Wednesday 1st December 2010

BBR Unveils MX-5 Turbo Anniversary Edition

Bolt on kit gives you 220bhp - or they'll build it your way

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We're suckers for an old MX-5 here on PH, so we couldn't resist a plug for this new 'anniversary' edition from established tuner BBR, who are celebrating 20 years of upgrades to the world's most popular sports car.

The original MX-5 BBR turbo was launched in 1990, when PH was but a twinkle in Petrol Ted's eye. The new 20th anniversary edition fits both Mk1 and Mk2 variants in both 1.6 and 1.8 litre capacities, and in the words of BBR 'transforms the much loved Mazda MX-5 into a serious driving machine, elevating its performance from sedate to electrifying'.

That original 1990 turbo kit offered 150bhp but, as you might expect, time has matured the product - it now offers a dyno-proven 220bhp from just 1.6-litres.

It costs £4995 fitted, and includes a Garrett GT25 ball bearing turbocharger, high temperature alloy cast exhaust manifold with ceramic coating, a front mounted intercooler, revised engine management, bigger fuel injectors, new induction system and a modified sump, among the other bits and pieces. Alternatively you can DIY that old MX-5 'shed' you've got tucked away in the garage for a more economical £3995.

If you're one of those folk who like it all done for you, BBR is offering completely renovated MK1 MX-5s with the turbo kit fitted, a tweaked chassis, leather seats and your choice of paint colour for a reasonable sounding £7,500. Visit the company website for more info.

Oh, and happy birthday folks!

[benjalex]

BARGAIN

[The Tea Boy]

ddg thats what i thought, sounds good if thats what it is

[Munter]

DDg said:

so £5k for a kit fitted to your car, but for an extra £2.5k they'll throw in a car and paint it whatever colour you want. Can that be right?

2.5k for a MK1 1.6 is not cheap. So yes that sounds about right given they have to find the car, fit the kit and spray it.

[Wilburo]

That's actually a seriously attractive offer, especially if it looks as good as the picture.

[jatinder]

That's a really good price! I think the car is inculded as well.

[johnhenry]

£5K for just over 220bhp p/tonne...in the 2 seater 'british' sports car layout. time to start saving

[Sneaky Schnell]

Brilliant.......and a bargain, especially for the whole car. Looks great in the photo.

[Chris_w666]

Sounds good given it will fit to 1.6 or 1.8 cars and MK1 and Mk2 models.

Since reading the article I have already formed a plan involving buying the best 5 I can find, upgrading the brakes and fettling it over a year or so, then instead of replacing it just adding lots of power.

Though for £7.5 the renovated 5 seems to be a lot of car for the money.

[kambites]

That does seem quite phenomenal value for the renovated one, depending on exactly what is meant by "renovated".

[CJE]

EPIC!

Love MX5's. If I was after a car atm I would definitely be looking at the £7.5k 'enhanced' version, especially if all the work is done by BBR!

[bbackhouse]

Wonder what the final price would be with these cost options added as well!

* A big brake kit including larger callipers
* A limited slip differential
* A longer final drive (for relaxed motorway cruising at lower revs)
* Larger diameter alloy wheels
* Further power upgrades

Tasty toy in matt black!

[Agent Orange]

I'm not the biggest fan of MX-5s. Those I've driven I find incredibly underpowered but I do like the looks of the MK1. In fact thats probably my problem. The MK1 was lovely, though I never got to drive one, the MK2 and beyond lost the plot.

I need more garage space! Hmmm wonder if I can tunnel under the house...

[stuckmojo]

I bet that's quick!

Love the idea. What else could you get for the money, and in good condition too?

[Agent Orange]

Might not be £7500 for the car shown...

BBR website said:

Prices start at £7,500 and BBR is pleased to offer a list of cost options available for the discerning MX-5 owner, including:

* A big brake kit including larger calipers
* A limited slip differential
* A longer final drive (for relaxed motorway cruising at lower revs)
* Larger diameter alloy wheels
* Further power upgrades

Either way it's given me a great idea

Edited by Agent Orange on Wednesday 1st December 11:11

[Retset]

£7.5K for the complete car is great VFM I reckon. Pay a bit more for the brakes and LSD and you have a fantastic little track machine that will still be civilised on the road.

Oh, perhaps some coilovers and a proper roll over bar.

And harnesses ... oh no here we go again, lol

[mgv8]

The car looks a lot like my one

My one is the 150bhp car and is very good fun. Keeps up with a Civic type-R. BBR did make a stage 2 car with about 200+bhp back in the 90s. The only thing that let the car down in manifolds cracking but this was fixed and so you need to look for a slotted flange

[R500POP]

£7500 for a renovated car with that conversion? That can't be right....can it?

[Munter]

R500POP said:

£7500 for a renovated car with that conversion? That can't be right....can it?

Lets do some dodgy maths:
£1000 car
£600 paint and labour
£3000 for turbo kit parts and labour

Gives them £2900 to play with for contingency (rust) and profit.

[LukeBird]

Nice kit.
Having looked at their site, it's a shame they don't do any decent mods for my Mk2.5.

[Thorburn]

LukeBird said:

Nice kit.
Having looked at their site, it's a shame they don't do any decent mods for my Mk2.5.

Variable valve timing made it tricky didn't it? Performance5 do a lot of stuff, I think Lazza used them for his Mk2.5 which was featured in Evo a few years back.