What’s behind the buzz about JAS Motorsport and Pininfarina’s new sports car collaboration?
If you’ve ever caught a touring car race or followed Honda’s motorsport adventures, you’ve probably seen JAS Motorsport’s handiwork. For nearly three decades, this Milan-based team has been Honda’s go-to partner for building and running race cars, especially in the ultra-competitive TCR series. Their cars are fast, reliable, and have racked up wins across Europe and beyond. But now, JAS is stepping out of the pit lane and onto the open road—with a little help from a legendary Italian design house.
Why are JAS Motorsport and Pininfarina teaming up now?
It’s not every day that a race engineering powerhouse and a world-famous design studio decide to build a car together. The timing is interesting: the automotive world is in the middle of a nostalgia-fueled renaissance, with icons from the past being reimagined for a new generation. JAS and Pininfarina are tapping into that energy, aiming to create a limited-edition sports car that pays homage to a classic model while bringing it firmly into the 21st century.
What’s actually known about the new car?
Here’s where things get mysterious. Official details are scarce—think teaser trailer, not full reveal. What’s confirmed is that the car will be built in limited numbers at JAS’s Milan headquarters, and it’s not a ground-up new design. Instead, the project is about “reimagining one of the most iconic sports cars of the past,” blending respect for its heritage with modern styling and technology.
A single teaser image has surfaced, showing off some tantalizing details: muscular front quarter panels, big air vents behind the wheels, and a sharp crease running down the side. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires—serious rubber for serious driving—and the red brake calipers hint at performance intent. The wing mirror placement and overall stance suggest a car that’s both athletic and elegant, exactly what you’d expect from a Pininfarina-penned silhouette.
How does this project fit into the legacy of JAS Motorsport and Pininfarina?
For JAS, this marks a bold new chapter. They’ve proven their mettle on the track, but building a road car—especially one aimed at collectors and enthusiasts—requires a different kind of finesse. That’s where Pininfarina comes in. With a portfolio that includes some of the most beautiful cars ever made, from Ferraris to bespoke electric hypercars, Pininfarina brings design credibility and a sense of occasion.
This isn’t just about making something fast; it’s about creating an object of desire. According to a 2023 survey by Classic Driver, demand for limited-run, heritage-inspired sports cars has surged by over 30% in the past five years. Collectors want cars that tell a story, and this collaboration is shaping up to deliver exactly that.
What can collectors and enthusiasts expect from this limited-edition car?
Exclusivity, for starters. With production capped at JAS’s Milan HQ, each car will likely be hand-built, ensuring attention to detail and a sense of craftsmanship. Expect modern tech—think advanced materials, cutting-edge suspension, and perhaps even hybrid powertrains—blended with retro cues that nod to the car’s inspiration.
While the exact model being honored hasn’t been named, the approach is clear: honor the past, but don’t be shackled by it. If recent projects from both JAS and Pininfarina are any indication, the result will be a car that feels both familiar and fresh. The kind of machine that turns heads at a Cars & Coffee meet, but also begs to be driven hard on a winding road.
When will we see the full reveal, and what’s next?
Patience is key here. The official unveiling is slated for the first half of 2026, with more details promised as the date approaches. Industry insiders are already speculating about which classic model is being reimagined, and anticipation is building among collectors who know that opportunities like this don’t come around often.
The big takeaway? Reinventing a legend isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether you’re a die-hard car enthusiast or just appreciate the art of collaboration, this JAS Motorsport and Pininfarina project is one to watch.