JIA plots 770hp hybrid Jensen Interceptor FF
British tuner reckons it can future-proof Jensen's all-wheel-drive legend with front-mounted electric motors
Probably you’ll remember Jensen International Automotive. As the name suggests, the firm has been tinkering with the fabled Interceptor for years - most famously with the restomodded LS3-powered R it introduced a decade ago. More recently it has turned its attention to the Range Rover Classic with various derivatives of the well-received (and likely very profitable) Chieftain. But evidently JIA has not lost its appetite for seeking out ways to enhance the Jensen’s hand-built grand tourer: behold the hybridised Interceptor Mk5.
Yes, 'Mk5' because the Interceptor only made it to a fourth generation before the original Jensen went belly up, but also because JIA presumably wants to plant a flag in the concept - this after all, is a re-engineered version of the pioneering FF. So it isn’t a cheap or modest undertaking; a good example will cost you six figures before the tuner has laid a finger on it. Plus, of course, JIA will need to convince people that re-engineering the rare and really rather special Ferguson Formula drivetrain is a good idea in the first place.
But the Chieftain - which is now available with both plug-in and pure EV propulsion - has apparently persuaded the company that such a market exists. It has also provided JIA with the experience and skill set needed to create a bespoke hybrid solution for the FF. The plan is to fit a 35kWh battery that would power two electric motors ‘housed in an FF style subframe and drive shafts’ for 120hp at the front axle, while a 650hp GM LT4 V8 drives the back wheels. While that would provide owners with a combined peak output of 770hp, they would also have the option of ‘using Petrol or Electrical energy separately if desired.’
“EV is an inevitability in the industry, so we’ve looked to combine the performance and character of the big V8 with the benefits of a hybrid powertrain, as we have already proven in our critically acclaimed Classic Range Rovers,” said Managing Director, David Duerden. “The resulting performance is quite eye-opening.” That much we can believe. As you might also expect, the Mk5’s redeveloped powertrain will feature OEM-spec electrical architecture and management systems, and be offered with a host of other engineering upgrades perfected by JIA over the years. Without confirming a projected price, the firm reckons ‘fewer than ten vehicles [will] be built to special order only’. So you better move fast if it sounds like your cup of tea.
Besides, the LT4 will make 800hp with a bit of light tuning.
Interceptor always a bit 'meh' to my eyes, preferred the earler cv6 and cv8 brutes.
Hopefully there is a special corner of Hell for people who a) modify an FF to look like that or b) electrify them.
https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/jaguar/e...
The comical, seventies wide arches belong an a purple Ford Anglia with a sunstrip saying "DAVE 'n SHARON", banded steels and a cherry bomb. Also, the smallest engine available in an Interceptor was a 360 cu in (5.9 litre) V8, so it wouldn't exactly struggle to keep up with modern traffic - why does it need to be faster? Surely better to go with either a modern, efficient (relatively) V8 for driveability, OR full-on EV with a huge range, which - given the space available for battery storage - could surely be achieved.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jensen_Interceptor
The comical, seventies wide arches belong an a purple Ford Anglia with a sunstrip saying "DAVE 'n SHARON", banded steels and a cherry bomb. Also, the smallest engine available in an Interceptor was a 360 cu in (5.9 litre) V8, so it wouldn't exactly struggle to keep up with modern traffic - why does it need to be faster? Surely better to go with either a modern, efficient (relatively) V8 for driveability, OR full-on EV with a huge range, which - given the space available for battery storage - could surely be achieved.
Suspect they are better off spending their time perfecting the Mk5 but maybe the interest in these is drying up and they need to do something.
I wish them well - would love a well restored Jensen, but appreciate that even the best ones are usually problematic and it helps if you have an oil well in your back garden.....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jensen_Interceptor
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