Performance Review: Jensen Interceptor Coupe 7.2 V8 - [1975]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Jensen Interceptor Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Jensen Interceptor Coupe 7.2 V8 is the 3 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1975. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1976 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 and the 1975 Lotus Esprit S1 2.0.This particular Jensen Interceptor has a 7206cc 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 1969 kgs (4340 lbs) this makes the Jensen Interceptor Coupe 7.2 V8 in the same weight category as the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD or the give or take 50kg.

The Jensen Interceptor shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 7206cc 16V V8 engine produces 215 bhp (160 kW) @ 5200 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 330 lb-ft (447.4 Nm) @ 3200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (332 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 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 2005 Audi A3 2.0T FSI S-Line (134.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Jensen Interceptor.

The Jensen Interceptor has a Power to weight ratio of 109.1 bhp per ton and 167.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1975 Interceptor competing with the 2005 Audi A3 2.0T FSI S-Line (134.0 bhp per ton) or the 2005 Skoda Octavia 2.0 FSI vRS (134.0 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 167.5 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 1955 Ford Thunderbird 292 Fordomatic 1st Gen. (192.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 1997 Ford Mustang GT 4.6 V8 (192.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 9.60 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.9 secs, this made the Jensen Interceptor Coupe 7.2 V8 as fast as the 2009 Citroen DS3 1.6 HDi 110 (9.60 secs) the 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (9.60 secs) the 2003 Skoda Fabia 1.9 vRS 130bhp (9.60 secs) the or the 1993 Bentley Brooklands 4d (9.60 secs). This Jensen Interceptor Coupe 7.2 V8 is also faster than the 2005 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (9.70 secs) the 1996 BMW 3 Series 318is 4d Saloon E46 (9.70 secs) the 1994 Peugeot 106 Rallye (9.70 secs) the and the 1984 Peugeot 604 GTi 2.8 V6 (9.70 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Interceptor and the 1998 BMW 7 Series 740i E38 Auto

When talking about the performance of the Jensen Interceptor on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 17.23 secs @ 79.4 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1998 BMW 7 Series 740i E38 Auto (17.16 secs), the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (17.16 secs), and the 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa (17.19 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1975 version of the Jensen Interceptor Coupe 7.2 V8 has a maximum speed of 130mph.

Top Speed of the 1975 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 1975 Jensen Interceptor Coupe 7.2 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:

1975 Interceptor Rivals List.

A Brief History of Jensen

Car Comparison