The Jensen GT is a British sports car. It was introduced by Jensen Motors in 1975 as the shooting-break version of the Jensen-Healey. During its short production run from September 1975 to May 1976, 511 Jensen GTs were built before Jensen Motors went into receivership.
The only estate-bodied Jensen car made, the GT represented, along with the Coupé, the company’s swansong. It remained in production right up until the last day the company was in operation before the liquidation in May 1976. Introduced alongside the Coupé at Earls Court in October 1975, the GT shared the dubious distinction of being a model introduced under the shadow of receivership with that car.
Although the GT was not unveiled until late 1975, ideas for something like it had been around for almost as long as the Healey. Drawings of an estate version can be discovered from as early as 1972.
From 1974 to 1976, only 511 GTs were made with 230 of them being sent to Mainland UK and 260 were sent to the USA. The first Jensen GT was made in 1974, the next 216 made in 1975 and the final 294 were made in 1976. This makes the oldest Jensen GT 48 years old. Had the cars continued in production for longer than circumstances allowed, GTs would probably have followed the Healey in finding their way to North America in larger numbers.
Thank you to our client, Mr C, for letting us show of his incredible Jensen GT!
Give our friendly team a call on 02380 268 351 we would be happy to help!
Sports car tyres make a major contribution to the ability of high-performance sports to “stick to the road”. These tyres are very complex products meeting numerous, largely contradictory demands. Finding the proper structure that balances these demands for any given application is the great challenge in tyre design.
Porsche manufacturers and designs some of the highest performance vehicles in the world, as a result tyres play an integral role in vehicle performance. Porsche has integrated tyre development throughout their process of vehicle development. To that extend to be an Original Equipment tyre provider on a Porsche vehicle or be approved by Porsche for the replacement market requires the joint product development efforts of the tyre engineers working alongside the Porsche vehicle engineers.
N-Rating
Not all Production tyres make the grade and fort those that have passed all of the tests and received the engineering department’s release can be branded with an N-specification. The N-specification brandings include: N-0 (N-zero), N-1, N-2, N-3 etc. These markings on a tyre’s sidewall clearly identify them as approved by Porsche for their vehicles. The N-0 marking is assigned to the first approved version of a tyre design. As that design is refined externally or internally, the later significant evolutions will result in a new generation of the tyre to be branded with N-1, N-2, etc, in succession. When a completely new tyre design is approved, it receives the N-0 branding and the succession begins again. Recently N has been updated to NA for all new tyres with the designation NF used for the all-electric models.
Research and Development
The focus in recent radial tyre development for Porsche vehicles has included optimum handling on dry surfaces and the safest possible behaviours on wet surfaces, even at high speeds. Tyres developed by various tyre manufacturers, in conjunction with Porsche, offer a specific set of wet grip properties which few, if any, other automobile manufacturers demand in equal measure from the tyres they use on their vehicles. Tyres may be specified for a particular vehicle or range of vehicles and must successfully pass the tyre company’s laboratory, track and race tests to assure that they would be capable of adequately supporting the Porsche vehicle. Approval testing ensures tyres can reach their top speed on the Autobahn whilst meeting Porsche’s noise, hydroplaning, high-speed durability, uniformity, serviceability and handling requirements.
Changing Tyres
It is recommended that only matching tyres be used on Porsche vehicles. Since many Porsche vehicles are fitted with differently sized tyres on their front and rear axles, this means matching the tyre make, tyre type and N-specification. If a vehicle was originally delivered with N-specification tyres that have been discontinued and are no longer available, it is recommended to change all four tyres to a higher numeric N-specification design appropriate for that vehicle. Mixed tyre types are not recommended. Tyres should be replaced no less than in pairs on one axle at a time. Only tyres of the same tyre make and type must be used. However, in case of tyre damage such as cuts, punctures, cracks or sidewall bulges that cause a single tyre to be replaced for safety reasons, the remaining matching tyre on that axle must not exceed 30 percent wear to the other axle tyre. Otherwise, both axle tyres need replacing, as handling inconsistencies may result if this is not done.
