Few Japanese sports cars have earned the legendary status of the original Honda NSX. When it arrived in 1990, it challenged the established European supercar formula with its mid-engine layout, lightweight construction, and remarkable everyday usability.
More than three decades later, the first-generation NSX remains one of the most celebrated driver’s cars of its era. Its naturally aspirated V6, manual transmission, and carefully balanced chassis continue to appeal to enthusiasts who value mechanical engagement.
Italian design house Pininfarina and racing specialist JAS Motorsport have now joined forces to reinterpret that formula for a very different kind of customer. Their project combines the recognizable proportions of Honda’s original supercar with extensive mechanical upgrades and completely redesigned bodywork.
The finished creation is called the JAS Tensei, taking its name from the Japanese word for rebirth. With just 35 examples planned, this extraordinary restomod promises modern performance while preserving the qualities that made the NSX special.
Pininfarina Gives The NSX A Carbon-Fiber Makeover
The Tensei keeps the unmistakable silhouette of the first-generation NSX, including its signature pop-up headlights, now incorporating modern LED technology. However, its wider stance, sculpted surfaces, and more aggressive aerodynamic details give it a distinctly contemporary appearance.
Pininfarina has replaced the original aluminum exterior panels with bespoke carbon-fiber components, including the fenders, bumpers, hood, doors, and rear bodywork. A carbon-fiber flat floor, front splitter, and rear diffuser further distinguish the Tensei from its donor vehicle.
The extensive use of lightweight materials helps achieve a claimed dry weight of approximately 2,756 pounds. Customers can also specify exposed carbon-fiber bodywork, emphasizing the craftsmanship involved in creating each example.
A Judd-Built V6 Revs To 8,500 RPM
Underneath the redesigned bodywork sits a heavily reworked version of Honda’s original C30A V6 engine. British motorsport specialist Judd Power has increased displacement to 3.5 liters and fitted upgraded internal components, including a billet crankshaft, forged pistons, and connecting rods.
According to JAS, the naturally aspirated engine produces 420 bhp and 350 Nm of torque, equivalent to approximately 414 mechanical horsepower and 258 lb-ft. Six individual throttle bodies, revised engine management, and an 8,500-rpm rev limiter should deliver the high-revving character enthusiasts expect.
Power reaches the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, upgraded twin-plate clutch, and limited-slip differential. There is no automatic transmission option, keeping the driving experience firmly focused on the person behind the wheel.
Modern Chassis Technology Meets Classic Handling
JAS Motorsport has also substantially revised the suspension, installing KW coilovers with electronically adjustable damping. Revised suspension geometry, lightweight uprights, and upgraded anti-roll bars aim to improve handling without sacrificing the NSX’s famously approachable character.
Stopping power comes from Brembo brakes featuring six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers. Carbon-ceramic brakes are available as an option, while forged wheels measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.
Inside, Pininfarina has preserved the NSX’s driver-focused cockpit philosophy while introducing premium leather, Alcantara, carbon fiber, and bespoke trim. An analog tachometer and exposed manual gear selector reinforce the car’s mechanical character without relying on an oversized central touchscreen.
Only 35 Examples Will Be Built
Production is limited to just 35 cars, with each example created from an existing first-generation NSX donor. JAS will oversee the individual specification and construction process, allowing customers to personalize their vehicles.
According to Motor1, pricing starts at €880,000, or roughly $960,000, excluding the donor vehicle, taxes, and additional customization. The Tensei is also expected to make its public appearance at the 2026 Paris Motor Show.
That price places the Tensei firmly among exclusive coachbuilt supercars rather than conventional modified classics. For collectors seeking a modernized NSX with Italian styling, motorsport-developed engineering, and a proper manual gearbox, few alternatives offer quite the same combination.