NSX Reborn by Pininfarina and JAS Motorsport
Honda NSX Tensei at Life in Classic
A Legendary Name, Reborn
One of the most admired modern classics is returning in a bold new form. JAS Motorsport and Pininfarina have joined forces to reimagine the first-generation Acura NSX as a limited-production restomod called Tensei, or “rebirth.” The project revives the car that changed supercar expectations in the 1990s with its usability, balance, and engineering purity.
Back then, the original NSX stunned the world with an all-aluminum structure, a mid-mounted V6, and feedback honed with input from Ayrton Senna. Today, collectors cherish that legacy, and values reflect it. Now, Tensei aims to honor the same spirit while meeting modern standards for design, materials, and performance. Crucially, the team promises an analog driving experience that speaks directly to enthusiasts who value feel over flash.
Italian Craft Meets Japanese Precision
JAS Motorsport leads the engineering, drawing on decades of success with Honda touring and GT cars. Since 1998, the Italian outfit has served as Honda’s official racing partner in Europe, and that relationship shows in the program’s rigor. Meanwhile, Pininfarina shapes the design, bringing a heritage that includes some of the world’s most celebrated supercars.
Each Tensei begins with a genuine first-generation NSX chassis. Then, the car undergoes a full transformation at JAS Motorsport’s facility in Arluno, near Milan. Buyers can choose left-hand or right-hand drive, which broadens the car’s global appeal. Furthermore, the hand-built process allows significant personalization while maintaining strict quality standards. The result targets a rare blend: racing-derived execution, Italian artistry, and Japanese chassis DNA.
Design That Honors the Original
Pininfarina’s bodywork is entirely new and crafted from carbon fiber. The proportions sit lower and wider than the original, yet the silhouette remains unmistakably NSX. Moreover, the forms are taut and purposeful, with surfacing that reduces visual weight and cleans up airflow. As a result, the design feels current without losing its roots.
Modern LED headlights sit where the pop-up units once lived, acknowledging a key NSX hallmark while improving function. At the rear, a continuous light bar nods to the first car’s signature tail. Additionally, larger side intakes feed the mid-mounted engine, and an integrated spoiler sharpens stability. The theme is familiar yet fresh: heritage lines, reinterpreted with contemporary aerodynamics and materials for sharper performance.
Engineering for the Pure Driver
The powertrain stays true to the original concept. Tensei uses a naturally aspirated V6 tuned by JAS for response, power, and durability. No turbocharging or hybrid assistance intrudes on the character. Instead, the engine revs cleanly and communicates its intentions. For many fans, that choice alone makes the car special.
Even better, the V6 pairs exclusively with a six-speed manual. Therefore, the driver remains at the center of the experience, with a traditional three-pedal layout and precise throws. Under the carbon skin, JAS fits competition-grade suspension, chassis reinforcements, and high-performance brakes inspired by the brand’s racing programs. Furthermore, the setup targets balance and feedback rather than headline lap times. It aims to deliver the kind of intuitive control that made the NSX a legend.
