Honda NSX Restomod Packs 425 HP and a Six-Speed Manual

Instant Classic

If the Lexus LS proved that Japan can make world-beating luxury cars, the NSX did the same for sports cars. Unveiled in 1989 for the 1990 model year and for 1991 as the Acura NSX, Japan’s first mid-engined supercar gave the European establishment a good fright. If anything, it shook off the complacency that had been brewing for years in the Old Continent.

The NSX also arrived at a great time, as Japanese automakers were rolling out technological marvels disguised as sports cars. With that, the NSX cemented its legacy in no time, alongside its contemporaries. The first generation lasted from 1990 to 2006 with two distinct versions.

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Reviving the Legend

Honda and Acura revived it again in 2016, adding hybridization and all-wheel drive in the mix. The reinterpretation of the NSX was interesting, if admittedly very different from the original model. Mind you, the basic recipe was still there: a daily-friendly supercar, but with the added twist of electrification. Second-gen NSX production lasted from 2016 to 2022, with the Type S wrapping up its six-year run.

There have been talks of a revival down the line, although nothing is set in stone just yet. Italdesign and Honda did build a tribute model and showed it off earlier this year. It will be built in limited numbers, and it’s a unique take combining some elements from the first model with the second-gen hybrid system and all.

But Italdesign wasn’t the only Italian design house that’s had a crack at building a new NSX. Pininfarina, together with JAS Motorsport, made a modern version that’s an ode to the original. It’s called the Tensei, which is fitting as it’s Japanese for reincarnation or rebirth.

JAS Motorsport

All Motor

The Tensei was previewed late last year, but JAS has finally revealed the juicier details of its latest car. We can confirm that the Tensei has no hybrid assists whatsoever, staying true to the spirit of the first NSX. The engine is based on the 3.0-liter V6 from the original model, internally known as the C30A.

JAS then sent that engine to JUDD Power, stroking it from 3.0 liters to 3.5 liters. The powertrain specialist heavily reworked it, and it also came with upgrades such as individual throttle bodies and a dry-sump lubrication system. Estimated output is rated at 425 hp, and that’s without any turbocharger assistance.

JAS Motorsport

The Juicy Details

425 hp doesn’t sound like much these days, but the aluminum panels have been replaced by carbon, shedding even more weight from the already light platform. JAS reckons the car tips the scales at just 2,756 lbs. In a world where performance EVs easily blow past 5,000 lbs, it’s incredibly refreshing to see such low numbers from a new car.

And now, something that will delight NSX fans. The Tensei will have an honest-to-goodness six-speed manual transmission. It’s also rear-wheel drive only, making this a more faithful reincarnation of the car Gen-Xers and Millennials grew up with. The suspension has also been honed to handle the extra power, and it gets other goodies such as center-lock wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, adjustable dampers, and a Torsen rear differential, to name a few.

The interior gets a big makeover too, but not in the way that would upset the traditionalists. Yes, there is a digital display, but the overall look and feel is pretty much the same as the NSX. Given all that, production will be limited to just 35 cars, and we’re expecting a pretty hefty price tag. If anything, this is the NSX that Honda wishes it could build today.