If there was one criticism of the
Jota MX-5 GT
launched last month, it was that it rather lacked a bit of oomph when compared to its £30K rivals. We knew from the
Concept GT
that it was a lovely thing to drive, but the nagging doubt around 'just' 200hp remained.
BBR's work under here quite subtle
So enter BBR, back with another turbo MX-5 and 270hp for the same £29,995 as the Jota car. Another GT-monikered MX-5, the GT270 promises 'performance, driveability and refinement' with a raft of tweaks under the bonnet.
A BBR Garrett GT ball bearing turbo running at 7psi is primarily responsible for the 112hp power gain (torque is up from 139lb ft to 227lb ft as well) but there are a host of other changes too; an aluminium intercooler, a BBR/Exedy uprated clutch and high flow Bosch injectors are all included.
But perhaps most interesting of all the mods is the BBR calibrated EcuTek ProEcu, err, engine control unit. It allows the engine to run in four different modes depending on driver preference. Mode One is for everyday use and 98 octane fuel , Mode Three is a 95 octane 'cruise map' and Mode Four is a 'Valet mode' which, in BBR's words, is a 'security mode to prevent unwanted third party driver abuse'.
It's been a while, but we're glad to see it back
Mode Two is the exciting one though, designed for 'pure no-compromise circuit driving'. It has a launch control function set at 3,800rpm, an auto downshift blip above 3,500rpm and a full throttle upshift function at over 40 per cent throttle.
Out on circuit, the GT270's 228hp per ton should make it swift enough. BBR is claiming a 4.9-second 0-60mph time, a 150mph top speed and significant improvements in gear thanks to 200lb ft of torque being available from 3,000 to 7,000rpm.
And don't think BBR has overlooked dynamics in the pursuit of outright power though. On the options list is a suspension upgrade using Koni dampers and BBR's own springs plus a brake package including EBC pads and upgraded brake lines. If you need even more power, a BBR performance exhaust promises 306hp and 254lb ft, as well as being quiet enough for all track days.
BBR will make just 100 GT270s so you need to be fast. The cars are available direct from BBR in Brackley or at the MKG3000 Mazda dealer in Twickenham. Which is about two miles from the PH office...