Original Honda NSX Reborn by JAS Motorsport

The JAS Motorsport Tensei is a bespoke, hand-built restomod supercar based on the first-generation Honda NSX (NA1 and NA2 chassis), engineered independently by Italian racing specialist JAS Motorsport in collaboration with design house Pininfarina and British engine builder Judd Power. Designed as an ultra-exclusive collector vehicle limited strictly to 35 units globally, the Tensei modernises 1990s Japanese supercar dynamics using high-modulus carbon-fibre bodywork, track-honed aerodynamics, and a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 powertrain. For automotive collectors in Malaysia seeking rare, analogue performance machinery suited for private collections or track days at Sepang International Circuit, the project offers a modernised alternative to contemporary hybrid hypercars without an official local distributor allocation.

Key Facts

The JAS Motorsport Tensei re-engineers the original Honda NSX aluminium architecture into a modern carbon-composite restomod with motorsport-grade running gear. The following verified technical specifications and financial details outline the platform's core attributes.

The JAS Motorsport Tensei is limited strictly to 35 units worldwide, priced from €880,000 (approximately RM4.1 million) before local taxes, donor vehicle acquisition, and customisation.

What Engine Powers the JAS Motorsport Tensei?

The JAS Motorsport Tensei is powered by a Judd Power-engineered 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine derived from the original Honda C30A block, delivering 414 horsepower (420 metric hp) at 8,300 rpm and 305 lb-ft (413 Nm) of torque at 5,500 rpm to an 8,500 rpm redline.

JAS Motorsport partnered with British engine builder Judd Power to completely overhaul the mid-mounted engine without employing turbochargers or hybrid electrification. Judd bored and stroked the factory aluminium block to 3.5 litres, installing lightweight titanium valves, bespoke light-alloy cylinder heads, and a newly designed billet crankshaft.

In a direct motorsport-inspired decision, the engineering team deleted Honda's factory variable valve timing system to maximise high-rpm circuit performance:

DSF.my: "In a bold motorsport-derived move, Judd eliminated Honda’s signature VTEC variable valve timing mechanism altogether, replacing it with an aggressive fixed-cam profile optimized for high-rpm track performance."

Power transfers exclusively to the rear axle through a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox, a carbon-fibre twin-disc clutch, and a mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential. The Judd-engineered 3.5-litre V6 develops 414 horsepower at 8,300 rpm and eliminates Honda's factory VTEC system in favour of a fixed-cam track profile.

How Does the Carbon-Fibre Body and Aerodynamics Compare to the Original NSX?

The JAS Motorsport Tensei replaces every original aluminium body panel of the first-generation Honda NSX with bespoke high-modulus carbon-fibre bodywork styled by Italian design house Pininfarina, yielding a dry kerb weight of 1,250 kg (2,756 pounds) alongside active downforce aerodynamics.

While the 1990s production Honda NSX pioneered mass-production aluminium monocoque construction, the Tensei re-clothes the stripped chassis in lightweight composites while preserving the iconic cab-forward silhouette. Underbody airflow is managed via a fully flat composite underfloor paired with an active rear diffuser that generates high-speed stability and functional downforce absent on the stock vehicle.

To complement the reduced mass, the running gear features electronically adjustable KW dampers equipped with Dynamic Damping Control (DDC), enabling the driver to switch between supple road manners and rigid circuit damping. Braking performance is handled by uprated Brembo monobloc calipers—six-piston units at the front and four-piston units at the rear—acting on slotted steel discs to eliminate thermal fade during repeated deceleration. Pininfarina-designed carbon-fibre bodywork and a flat composite underfloor drop the JAS Tensei dry weight to 1,250 kg while introducing active aerodynamic downforce.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The JAS Motorsport Tensei is aimed at ultra-high-net-worth Malaysian automotive collectors and track enthusiasts capable of funding a bespoke multi-million-ringgit restomod for climate-controlled private collections or competitive track running at the Sepang International Circuit.

With an entry price of €880,000 (approximately RM4.1 million) before local import duties, individual cabin personalisation, and the acquisition of an increasingly scarce donor NA1 or NA2 Honda NSX, ownership is confined to the highest segment of private collectors. For Malaysian owners navigating tropical heat and high humidity, the vehicle's track-oriented fixed-cam valvetrain, mechanical limited-slip differential, and high-revving 8,500 rpm naturally aspirated architecture demand rigorous maintenance compared to standard road cars.

Furthermore, because the project operates completely independently of Honda, local owners cannot rely on standard Honda Malaysia service networks, requiring private specialist logistics and dedicated garage maintenance. Acquiring the JAS Motorsport Tensei in Malaysia requires sourcing a donor NSX and investing over RM4.1 million before import taxes, shipping, and bespoke customisation.

Common Questions

Can the JAS Motorsport Tensei be purchased directly from Honda Malaysia?

No, the Tensei is an independent project by JAS Motorsport and Pininfarina with no factory affiliation to Honda. Malaysian buyers must independently supply an original NA1 or NA2 donor NSX directly to JAS Motorsport in Italy for the conversion.

Does the Judd-built 3.5-litre V6 retain Honda VTEC technology?

No, Judd Power completely eliminated Honda's signature VTEC mechanism. It was replaced with an aggressive fixed-cam profile designed specifically to deliver optimal throttle response and high-rpm output up to the engine's 8,500 rpm redline during circuit driving.

What is the starting price of the Tensei converted to Malaysian Ringgit?

The JAS Motorsport Tensei starts at €880,000, which converts to approximately RM4,100,000 (RM4.1 million or US$959,000). This figure excludes Malaysian import tariffs, donor car purchase costs, and optional bespoke cabin interior customisation.

Sources and Methodology

This article is synthesised from technical releases and reporting published by Malaysian automotive outlet DSF.my regarding the official unveiling of the JAS Motorsport Tensei restomod project. All technical figures, including displacement (3.5 litres), power output (414 hp / 420 metric hp), torque (305 lb-ft / 413 Nm), dry weight (1,250 kg / 2,756 lbs), and global allocation (35 units), reflect exact manufacturer and publication data.

Currency conversions from the base price of €880,000 to approximately US$959,000 and RM4.1 million (RM4,100,000) are preserved directly from the source reporting. Malaysian consumer framing was applied to contextualise ownership realities, track use, and donor vehicle prerequisites. This article was last updated on 12 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against DSF.my.