Porsche Tyres
Brand new tyres do not offer their full traction during the first 60-100 miles, therefore drivers should therefore drive at moderate speeds in order to bed in new tyres. If new tyres are installed on only one axle, a noticeable change in handling occurs due to the different tread depth of the other tyres. However, this condition disappears as new tyres are broken in. Drivers should adjust their driving style accordingly. It is also important to know that while Porsche N-specification tyres have been fine tuned to meet the specific performance needs of Porsche vehicles, the tyre manufacturers may also build other tyres featuring the same name, size and speed rating as the N-specification tyres for non-Porsche applications. These tyres may not be branded with the Porsche N-specification because they do not share the same internal construction and/or tread compound ingredients as the N-specification tyres. Using tyres that are not N-specific is not recommended and mixing them with other N-specification tyres is not permissible.
If there is a car model gap to be filled, rest assured that every car manufacturer will ensure it’s filled. Presenting the latest Porsche 911 GTS that has landed to fill that crucial gap between the Carrera S and the full-beans GT3. A car which possibly could be the only new 911 that you could ever need.
Porsche tell us that the new 992 GTS generation is “inspired by the 904 GTS race car of the 1960s, with the letters GTS identify Porsche models that offer a carefully curated combination of performance, style and emotion.” Either way this modern 911 GTS has been a very popular and very successful model in the 911 range. Rightly so, as it hits that sweet spot popular model in the 911 range since it was first introduced twelve years ago, with the highest retained values of any 911 Carrera model.
The GTS sits between the Carrera S and the GT3 in its specification, power and potential, but this time it has a few more tricks borrowed from the 911 Turbo to add to its arsenal. Powered by the trusty 3.0-litre flat-six turbo it produces more power than the 992 Carrera S and more than the previous GTS. There’s 473bhp on offer with 420lb ft of torque on tap, all a moderate increase from its predecessor.
Available with all the options in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive sporting the choice of the super slick 8 speed PDK automatic gearbox and the all-important 7 speed manual, which we will come back to later. PDK is the unpronounceable ‘Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe’ which translates as Porsche dual-clutch gearbox, if you were wondering. Spec GTS with Carrera 4 All-wheel drive and using launch control with the PDK box 0-62mph will be despatched in just a mere 3.3 seconds. So really all the pace you could ever need.
Visually, there are a few clues to the GTS being the GTS. Namely, the ‘GTS’ badge and its black satin 20in front alloys and 21in rear alloys, black highlights across the body, with the exhaust tip and the spoiler lip painted black, as are the dynamic LED headlights and model-unique GTS tail-lights. All GTS cars have the fitment of the ‘Sport Design’ pack as standard.
As for a helping hand from the 911 Turbo since GT3 technology is off-limits, the suspension is 911 Turbo ‘derived’ modified for this GTS with adaptive dampers aka PASM, Porsche Active Suspension Management. The Coupe and Cabriolet GTS models get a 10mm lower Sport chassis which translates into stiffer springs, adapted shocks, anti-roll bars and a new PASM control, but the Targa GTS only gets PASM.
There are a few more Turbo tricks with rear-axle helper springs proudly explained by Porsche as “a development shared with the Turbo models”, which means it keeps the main springs under tension in all conditions, which is probably not a bad ideal when you’re knocking on the door of being a 500hp sport car. Not forgetting the legendary Porsche brakes which have also been pinched from the 911 Turbo, which are thankfully massive 408mm front and 380mm rears discs. Porsche also assures us the noise this GTS makes will be a special one, cue the standard sports exhaust with some clever upgrades.
On the inside and keeping the sporting GTS theme, there’s a bit less interior insulation and for those feeling like a GT3 driver there is the option of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bucket seats which do look gorgeous. Along with the option of thinner window glass and a lightweight battery save up to 25kg as part of the optional Lightweight Package, which also happens to deletes the rear seats and adds rear-axle steering. Otherwise, the interior GTS is marked out by extensive use of Porsche’s Race-Tex upholstery, which is their version of Alcantara fabric with some tasty carbon fibre interior trim inserts.
For those you can’t get a new GT3 for love or money this is car to get, which is why I should strongly recommend the new generation of ‘light operation’ Manual gearbox. I’m told that over a Carrera S the excellent manual has a “particularly short lever throw” which outlines it’s GT credentials and is the must have specification for owners. Truth be told most owners will opt for the PDK which is shame as I’ve driven the manual and with all of its clever technology assistance this is unlike any old style manual gearbox.
