Honda's original NSX - reborn for 2027
If Honda built its legendary 1990 NSX today, it might be a bit like this: Italian racing squad JAS has reimagined the mid-engined sports car with 50% more power, all-carbon body and active rear diffuser
JAS
That’s the best an NSX has ever looked
Isn’t it stunning? And that’s saying something because Honda’s original NSX of 1990 was a bit of a design wonder in its own right, with that light bar integrated into the tail/spoiler so neatly and the pop-up headlamps…
Tell me it still has those…
It wouldn’t have the heart of an NSX if it didn’t. Except now they’re Matrix LED numbers. Anyway, let’s give a warm welcome to the JAS Tensei.
JAS has incorporated buttons into the interior
JAS
Which is?
JAS is a top Italian motor sport organisation that has looked after Honda’s racing programmes since 1998. It currently runs everything from GT3 to rally and touring cars for the brand. JAS fancied branching out into limited-edition road cars and secured Honda’s blessing to reimagine the NSX. The name Tensei is actually Japanese meaning reincarnation or rebirth. JAS then got Pininfarina involved for the design, and this is the result.
I love it
You’ll love what’s inside it even more. JAS has kept the V6 architecture used in the NSX but called on its racing mates at Judd Power to give it a makeover with new heads, cams, titanium valves and, now at 3.5 litres, it creates 420bhp and is good for 8200rpm. Quite a step up from the 280bhp the original 3-litre car had. All the work means there’s no longer the idolised VTEC system though.
Just 35 will be made
JAS
It looks a lot bigger
It is. JAS and Pininfarina have gone to town on the all-carbon body, extending the track a huge 170mm at the front and 190mm at the rear, all covered in that lovely swooping arch kit and 20in centre-lock wheels (no Kwik Fit tyre changes for you!). There’s also a fully flat floor and active rear diffuser to boost downforce, four-way adjustable KW dampers and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes. The interior is beautifully retro-modern with analogue switches, a simple dash display and a six-speed manual, yes manual, gearbox driving through a limited-slip diff. And it only weighs 1250kg. Ayrton would’ve loved it.
I want one
Get in line, although it’ll be a short queue. Only 35 will be built and they’re priced from £770,000. But there is the catch that you also need a donor NSX, which can cost you upwards of £100,000 for a good one.