BBR-tuned MX-5s
of various types over the years and always been impressed by both the power gains and the mature, integrated feel of the delivery. Forget the 'yo' aftermarket image - this is tuning for grown-ups and unleashes potential we all know is there in the standard car.
Now this is more like it!
BBR started work on a number of upgrade packages for the new ND car's Skyactiv engines long before it got hold of an actual MX-5 to work on; we drove an uprated
Mazda 3
development car not that long ago and now the fruits of this head start have been confirmed with engine upgrades for both
1.5 and 2.0-litre MX-5s
The BBR Starchip ECU-based Super 160 kit for the 1.5 tweaks cam timing, fuelling and ignition, plus raises the rev limit to 7,700rpm for 158hp and torque of 126lb ft. That's not too far behind what you get as standard in a 2.0 but with the smaller, zingier engine to boot. Not bad for £495 fitted, plus VAT. If you want to do it yourself BBR will sell you a DIY kit with the necessary software and OBD plug-in.
The equivalent Super 175+ upgrade for the 2.0 gets you 177hp and 158lb ft for the same cost but if you're really serious you'll be eyeing up the £1,995 (plus VAT) Super 190 kit. You've probably guessed the power output of that one already (details below) but this is a much more extensive package, taking in a cold air intake system, modified manifold with 2.5-inch outlet, a 2.5-inch exhaust centre section with sports cat and BBR 'Grand Tourer' backbox. A rortier, 4kg lighter 'sports silencer' is also available and actually saves a bit of cash (exact amount TBC), which sounds like a no-brainer. A dedicated four-into-one BBR exhaust manifold is also available, adding a further 2hp and preparing the car for the Stage 3 upgrade kit due next year.
Can we have a go soon? Please?
The Mazda 3 development car we drove fitted with the manifold certainly felt freer-revving and more muscular than the standard 2.0-litre engine; this package in the significantly lighter MX-5 promises much.
We'll also be keen to try BBR's progressive rate lowering springs, which are matched to the Sport model's Bilstein dampers and drop the car by 30mm with - it's claimed - no compromise in comfort. Given the slightly 'on stilts' feel of the standard car we'd have high hopes for these taming the roll and subsequent on-limit snappiness inherent in the OE set-up; if you're interested the springs cost £495+VAT fitted, including a laser alignment at BBR. They're also available for £195+VAT as a standalone DIY option.
We'll be pestering BBR for a go in its demonstrator at the earliest opportunity - stay tuned for more details!
MAZDA MX-5 1.5 BBR SUPER 160
Engine: 1,496cc, 4-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 158@7,450 (standard car 131@ 7,000rpm)
Torque (lb ft): 126@4,700 (standard car 111@4,800rpm)
0-62mph: 8.3sec*
Top speed: 127mph*
Weight: 1,050kg* (with 75kg driver)
MPG: 47.1mpg* (NEDC combined)
CO2: 139g/km*
Price: £18,495 (Standard car, before modifications; Super 160 kit £495+VAT fitted, £595+VAT DIY inc. OBD port and diagnostics software)
MAZDA MX-5 2.0 BBR SUPER 175/SUPER 190
Engine: 1,998cc, 4-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 177@6,800rpm/190@6,700rpm (standard car 160@ 6,000rpm)
Torque (lb ft): 158@4,600rpm/ 176@3,550rpm (standard car 148@4,600rpm)
0-62mph: 7.3sec*
Top speed: 133mph*
Weight: 1,075kg* (with 75kg driver)
MPG: 40.9mpg* (NEDC combined)
CO2: 161g/km*
Price: £20,095 (Standard car, before modifications; Super 175 kit £495+VAT fitted, £595+VAT DIY inc. OBD port and diagnostics software; Super 190 kit £1,995+VAT fitted, £1,795+VAT DIY inc. OBD port, diagnostics and exchange manifold)
*Standard car; no post-conversion performance figures yet published