Performance Review: Jensen Interceptor FF 6.3L V8 - [1968]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jensen Interceptor Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jensen Interceptor FF 6.3L V8 is the 3 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1968. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1969 McLaren M6 GT 5.7 V8 and the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429.This particular Jensen Interceptor has a 6286cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Interceptor shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Interceptor's All Wheel Drive, Hatchback combination then how about the or the .

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1830 kgs (4034 lbs) this makes the Jensen Interceptor FF 6.3L V8 in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin DBS 770 Ultimate 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Jensen Interceptor shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 6286cc 16V V8 engine produces 325 bhp (242 kW) @ 4600 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (348 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 425 lb-ft (576.2 Nm) @ 2800 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (418 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (443 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Jensen Interceptor you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1986 Porsche 928 S4 5.0L V8 (202.5 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jensen Interceptor.

The Jensen Interceptor has a Power to weight ratio of 177.5 bhp per ton and 232.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1968 Interceptor competing with the 1986 Porsche 928 S4 5.0L V8 (202.5 bhp per ton) or the 1992 Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA - Classic JDM (202.5 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Jensen Interceptor generating around 232.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia (257.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 2010 Bentley Continental SuperSports Flying Star (257.0 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.0 secs, this made the Jensen Interceptor FF 6.3L V8 as fast as the 2010 Citroen DS4 200 1.6 Turbo (7.70 secs) the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi (7.70 secs) the 2005 Audi Q7 4.2 V8 (7.70 secs) the or the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt CZT 1.5 Turbo (7.70 secs). This Jensen Interceptor FF 6.3L V8 is also faster than the 2017 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-3 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2015 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-2 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD (7.80 secs) the and the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 (7.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Interceptor and the 2007 BMW 1 Series 135i 2d Coupe M-Sport

When talking about the performance of the Jensen Interceptor on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.12 secs @ 96.9 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2007 BMW 1 Series 135i 2d Coupe M-Sport (14.05 secs), the 1969 Bristol 411 6.3 V8 (14.05 secs), and the 2004 Porsche Boxster S 3.2 987 (14.05 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1968 version of the Jensen Interceptor FF 6.3L V8 has a maximum speed of 130mph.

Top Speed of the 1968 Interceptor equals the 2010 Audi A1 A1 1.4 TFSI S-Tronic (141 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1968 Jensen Interceptor FF 6.3L V8 then how about the 2010 Audi A1 A1 1.4 TFSI S-Tronic (141 mph), the 2009 Renault Clio 2.0 RenaultSport III 200 Cup (141 mph), or the 2006 Seat Leon 1.8 20vt Cupra R 210 (141 mph).

Related Links:

1968 Interceptor Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jensen

Car Comparison