Get ready to witness automotive history in the making – the JAS Tensei, a stunning Honda NSX restomod designed by the legendary Pininfarina, has finally been unveiled! But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just any revival; it's a rebirth, as the name 'Tensei' suggests in Japanese. First teased a few weeks ago, the full reveal took place at an exclusive event hosted by JAS Asian Sales Partner SPS Global Ltd at Fuji Raceway in November, leaving enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the details we now have.
And this is the part most people miss – the JAS Tensei isn't merely a facelift; it's a complete transformation. Pininfarina has crafted an entirely new carbon fiber body, built upon the early-1990s NSX donor chassis. Buyers can even choose between left- or right-hand drive configurations. Underneath, JAS Motorsport’s engineering expertise shines through with extensive mechanical revisions, promising a driving experience that honors the NSX’s legacy while pushing it into the future. Production will be ultra-limited, taking place at Pininfarina’s Arluno facility near Milan.
At its heart, the Tensei roars to life with a naturally aspirated V6 engine, derived from the original NSX unit but meticulously reworked by JAS. The result? Quicker response, increased power, and stronger torque, all paired with a six-speed manual gearbox for purists. But here's where it gets controversial – while no interior images have been released, Pininfarina claims the cabin stays true to the first-generation NSX’s layout, focusing on clear communication between car and driver. Is this a faithful homage or a missed opportunity for innovation? We’ll let you decide.
With JAS’s storied history of collaborating with Honda in motorsport – including the GT3 version of the latest NSX – expectations are sky-high. Yet, many details about the mechanical changes remain under wraps, leaving room for speculation and excitement. What do you think? Does the JAS Tensei live up to the NSX’s iconic status, or is it a step too far? Let us know in the comments!
For more details on this automotive masterpiece, visit JAS Motorsport’s official announcement. Words: Nathan Chadwick | Photography: Pininfarina.
