Rocketeer unveils new 300hp NC MX-5

The Mk3 was probably the least loved of all the MX-5s - time for an AJ-30 V6 to address that...

By Matt Bird / Thursday, 17 September 2026 / Loading comments

It should come as no surprise at all that Rocketeer’s work on the Mazda MX-5 has been popular. After all, who wouldn’t want a better-sounding and much faster MX-5 that weighs effectively the same as standard? With everything from conversion kits to full money-no-object, 9,000rpm restomod builds on the table, expect the number of Rocketeered Mazdas now out there - getting on for 200 kits, and more than 30 completed projects - to grow and grow.

Especially with the Mk3 ‘NC’ MX-5 now available. Like the earlier versions, the premise of this Rocketeer build is very similar: take the AJ-30 3.0-litre V6 once found in cars like the Jaguar S-Type, fit it in a Mazda roadster with as little disruption as possible, upgrade as required and offer it to folk tired of overpowered, overtyred, overwrought sports cars. Then watch as the queue grows around the block. That undersells the effort, of course, if not the core of the appeal. Rocketeer says its philosophy is pairing ‘old-school analogue driving entertainment with modern powertrain engineering.’ Catnip to enthusiasts like us, basically.

Because this NC is no mere engine swap. With Rocketeer’s modifications - a carbon plenum, new throttle body and freer exhaust, as well as clutch and flywheel to handle it - the 3.0-litre V6 is now rated at 304hp (i.e. 300bhp) and 265lb ft. Significantly up on what was a 240hp/221lb ft motor in standard tune (shifting a Jaguar saloon, don’t forget). So when Rocketeer talks of an upgrade that ‘transforms the existing car with the characterful, high-revving V6 powerplant’, that sounds eminently believable.

The engine hasn’t just been shoehorned in where a 1.8 or 2.0 once sat, either; the location of the V6 means weight distribution is identical to a four-cylinder MX-5, and there aren’t any more kilos added overall. Indeed, if not exactly factory grade (Mazda does its mad things with rotary, remember), then less of the package is altered by Rocketeer than might be expected: a new design for the head means the bulkhead is unmodified, and the subframe is also standard. A lot of work has gone in to make it look like not a lot of work has been needed.

Rocketeer MD Bruce Southey said of the NC: “This has been a full re-engineering project from the ground up, starting with the engine, and working through each element to ensure that none of the character or essence of the original is lost. When it was originally launched, the Mazda MX-5 reset the benchmark for handling and driveability, and we have worked relentlessly to make sure that we bring the Rocketeer approach to every engineering decision.”

Southey reckons the NC’s development has taken 18 months thanks to its ‘no compromise approach’, but the result speaks for itself. “The principles of the original, and our unwavering approach to making sure a Rocketeer drives like a Rocketeer are evident, and this launch model delivers a fantastic driving experience, from low speeds to a B-road blast on a Sunday morning, and on the track.” Given the response to the NA and NB creations, hopes will be high for more of the same - if not something even more thrilling - third time around.

The price? £25k plus VAT for a ‘Turnkey’ machine, so that’s with the heart transplant but everything else untouched. Beyond that you’re into Rocketeer’s restomod programme, where the rest of the experience can be upgraded to take full advantage of the engine. Which understandably gets more expensive, and doubtless some will question spending so much money on an MX-5 - but with 2027 build slots now being finalised clearly something’s going right. And with the NC making its official debut at Goodwood Revival this weekend, you’d be wise to declare your interest sooner rather than later.