The original Honda NSX never really needed saving. It was already one of the most intelligently engineered supercars of its time. Now it returns as Tensei, which translates to reincarnation and it feels like a project built by people who genuinely admired the first one.
The collaboration is noteworthy. The design comes from Pininfarina and the engineering and build are handled by JAS Motorsport. If you follow Honda’s motorsport efforts, the latter name is familiar. JAS has worked with Honda for decades and built the NSX GT3 as well as the current Civic Type R TCR race car. So there is proper racing heritage behind this exercise, not just nostalgia.
Visually, the car still looks like an NSX, which is important. The pop-up lamps remain the long glasshouse stays and the rear spoiler is integrated rather than exaggerated. But the proportions are now tighter and more modern thanks to a full carbon fibre body. The wider front arches and larger wheels give it a stronger stance without losing the clean simplicity that made the original so appealing.
Technical details are still limited, but there are useful clues. JAS has said the powertrain comes from their motorsport experience and reports point to a naturally aspirated V6 paired with a six-speed manual, for anyone who feared a hybrid or twin-turbo setup, that should come as welcome news.
Each build will start with a donor first-generation NSX, which means production will be limited and pricing is likely to reflect that. This isn’t meant to be mass market. It sits in that niche where craftsmanship and engineering count more than volume.
There are also some interesting design touches. The front intake now passes through the bonnet, the side intakes are more prominent and the rear features distinctive A-shaped exhausts flanking a cleaner full-width tail light bar. Everything feels intentional rather than decorative.
Based on what we’ve seen so far, the Tensei avoids the common restomod trap of trying too hard. It retains the character of the original while improving the areas that have aged. It looks familiar but also fresh and more purposeful.
The details will come in time. For now, the pictures and the intent are enough to suggest that this revival has been handled with restraint and respect. And for a car as significant as the NSX, that feels like the right approach.