The 911 GTS is on sale now, priced from £108,920 as the Coupé, £118,720 as the Cabriolet and £124,300 as the Targa, available now but that manual is worth a closer look.
This article was provided by our friends at www.911uk.com – the Porsche enthusiast club.
The Emira is an all-new mid-engined premium sports car that perfectly embodies the ongoing transformation of the Lotus business and brand. It features all the hallmarks that the automotive world has come to expect from a Lotus – striking design, thrilling dynamic performance delivering best-in-class ride and handling, outstanding aerodynamics and an unrivalled experience ‘For The Drivers’.
All-new mid-engined sports car perfectly embodies ongoing transformation of iconic British sports car manufacturer
Striking design, delivering exotic supercar appeal in sports car segment
Inspiration from Lotus Evija hypercar clear in fluid surfaces and crisp feature lines
Developed on Lotus’ recently announced Sports Car Architecture
Two petrol engines available, including new-to-Lotus 2.0-litre turbocharged ‘i4’ from technical partner AMG
Much-loved and characterful 3.5-litre supercharged V6 from Exige and Evora to feature as ‘First Edition’ range-topper
Manual, automatic and Dual Clutch Transmission to maximise global appeal
Power output from 360 to 400 hp at launch
0-62mph (0-100km/h) in less than 4.5 seconds
Top speed of up to 180mph (290km/h)
Target weight of 1,405kg in its lightest form
Prices will start from under £60,000 (under €72,000)
Building on the legacy of the Elise, Exige and Evora, the Emira represents a quantum leap forward for Lotus. Those instantly recognisable brand signatures and core values have been combined with a paradigm shift in levels of practicality, comfort, functionality and technology.
Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars commented: “The Emira is a game-changer for Lotus. It stands as a beacon of everything we have achieved to date in the transformation of the business, the embodiment of our progress. It is a highly significant milestone on our path to becoming a truly global performance car brand.”
The Emira has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis, technology pioneered by Lotus and which remains an intrinsic part of the company’s sports car DNA. That innovative vehicle architecture is wrapped with a bold and sculpted design using cues clearly developed from the Evija. Key dimensions of the Emira are length 4,412mm; width 1,895mm; height 1,225mm; and wheelbase 2,575mm.
First customer cars will start to be delivered around the world from next spring. Powering the Emira will be a choice of two petrol engines, both globally respected for their performance characteristics. At launch, the first cars will be available as limited-production ‘First Edition’ models powered by the much-loved and Lotus-honed 3.5-litre V6 which cut its sports car teeth powering the Exige and Evora.
From summer 2022, the first new Lotus sports car engine for more than a decade makes its debut, with the Emira powered by AMG. The new-to-Lotus AMG unit is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder ‘i4’ from the performance division of Mercedes-Benz.
Working with Lotus for the first time, AMG has come on board as technical partner on the Emira programme, with some fundamental changes made to the in-line four-cylinder set-up for its Lotus debut. Transverse-mounted and delivering rear-wheel drive, the unit has been modified with a new air intake system and new exhaust to suit the character of the Emira. The second engine is more familiar, the 3.5-litre supercharged Toyota V6 that is so loved by drivers of the Exige and Evora. Cars will be available with a manual, automatic and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
09Across the Emira range, power output will between 360 and 400bhp at launch, with 0-62mph (0-100km/h) acceleration in less than 4.5 seconds and top speeds of up to 180mph (290km/h). Maximum torque will be 430Nm and CO2 emissions will start below 180g/km. The car has a target weight of 1,405kg in its lightest form, and prices will start at less than £60,000 (less than €72,000).
Manufacturing will take place at Lotus’ famous home in Hethel, Norfolk, following more than £100million of new investment in the company’s UK facilities. The highly skilled operations teams will be supported by new processes and technologies to enhance production efficiency, volume capability and overall quality.
This article was provided by our friends at www.thelotusforums.com – the Lotus official communication partner.
The car of the day is the fantastic Nissan Skyline Gt-R.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a sports car based on the Nissan Skyline range. The first cars named “Skyline GT-R” were produced between 1969 and 1972 and were successful in Japanese touring car racing events. This model was followed by a brief production run of second-generation cars.
