Performance Review: Jensen Interceptor Mk 2 6.3L V8 - [1969]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jensen Interceptor Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jensen Interceptor Mk 2 6.3L V8 is the 3 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1969. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS and the 1969 McLaren M6 GT 5.7 V8.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 Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1675 kgs (3692 lbs) this makes the Jensen Interceptor Mk 2 6.3L V8 in the same weight category as the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 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 330 bhp (246 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 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona (222.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jensen Interceptor.

The Jensen Interceptor has a Power to weight ratio of 197.0 bhp per ton and 253.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1969 Interceptor competing with the 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona (222.0 bhp per ton) or the 1992 TVR Chimaera 4.0 (221.6 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 253.7 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 2017 Mercedes GT AMG Roadster (278.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 2011 Ferrari 458 Spider 4.5 V8 (278.3 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.40 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.6 secs, this made the Jensen Interceptor Mk 2 6.3L V8 as fast as the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (6.40 secs) the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 200 1.6 Turbo (6.40 secs) the 2012 Subaru Forester STi tS 2.5L Turbo (6.40 secs) the or the 2011 Honda Civic 2.0i 16v VTEC Type R - FN2 (6.40 secs). This Jensen Interceptor Mk 2 6.3L V8 is also faster than the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs) the 2018 Abarth 595 Competizione 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs) the 2016 Subaru Legacy 3.6 R (6.50 secs) the and the 2016 Abarth 124 Spider 1.4 Turbo (6.50 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Interceptor and the 2004 Volkswagen-VW Touareg 6.0 W12 Sport

When talking about the performance of the Jensen Interceptor on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.19 secs @ 96.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2004 Volkswagen-VW Touareg 6.0 W12 Sport (14.13 secs), the 1993 Aston-Martin DB7 3.2 V6 (14.14 secs), and the 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth (14.14 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1969 version of the Jensen Interceptor Mk 2 6.3L V8 has a maximum speed of 137mph.

Top Speed of the 1969 Interceptor equals the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Woks 2.0 Turbo (148 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1969 Jensen Interceptor Mk 2 6.3L V8 then how about the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Woks 2.0 Turbo (148 mph), the 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo Auto (148 mph), or the 2012 Jaguar XJ V6 (148 mph).

Related Links:

1969 Interceptor Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jensen

Car Comparison