on the new Interceptor GT is at an advanced stage, but deliveries aren’t expected to be delivered until 2014. The company intends the new Interceptor to make its debut late next year. We assume more details, like pricing and ordering information, will be made available then.