- Acura NSX Tensei is a restomod with a full Pininfarina-designed carbon-fibre body.
- The design refines the original 1990 NSX, retaining pop-up headlights and an integrated rear wing.
- Left- and right-hand drive options will be available.
JAS Motorsport has pulled the covers off the Acura NSX Tensei: a restomod that treats one of Japan’s most beloved sports cars to an Italian-styled renaissance.
Tensei translates to “rebirth”, and this project leans into that spirit with a fresh carbon-fibre suit shaped by none other than Pininfarina.
A familiar silhouette, sharpened by Italy
Rather than reinvent the 1990 original, Pininfarina has opted for a respectful polish.
The low, wedge-like stance remains, complete with pop-up headlights and an integrated rear wing, but the lines now flow more cleanly and the aero has grown bolder. It’s subtle evolution rather than revolution - arguably what many enthusiasts hoped Honda itself might one day attempt.
JAS’s involvement makes perfect sense. The Italian outfit has been a Honda partner since 1998 and helped develop the GT3 racer for the second-generation NSX. That competition pedigree sits behind the entire Tensei programme, informing both its engineering and its attitude.
What’s under the carbon skin?
That’s still the mystery. JAS promises “cutting-edge technology and advanced mechanics”, derived from motorsport experience, but hasn’t confirmed the powertrain. The company has not disclosed output figures or engine specs yet.
Earlier reporting from other outlets suggested a naturally aspirated V6 paired with a six-speed manual, although that remains unconfirmed. Buyers will at least be able to choose between left- or right-hand drive.
The price of rebirth
No cost has been announced, but a high six-figure sum feels plausible given the craft involved—and the soaring value of first-generation NSXs, which can now fetch around US$1 million at auction. The Tensei won’t be cheap, but restomods rarely are; they’re passion projects first, investments second.
If Honda ever decides to green-light a third-generation NSX, enthusiasts may look back at the Tensei as the clearest hint of what could have been.