JAS Tensei Designed by Pininfarina: The Honda NSX Reborn

Unveiled on 8 October 2026, the JAS Tensei brings together the motorsport expertise of JAS Motorsport and the design heritage of Pininfarina, transforming the original Honda NSX into an exclusive, carbon-fibre-bodied supercar.

The JAS Tensei designed by Pininfarina has made its world premiere, marking a new chapter in the history of one of Japan’s most celebrated sports cars. Developed by Italian racing specialist JAS Motorsport and styled by Pininfarina, the project reinterprets the first-generation Honda NSX of 1990 through contemporary engineering, bespoke craftsmanship and an entirely redesigned carbon-fibre body.

The name Tensei (転生), meaning “rebirth” or “reincarnation” in Japanese, reflects the project’s philosophy. Rather than pursuing a conventional restoration or a purely nostalgic restomod, JAS Motorsport has undertaken a comprehensive redevelopment of the original NSX, seeking to preserve its analogue driving character while introducing modern structural, mechanical and aerodynamic solutions.

 

Pininfarina Returns to the Origins of the NSX

The collaboration has particular historical significance. Pininfarina’s relationship with Honda’s mid-engined sports car lineage dates back to 1984, when the Turin-based design house created the Honda HP-X (Honda Pininfarina eXperimental), a futuristic concept whose design and engineering philosophy anticipated the NSX.

More than four decades later, Pininfarina has returned to this lineage, working alongside JAS Motorsport, the Italian company renowned for its longstanding involvement in Honda’s international racing programmes.

The design process began with the proportions of the original NSX. Thanks to the substantially revised vehicle architecture developed by JAS Motorsport, Pininfarina was able to reconsider the wheelbase, track widths, ride height and overhangs, creating a wider, lower and more assertive silhouette.

The newly developed carbon-fibre body features sculpted surfaces, prominent rear wheel arches and carefully controlled transitions between the passenger compartment and the mid-engined rear section. Despite its contemporary appearance, the connection with the original NSX remains immediately recognisable.

A Modern Interpretation of an Iconic Design

One of the defining aspects of the Tensei is its treatment of the original NSX’s characteristic design elements.

The iconic retractable headlights have been preserved, maintaining one of the most distinctive features of the early NSX. The side air intakes, integrated rear wing and horizontal rear composition have also been reinterpreted within a more contemporary aerodynamic language.

Rather than treating aerodynamic components as separate additions, Pininfarina has integrated their functions into the overall design of the bodywork. The resulting surfaces communicate performance without sacrificing visual coherence.

According to Dimitri Vicedomini, Head of Exterior Design at Pininfarina, the objective was to understand the essence of the original NSX and imagine how its design might have evolved today.

Every line, volume and aerodynamic detail was developed to give the Tensei its own identity while retaining the balance between functionality, emotion and visual elegance traditionally associated with Pininfarina.

The completed vehicles will carry the official “Design by Pininfarina” signature.

 

Motorsport Engineering and a JUDD-Developed V6

While Pininfarina has been responsible for the design, the mechanical transformation has been entrusted to JAS Motorsport.

Drawing on almost three decades of competition experience with Honda, the Italian specialist has comprehensively revised the NSX platform to improve structural rigidity, handling and dynamic performance.

At the centre of the project remains the original Honda V6 engine architecture, extensively developed for the Tensei by British racing-engine specialist JUDD Power.

The naturally aspirated V6 is intended to preserve the mechanical character and immediate throttle response that distinguished the original NSX, while delivering substantially greater performance.

The decision to retain a naturally aspirated engine and a manual transmission reflects the project’s emphasis on direct driver involvement rather than outright technological complexity.

For JAS Motorsport, the Tensei represents an opportunity to apply competition-derived engineering expertise to a road-going sports car developed around driving pleasure.

A Driver-Focused Interior by Pininfarina

The same philosophy extends to the passenger compartment.

Pininfarina has reinterpreted the original NSX interior while preserving the principles that made the Japanese sports car revolutionary: excellent ergonomics, driver-focused controls and a direct relationship between the driver and the vehicle.

The Tensei’s cockpit features a clean architectural layout with sculpted surfaces, precise detailing and carefully selected technical materials.

Metallic components, refined upholstery and contemporary instrumentation are combined to create an environment that balances motorsport functionality with Italian craftsmanship.

Personalisation is central to the project. Owners will be able to select individual combinations of materials, colours and finishes, allowing each Tensei to reflect the preferences of its commissioner.

Ultra-Limited Production in Italy

The JAS Tensei will be produced in an ultra-limited series at the JAS Motorsport Atelier in Arluno, near Milan.

Special bespoke commissions will also benefit from the involvement of Pininfarina’s atelier in Cambiano, near Turin.

The collaboration therefore extends beyond the initial styling phase, bringing together Italian racing engineering, automotive design and specialist craftsmanship throughout the creation of each vehicle.

Paolo Dellachà, CEO of Pininfarina, described the project as an example of how complementary Italian expertise can come together to develop a unique automobile.

For Pininfarina, the Tensei represents an opportunity to reinterpret an established automotive icon while remaining faithful to the design principles that have defined the company for generations.

 

JAS Tensei No. 001 Heads to the Paris Motor Show

Following its world premiere in Cambiano on 8 October, the first example of the JAS Tensei is scheduled to make its public debut at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, taking place from 12 to 18 October at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

JAS Tensei No. 001 will be exhibited within the exclusive Ultimate Supercar Garage area, alongside the official Honda Prelude HRC Concept.

The presentation brings together two different chapters of Honda’s sporting heritage: the pioneering mid-engined NSX and a new interpretation developed through Italian design and engineering expertise.

For Pininfarina, the Tensei also renews a relationship that began with the HP-X concept in 1984. For JAS Motorsport, it establishes a new expression of the company’s engineering capabilities beyond international competition.

With its redesigned carbon-fibre body, JUDD-developed V6 and unmistakable NSX proportions, the Tensei adds a contemporary chapter to the history of Italian automotive design and specialist coachbuilding.