Pininfarina Stunning Honda NSX Tribute Boasts Pop-Up Lights and Manual Gearbox, Joining Dual Revival of an Icon
Weeks after Italdesign announced its own tribute, JAS Motorsport and Pininfarina have unveiled a stunning Honda NSX homage that promises to capture the spirit of the iconic first-generation model. This exciting collaboration will feature a full carbon fiber body, a naturally-aspirated V6 engine, and crucially, pop-up headlights and a six-speed manual gearbox—delivering a refreshingly analog driving experience. Based on a 1990s production donor car, this ultra-limited edition will be officially revealed in the first half of 2026, targeting nostalgic fans of the original Honda/Acura NSX.
A Modern Twist on a Classic Legend
Pininfarina’s design expertly blends the recognizable elements of the original NSX with modern supercar aesthetics.
- Iconic Stance: The teaser images reveal the original NSX’s low, wide stance.
- Pop-Up Headlights: A direct nod to the first-gen, this modern interpretation features pop-up headlights, complemented by a trio of daytime running lights below each.
- Design Cues: The black roof (seen on some original NSXs), distinctive mid-engine dimensions, integrated rear spoiler, and almost full-width lighting are unmistakable links to the original.
- Restrained Modernity: The design remains “fairly restrained by modern supercar standards,” preserving the NSX’s elegant simplicity.
Analog Driving Experience with Race Pedigree
The collaboration with JAS Motorsport ensures that this tribute will not only look the part but also deliver an authentic, engaging driving experience true to the NSX’s philosophy.
- Carbon Fiber Body: The body will be fashioned entirely from carbon fiber, built upon a donor chassis from a 1990s production vehicle. This provides an accurate mechanical base.
- Naturally-Aspirated V6: Like the first-gen NSX, the car will be powered by a naturally-aspirated V6.
- Six-Speed Manual: A six-speed manual gearbox will be fitted, promising a “refreshingly analog driving experience.”
- Original Philosophy: The project adheres to Honda’s original philosophy for the NSX: “A car functions through a direct connection with the driver and passenger… Its quality is determined by whether or not it inspired enthusiasm in the driver.”
- Availability: Both left- and right-hand-drive variants will be available.
Dual Tributes and the Pininfarina Connection
The NSX is receiving an unprecedented dual tribute from two of Italy’s most prominent design houses.
- Two Tributes: This collaboration follows Italdesign’s earlier announcement of its own NSX tribute.
- Pininfarina’s Heritage: Pininfarina has a strong historical connection to the NSX, as the original’s design can be traced back to the HP-X Concept from 1984, designed by Pininfarina itself.
- Limited Production: Both tributes will be produced in “ultra-limited numbers” and are expected to be very expensive. The JAS Motorsport/Pininfarina version will be produced in Milan, Italy.
- Upcoming Reveal: More details, including the car’s name, will be shared ahead of its official reveal in the first half of 2026.
Final Thoughts
The convergence of two major Italian design firms in creating tributes to the original Honda NSX underscores the enduring legacy of this Japanese icon. Pininfarina and JAS Motorsport’s approach, emphasizing a carbon fiber body, a naturally-aspirated V6, and a manual gearbox—along with the nostalgic touch of pop-up headlights—suggests a deep understanding of what made the original NSX so beloved. While these ultra-exclusive vehicles will only be for those with “deep pockets,” their existence celebrates the NSX’s driving spirit and design purity, reminding the automotive world of a golden era of sports cars.
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