JAS and Pininfarina Reveal the 414bhp Honda NSX 'Tensei' Restomod
JAS Motorsport and Pininfarina have unveiled the final production version of the 'Tensei,' a high-end restomod of the classic Honda NSX. The project transforms the original 1990s supercar into a modern, carbon-fiber-bodied machine with a redeveloped V6 engine. Only 35 units will be built, each requiring a donor NSX and costing approximately £770,000 plus VAT. The car retains the iconic pop-up headlights but features a wider stance, modern suspension, and a significantly upgraded powertrain.
Key points
- The 'Tensei' (meaning reincarnation) is a collaboration between JAS Motorsport and Pininfarina, which originally designed the HP-X concept for the first NSX.
- The engine is a redeveloped 3.4-litre naturally aspirated V6, built by Judd Power, producing 414bhp and redlining at 8,500rpm.
- The car features a full carbon-fiber body, weighing 1,250kg, with a wider and longer profile than the original NSX.
- Only 35 units will be produced, with prices starting at £770,000 (excluding the donor car and VAT).
- The interior retains the original layout but uses premium materials like carbon fiber, leather, and Alcantara, along with OLED screens.
Background
The original Honda NSX, launched in the early 1990s, was praised for its usability, construction, and design, earning the nickname 'the world's best handling car' from Ayrton Senna. The project closes a circle for Pininfarina, which designed the original HP-X concept car that previewed the Mk1 NSX. This restomod project has been teased for some time, with the final production details revealed in October 2026.
How outlets are covering it
Top Gear emphasizes the emotional and historical connection, highlighting the 'scream' of the engine and the return of the pop-up headlights. New Atlas focuses on the technical specifications, noting the 420hp figure (slightly different from Top Gear's 414bhp) and the carbon-ceramic brakes. Robb Report provides a visual gallery, confirming the 35-unit limit and the premium interior materials. Road & Track's source was largely inaccessible due to technical issues, but the title confirms the release. All sources agree on the core partnership between JAS and Pininfarina and the limited nature of the build.
Why it matters
The Tensei represents the pinnacle of the restomod market, combining heritage with modern performance and luxury. It appeals to collectors who want a modernized version of a classic icon without sacrificing its original character. The high price and limited availability underscore the exclusivity of such projects, while the technical upgrades demonstrate the potential of modern engineering applied to classic platforms.
What to watch
JAS will begin building the 35 units for wealthy customers who provide a donor NSX. The cars are expected to be delivered in the near future, with the first owners likely to be prominent collectors and enthusiasts. The project may influence the market for other classic car restomods, setting a new standard for quality and exclusivity.
- The Honda NSX has returned: meet the finished V6-engined JAS Tensei Top Gear
- The Honda NSX rises ... with more horsepower and carbon fiber New Atlas
- JAS Motorsport’s Honda NSX Restomod in Photos Robb Report
- The Pininfarina-Designed Acura NSX Restomod Is Finally Here in All Its Glory Road & Track
- Reborn Honda NSX gets race-bred V6, manual transmission Torquecafe
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