JAS and Pininfarina Unveil the $1M Tensei: A Carbon-Fiber NSX Restomod

Key points

• JAS Motorsport partnered with Pininfarina, the original designer of the NSX, to create the Tensei, a name meaning 'rebirth' in Japanese.
• The car features a 3.4-liter V6 engine developed by Judd Power, producing 414 hp and 305 ft-lbs of torque, with an 8,500 rpm redline.
• The body is constructed entirely from carbon fiber, reducing weight to 2,756 lbs (1,250 kg) and widening the track for a more aggressive stance.
• Production is strictly limited to 35 units, with a starting price of €880,000 (approx. $985,000), not including the cost of a donor NSX.
• The interior retains the original layout but upgrades materials with carbon fiber, Alcantara, and a digital OLED display, while maintaining the iconic pop-up headlights.

Background

The original Honda NSX, launched in 1990, was praised for its all-aluminum body and VTEC V6 engine, offering supercar performance with daily driver usability. It became a cult classic, particularly noted for its handling and design. After a 36-year gap without a direct successor, JAS Motorsport, a long-time Honda partner, initiated the Tensei project to modernize the classic without creating a new model from scratch. Previous iterations of the Tensei were shown as renderings, but this release marks the first look at the finished physical car.

How outlets are covering it

All four sources agree on the core specifications: 414 hp, 35 units, and the €880,000 price tag. Carscoops emphasizes the emotional connection to the original NSX, referencing Ayrton Senna and the 'white socks and loafers' driving style. New Atlas highlights the technical details of the engine rebuild by Judd Power and the carbon-ceramic brakes. Top Gear focuses on the engineering specifics, such as the removal of VTEC and the use of titanium valves, while noting the car's 'steroidal' look. Robb Report frames the Tensei as a luxury revival, comparing it to other high-end restomods and noting the lack of Honda's direct involvement despite JAS's history with the brand. There is no significant disagreement, but the emphasis varies from nostalgia (Carscoops) to technical precision (Top Gear) to luxury status (Robb Report).

Why it matters

The Tensei represents a significant entry in the high-end restomod market, targeting collectors who value the original NSX's legacy but desire modern performance and aesthetics. Its limited production and high price point position it as an exclusive artifact rather than a mass-market sports car. The collaboration between JAS and Pininfarina closes a historical loop, as Pininfarina designed the original NSX, now revisiting its own design with modern materials and technology. This project also highlights the enduring appeal of the NSX and the willingness of enthusiasts to invest heavily in preserving and enhancing classic automotive icons.

What to watch

JAS Motorsport will begin accepting orders for the 35 available Tensei units. Customers must provide their own donor NSX (NA1 or NA2 generation) to be converted. The first deliveries are expected to follow shortly after the unveiling, with the cars likely appearing at high-end automotive events or private collections. The project may influence other restomod efforts for classic sports cars, demonstrating the viability of high-cost, low-volume modernizations of iconic vehicles.