This wonderful sports car is insured and has plenty benefits that we can offer at AIB. The policy has legal expenses cover, choice of repairer, agreed value and salvage retention. We can offer additional benefits such as replacement vehicle and excess protection making sure your gorgeous classics are fully covered and there is no need to worry!
Call our friendly and knowledgeable car team on 02380 268351 for a bespoke quotation and see what benefits we can offer you today!
Thank you to Mr N for sharing your lovely photos with us.
There are so many makes and models of cars available to buy in the UK that it is often difficult for the motorist to make the right choice. Many of you will have read reviews of vehicles carried out by What Car? and some will have used these to help in deciding on a particular vehicle.
Well, in January, What Car? in Association with Warranty Direct will announce the winner of their prestigious Car of the Year Awards 2016. A long list of 138 cars have been fortunate to be nominated for this award with 21 of the cars being manufactured in the UK. Apparently, those that are on the list have only been placed there because they have met strict criteria.
The cars have been put into various categories – city car, small car, family car, electric car, coupe, estate car, MPV, hot hatch, convertible, small SUV, large SUV, compact executive car, large executive car, sports car, and luxury car. There is also a safety award as well as a reader award.
Some of the cars in the city car category include the Fiat 500 and Vauxhall Viva. The small car category includes vehicles like the Audi A1 and Mini Cooper 5dr. The family car category includes cars like the Skoda Octavia and Ford Focus. The electric car category includes vehicles such as the Audi A3 e-tron and the VW Passat GTE. Within the coupe category you will find cars like the Bentley Continental GT and Seat Leon SC. The estate car category includes many vehicles including the Ford Mondeo and BMW 3 Series Touring.
The MPV category includes cars like the Ford C-Max and Seat Alhambra. In the Hot hatches category you will find cars such as the Ford Fiesta ST and Honda Civic. The convertible category includes the likes of the Citreon DS3 Cabriolet and Fiat 500C.
The small SUV category incudes cars like the Nishan Qashqai and the Renault Kadjar. The large SUV category includes vehicles such as the Audi Q7 and the Volvo XC90.
Within the compact executive car category you will find cars such as the DS 5 and the BMW 3 Series. The large executive car category includes vehicles like the Audi A7 Sportback and the Porsche Panamera.
The sports car category includes cars like the McLaren 570S and the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT. The luxury car category includes the likes of the Jaguar XJ and the Rolls-Royce Ghost 11.
Those featuring in the safety award category include such vehicles as the Audi A4 and the Honda Jazz. Within the reader category there are cars like the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Toyota Prius.
The full list can be found on the What Car? website.
Many of you will have heard of Auto Express that provides reviews of cars and keeps its readers up to date with news from within the car industry. In fact, its magazine sells more per week than any of its competitors – it has in excess of 30,000 weekly subscribers.
With so many makes and models of cars on the roads these days, we are sure that you will agree that it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. Of course, everyone has different requirements and opinions when it comes to cars. A family car may appeal to someone that has a spouse and three young children in view of its size. A two-seater sports car may appeal to the young single executive.
Well, Auto Express has received car ratings from more than 61,000 drivers here in the UK with a view to identifying the top 200 cars to own in 2015 in order to produce their “Driver Power” survey. We are sure you will agree that is an awful lot of people to have taken part so it provides a meaningful assessment.
The following categories were rated by motorists about their cars: –
The winning car – the Lexus IS, a premium brand vehicle, scored very well in all categories with the exception of practicality. It did best of all in: ease of driving, ride quality, reliability and build quality. In fact, Lexus models featured on 5 occasions in the top 20. Congratulations to them. It will be interesting to see if there is an increase in the sale of their range of vehicles.
The cars were also placed in classes i.e. family, sports and executive and the average ratings for each class are given below: –
I. Executive 88.73%
II. Off Road/SUV 87.94%
III. Compact Family 87.55%
IV. Family Car 87.54%
V. Compact Executive 87.39%
VI. Supermini 86.97%
VII. Sports Car 86.66%
VIII. MPV 86.47%
We trust that you have found the above to be informative and you can obtain further information about the survey at the following website; –
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