Pininfarina unveils its restomod of the Honda NSX... naturally-aspirated V6, manual gearbox, and hand-assembled in Italy

The Honda NSX is definitely the center of attention. After Italdesign, which recently paid tribute to the Japanese supercarnow it's the turn of Pininfarina to unveil its own vision. And this time, the project is real: here's the NSX Tensei, a restomod!

A long-awaited renaissance

A year ago, the project was still just a promise. A declaration of intent around a «sports car inspired by an icon of the past». Today, this enigma is taking shape, and it has a name: Tensei, a Japanese word meaning «rebirth».

This model is the fruit of a collaboration between Pininfarina and JAS Motorsport, a well-known player in motorsport, notably alongside Honda in competition. Their ambition? To go further than a simple restomod, by creating a truly modern reinterpretation of the first Honda NSX. Presented at Milano Design Week (like the Italdesign model), this new-age NSX also marks a turning point for JAS Motorsport, as it is its first road-homologated model.

Transformed but true to form

Pininfarina's work focused on one key element: proportions. And the result is spectacular. Extended wheelbase, wider tracks, lowered height, shortened rear overhang... the NSX Tensei changes its stance completely.

Wider, lower and more muscular, its visual presence is far more aggressive than the original. The pronounced rear shoulders and widened fenders create powerful volumes, with those famous triangular lines characteristic of many Pininfarina creations.

But there's no denying its origins. The retractable headlamps, side air intakes and integrated rear spoiler are still there, subtly modernized. A delicate balance between respect for the past and contemporary expression. Some will even see a nod to iconic models designed by Pininfarina, such as the Ferrari 288 GTO, proof that Italian DNA is never far away.

The radical choice of analog pleasure

Under the carbon-fiber bodywork, the message is just as clear: no electrification or turbocharging here. The NSX Tensei relies on a naturally-aspirated V6 inspired by the original architecture, combined with a six-speed manual gearbox. An almost counter-current choice in 2026. But this is precisely what makes the project so interesting: a return to a pure driving experience, centred on the driver.

This philosophy is also reflected on board. Although the interior has yet to be fully revealed, Pininfarina promises a cockpit faithful to the spirit of the original NSX, with meticulous ergonomics, a direct connection with the machine and much more upscale materials.

A story that comes full circle

This project is no accident. It's part of a long-standing relationship between Pininfarina and Honda, dating back to 1984 with the Honda HP-X concept, a true precursor of the NSX. With the Tensei, the story seems to have come full circle. Pininfarina returns to its roots by revisiting a car that, in a way, already bears part of its heritage. Produced in a very limited series at the JAS Motorsport workshops in Arluno, near Milan, the NSX Tensei will be entirely hand-assembled. Customers will even be able to personalize their model directly at Pininfarina in Cambiano.