Honda NSX Reborn as JAS Tensei With 425 HP V6, 6-Speed Manual and Pininfarina Design
The iconic Japanese supercar returns in a limited-edition restomod featuring a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6, carbon-fibre bodywork and race-inspired engineering. Just 35 examples will be produced worldwide.
The legendary Honda NSX has made a comeback, although not through Honda's official production lineup. Italian motorsport engineering specialist JAS Motorsport, in collaboration with renowned design house Pininfarina, has developed the JAS Tensei, a modern reinterpretation of the original first-generation Honda NSX.
Combining Japanese supercar heritage with Italian styling and motorsport engineering, the Tensei features a comprehensively reworked 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 producing approximately 425 hp, a six-speed manual gearbox, lightweight carbon-fibre bodywork and an extensively upgraded chassis.
Unlike modern supercars increasingly dependent on electrification, turbocharging and automatic transmissions, the Tensei follows a traditional performance philosophy centred on low weight, high engine speeds and driver engagement.
Production will be restricted to just 35 individually customised examples, making it one of the most exclusive modern interpretations of a Japanese performance icon.
JAS Tensei: Bringing the Original Honda NSX Back to Life
First introduced in 1990, the original Honda NSX challenged established European supercars by offering exotic performance alongside usability, reliability and approachable handling.
Its lightweight aluminium construction, mid-mounted naturally aspirated V6 and balanced chassis helped establish it as one of the most respected Japanese sports cars ever produced.
The new JAS Tensei builds on that foundation rather than replacing it with an entirely new platform.
The name Tensei, meaning rebirth or reincarnation in Japanese, reflects the project's intention to preserve the original NSX's character while introducing modern engineering and craftsmanship.
JAS Motorsport, a long-standing Honda motorsport partner, is responsible for the mechanical development, while Pininfarina has contributed the exterior and interior design.
Importantly, the Tensei is an independently developed restomod based on an existing first-generation NSX, not a new factory-produced Honda NSX.
3.5-Litre Naturally Aspirated V6 Produces Around 425 HP
The most significant mechanical transformation lies behind the driver.
The Tensei retains the basic architecture of Honda's original C30A V6 engine, but specialist British engineering company JUDD Power has comprehensively rebuilt it.
Engine displacement increases from 3.0 litres to 3.5 litres, accompanied by substantial internal modifications designed to improve performance, responsiveness and durability.
Key Engine Highlights
3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine
Approximately 425 hp maximum power
8,500 rpm engine redline
Individual throttle bodies
Dry-sump lubrication system
Re-engineered internal components
Six-speed manual transmission
Rear-wheel-drive configuration
The engine also benefits from a revised exhaust system intended to enhance its high-revving character.
The absence of turbochargers or hybrid assistance makes the Tensei particularly interesting at a time when many performance manufacturers are increasingly turning towards electrification.
Power is transmitted exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed H-pattern manual gearbox, supported by a twin-plate carbon clutch and a mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential.
The mechanical differential helps distribute torque between the rear wheels, improving traction when accelerating out of corners.
Although official acceleration and top-speed figures have not been established, the combination of approximately 425 hp and a lightweight body suggests substantial performance potential.
Carbon-Fibre Bodywork Helps Reduce Weight to Just 1,250 kg
Weight reduction has been a central engineering priority for JAS Motorsport.
The original NSX was already renowned for its lightweight aluminium construction. The Tensei takes this philosophy further by replacing its exterior body panels with carbon-fibre components.
The original aluminium structure is retained and reinforced to accommodate the higher performance levels and revised chassis configuration.
As a result, the Tensei has a claimed dry weight of approximately 1,250 kg, an impressive figure compared with many contemporary high-performance vehicles.
This lightweight construction is expected to benefit acceleration, braking, cornering response and overall agility.
Rather than relying solely on higher horsepower, JAS Motorsport has focused on achieving a strong power-to-weight ratio and an engaging driving experience.
Pininfarina Redesign Preserves the NSX's Iconic Character
Pininfarina has given the Tensei a more contemporary appearance while retaining the proportions that made the original NSX instantly recognisable.
The low-slung silhouette, mid-engine layout and distinctive wedge-shaped profile remain central to the design.
One of the most recognisable elements is the retention of the original NSX's pop-up headlight design, incorporating modern LED lighting technology.
The front receives a redesigned bumper with larger air intakes, sharper aerodynamic surfaces and a more sculpted bonnet.
