Tuning outfit BBR has released an upgrade pack for the current Mazda MX-5 (ND) that takes the lithe roadster’s 2.0-litre engine to 153kW and 243Nm, a significant improvement over the stock output of 119kW/205Nm.
This gives the famously nimble Japanese open top sports car the kind of performance that some feel the standard car should have been introduced with. Tuning kits for the MX-5 have always been popular, but most of them rely on the fitment of some sort of forced-induction to achieve meaningful increases in power and torque but typically detracts from the car’s linear response and pure handling character.
That’s what makes BBR’s new ‘Super 200’ package unique. It builds upon their ‘Super 190’ upgrade but leaves the 2.0-litre four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine naturally aspirated but also makes the unit sing above 5,500rpm. At higher revs, BBR says that the newly tuned engine will deliver an effervescent visceral driving experience that’s somewhat lacking in the stock engine, which some feel is unwilling to rev.
The upshot of the added performance, BBR exclaims, is that the MX-5 can now accelerate to 100km/h from rest in just 5.65 seconds, nearly two seconds quicker than the car is out of the factory. This manner of retuning the engine also means everyday usability is not compromised, but now can punch above its weight when the driver chooses to chase the redline.
In addition to the engine retune, which is done electronically via its StarChip ECU software package that revises the car’s fuel, ignition, and cam timing calibration while retaining Mazda’s OEM fail safes, BBR’s Super 200 upgrade also includes some new hardware.
The conversion involves a billet steel intake with cold air induction system, new exhaust camshafts with upgraded valve springs and retainers, as well as a bespoke 4 into 1 stainless steel exhaust manifold.
In the UK, the complete Super 200 upgrade pack for £2795 (AUD$4,860) including installation while a cheaper DIY version is also available for £2195 (AUD$3,817). BBR is even offering a standard 12 month warranty that’s extendable to 36 months.
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