JAS Tensei uses a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 good for 425 hp.
Carbon-fibre bodywork reduces the claimed dry weight to approximately 1,250 kg.
Production is limited to 35 individually configured vehicles assembled near Milan.
JAS Motorsport and Pininfarina have officially revealed the Tensei, a limited-production restomod based on the first-generation Honda and Acura NSX. Production will be restricted to 35 vehicles, each configured for its owner and assembled at JAS Motorsport’s facility near Milan, Italy.
Quite simply put: It is absolute perfection on wheels.
JAS-Pininfarina Honda NSX Restomod | Photo: JAS-PininfarinaThe project combines a smartly redesigned body and cabin from Italian design house Pininfarina with engineering work completed by JAS, a company with nearly 30 years of motorsport experience. Tensei translates from Japanese as “rebirth” or “reincarnation.”
Although its profile remains immediately recognizable as an evolution of the original NSX introduced in 1990, the Tensei has a wider stance and a longer wheelbase. It gleefully retains pop-up headlights, now incorporating LED lighting.
The original NSX’s aluminum exterior panels have been replaced by carbon-fibre. JAS claims a dry weight of approximately 1,250 kg (2,750 lbs), demonstrating the project’s hard focus on low mass rather than electrification or high-output turbocharging.
JAS-Pininfarina Honda NSX Restomod | Photo: JAS-PininfarinaPower comes from a heavily modified version of Honda’s C30A V6 engine block. British engine specialist JUDD Power increased displacement from 3.0 to 3.5L and fitted individual throttle bodies, dry-sump lubrication and an Inconel exhaust system.
The naturally aspirated engine produces a claimed 425 hp and can reach 8,500 rpm, up from the final OE NSX’s 290 hp at 7,100 rpm, extracted from a naturally aspirated 3.2L V6. JAS has not provided torque figures or acceleration estimates.
A six-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels through a mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential. No automatic transmission will be offered.
JAS-Pininfarina Honda NSX Restomod | Photo: JAS-PininfarinaChassis modifications include additional structural reinforcement and redesigned suspension geometry. Adjustable KW dampers let owners fine-tune the suspension setup, while Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes provide stopping power.
The Tensei rides on forged centre-lock wheels measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. Front wheels are wrapped in 245/35 R19 tires, while the rear receives wider 285/30 R20 rubber.
Inside, Pininfarina has kept the NSX’s low, driver-oriented dashboard arrangement, though it has replaced or refinished much of the original cabin. Materials include carbon fibre, leather, Alcantara and titanium.
JAS-Pininfarina Honda NSX Restomod | Photo: JAS-PininfarinaInstrumentation includes an analogue tachometer, while the exposed linkage for the manual transmission becomes a prominent part of the centre console. The dashboard does not incorporate a large central touchscreen – blessed be you, Pininfarina.
The Tensei follows the growing restomod market’s emphasis on combining older vehicle platforms with modern materials and mechanical components. Unlike many contemporary performance projects, however, this one stays true to its origins with a naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive, and a manual gearbox.
JAS has not confirmed pricing, though it’s expected to hover around CDN$1.4 million to start, delivery timing or the markets in which the 35 vehicles will be available.
Source: Road&Track