Other exterior highlights include wider bodywork, redesigned side air intakes, a revised rear spoiler, a modern rear lighting signature and a more aggressive diffuser.
The car also rides on larger forged centre-lock wheels, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.
These changes give the Tensei a more purposeful appearance without completely abandoning its 1990s identity.
Race-Inspired Suspension, Brakes and Chassis Upgrades
JAS Motorsport has incorporated several competition-derived technologies to ensure the Tensei's handling matches its increased engine performance.
The chassis receives additional structural reinforcement, while the suspension geometry has been revised to improve stability and cornering capabilities.
Adjustable KW dampers allow the suspension characteristics to be tailored to different driving conditions.
The braking package includes high-performance Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, designed to deliver powerful stopping performance and improved resistance to brake fade during demanding driving.
Together with the mechanical limited-slip differential and wider performance tyres, these upgrades aim to deliver greater precision while preserving the approachable handling characteristics associated with the original NSX.
Modern Interior With Classic Driver-Focused Layout
Inside, Pininfarina has chosen a restrained approach rather than completely redesigning the cabin around large touchscreens.
The Tensei retains the original NSX's driver-oriented cockpit philosophy, placing important controls within easy reach.
The redesigned interior features premium materials, carbon-fibre detailing, modern digital instrumentation and sports seats.
One of the cabin's standout features is the manual gear selector, reinforcing the car's mechanical character.
Customers will also have extensive personalisation opportunities, including upholstery materials, colours, stitching patterns, exterior finishes and other bespoke detailing.
The result is intended to combine the analogue appeal of a classic Japanese supercar with the craftsmanship expected from a modern limited-production performance car.
JAS Tensei: Key Specifications
Specification | Details |
Model | JAS Tensei |
Base vehicle | First-generation Honda NSX |
Design partner | Pininfarina |
Engineering | JAS Motorsport |
Engine development | JUDD Power |
Engine | 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 |
Maximum power | Approximately 425 hp |
Maximum engine speed | 8,500 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed manual |
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
Differential | Torsen limited-slip |
Body construction | Carbon-fibre panels |
Claimed dry weight | 1,250 kg |
Suspension | Adjustable KW dampers |
Brakes | Brembo carbon-ceramic |
Wheels | 19-inch front, 20-inch rear |
Production | 35 units |
Only 35 Cars Planned – Pricing and Availability
Exclusivity is a defining aspect of the JAS Tensei programme.
JAS Motorsport plans to manufacture just 35 examples, with each car individually built and configured according to its owner's preferences.
Production and final assembly will take place at JAS Motorsport's facility near Milan, Italy, while Pininfarina will contribute to the personalisation process.
European media reports indicate pricing of approximately €880,000, excluding the cost of the donor Honda NSX, taxes and optional personalisation. This is reported pricing rather than a confirmed universal retail price.
The limited production volume, extensive mechanical redevelopment and bespoke construction position the Tensei firmly within the ultra-exclusive collector-car market.
Will the JAS Tensei Come to India?
There is currently no confirmed India-specific launch, distribution or allocation plan for the JAS Tensei.
Given its limited production run and dependence on an original NSX donor vehicle, the project is primarily aimed at international collectors and enthusiasts seeking an exclusive reinterpretation of the Japanese supercar.
Any potential import into India would depend on vehicle eligibility, homologation requirements and applicable import regulations.
AutoPunditz View
The JAS Tensei arrives at an interesting moment for the global performance-car industry.
While manufacturers continue investing in hybrid powertrains, electrification and increasingly sophisticated driver-assistance technologies, the Tensei takes a deliberately different route.
Its appeal lies not in chasing the highest possible horsepower figure, but in combining a responsive naturally aspirated engine, relatively low weight and a manual transmission.
The involvement of JUDD Power and Pininfarina gives the project additional engineering and design credibility, while the limited 35-car production run ensures substantial exclusivity.
However, the Tensei's reported price places it far beyond the reach of ordinary enthusiasts, making it more of a collector's proposition than a conventional sports-car alternative.
For Honda enthusiasts, the Tensei represents something especially meaningful: a modern interpretation of the original NSX that retains the fundamental characteristics responsible for its legendary status.
The JAS Tensei demonstrates that an engaging supercar experience need not be
defined by electrification or headline horsepower figures. Sometimes, a lightweight chassis, a high-revving V6 and a manual gearbox remain the most compelling combination.
