JAS Tensei Reimagines Honda NSX With 420hp V6

The legendary first-generation Honda NSX has returned in a modern form as a highly limited performance car. JAS Motorsport has reimagined the classic Japanese mid-engine supercar to create the JAS Tensei.

This special vehicle combines classic Japanese sports car heritage, British race-engine engineering, and Italian styling. Key highlights of the car include a high-revving 420hp naturally aspirated V6, a lightweight carbon-fibre body, a six-speed manual gearbox, and rear-wheel drive.

Designed with input from legendary Italian design house Pininfarina, production is capped at just 35 units globally. With an extremely high price tag, the Honda NSX Tensei is targeted purely at serious collectors and driving enthusiasts.

What Is the JAS Tensei?

The JAS Tensei is not an official next-generation model built by Honda. Instead, it is a thoroughly re-engineered Honda NSX restomod that uses original first-generation NSX chassis as donor vehicles. The word “Tensei” translates to “rebirth” in Japanese, which fits the philosophy behind this project.

JAS Motorsport, an Italian engineering firm with decades of experience preparing race-spec Honda vehicles, leads the development. The project combines the original engineering spirit of the Honda NSX restomod with motorsport technology from British engine builder Judd Power and design refinement from Pininfarina.

Honda NSX: Exterior Design

The exterior of the JAS Tensei preserves the iconic silhouette of the original Honda NSX while upgrading every panel. Pininfarina designed the complete carbon-fibre body, giving the supercar a wider stance and revised proportions.

At the front, the car features a new front bumper with a large bonnet air duct. The classic pop-up headlights remain, but they now incorporate modern LED lighting elements.

Moving along the sides, the A-pillars and B-pillars feature refined lines. The car rides on larger 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged aluminium wheels. At the back, the rear section receives a full-width light bar with 3D-effect LED tail-lights, a revised integrated rear spoiler, a carbon-fibre diffuser, and large dual exhaust outlets.

Honda NSX: Engine and Performance

Powering the limited edition NSX is a heavily re-engineered 3.5-litre 420hp V6 engine. Engine specialist Judd Power helped develop the naturally aspirated V6 using the original engine block as a foundation. Key internal components include a custom billet crankshaft, forged lightweight pistons, forged connecting rods, and individual throttle bodies. The team also upgraded the engine management system, ignition, cooling components, headers, and exhaust layout.

Thanks to these mechanical enhancements, the naturally aspirated V6 generates around 420hp and 350Nm of torque with an increased 8,500rpm redline. JAS Motorsport chose a naturally aspirated engine to deliver instantaneous throttle response, pure sound, and linear power delivery without relying on turbocharging or hybrid electric motors.

Gearbox, Chassis and Brakes

To maximize driver involvement, the JAS Tensei uses a traditional six-speed manual gearbox sending power strictly to the rear wheels. A custom titanium gear knob tops the gear shifter inside the cabin.

The chassis receives extensive upgrades to handle the additional power. Mechanics installed bespoke suspension components, revised suspension geometry, upgraded bearings, reinforced uprights, and stiffer anti-roll bars.

Electronically controlled adaptive dampers from KW control body movements, while an integrated hydraulic front-axle lift system helps clear road speed bumps. A high-performance Brembo braking setup brings the supercar to a halt from high speeds.

Honda NSX: Interior and Features

Inside, the cabin retains the driver-focused layout of the original Honda NSX while adding modern luxury materials and subtle technology. The driver faces a new sporty steering wheel and a clear digital instrument cluster. Sabelt carbon-fibre sports seats come wrapped in full-grain leather and Alcantara trims.

Unlike many modern supercars, the interior avoids massive touchscreens that disrupt the dash lines. Instead, JAS installed a modest, neatly integrated central touchscreen along with updated physical climate controls, a titanium gear lever, and an electronic parking brake. Customers can fully customise exterior paint colours, interior upholstery, and brake-caliper finishes.

Production and Exclusivity

JAS Motorsport plans to assemble only 35 units of the Honda NSX Tensei at its facility near Milan, Italy. Each car is individually specified according to the owner’s preferences. The combination of a original Japanese donor chassis, British Judd Power engine tuning, Italian Pininfarina bodywork, and full carbon-fibre construction makes every example exceptionally exclusive.

Honda NSX: Price and India Availability

According to international reports, the JAS Tensei carries a starting price of approximately €880,000 (around US$1 million), depending on customisation and currency conversions. Reports clarify that this price tag covers the re-engineering work and does not include the cost of acquiring the donor Honda NSX car.

JAS Motorsport has not announced any official launch plans or pricing structure for India. Due to its limited production run and niche positioning, any units coming to India would arrive solely through private import channels.

The JAS Tensei stands out as a dedicated tribute to a classic Japanese supercar. By matching a lightweight carbon-fibre body and Pininfarina styling with a high-revving 420hp naturally aspirated V6 and a manual transmission, the car delivers a modern driving experience while keeping the original spirit of the Honda NSX alive.